According to the Japan Kendama Association (JKA), the Japanese skill toy Kendama, made popular in America around 2007-2013, has long been forgotten by American students… or so we thought.
A niche group of students has single-handedly brought the pastime back to the forefront and is encouraging many of their peers to join the Kenning revolution. In Lewiston, Lewis Fichter, Jackson Grossman, Ben Johnston, and Jace McKnight are the pioneers of the revolution.
Grossman, a senior at LHS, feels like Kendama is more than just a simple skill or hobby.
“Kenning is a way of life,” said Grossman.
Kenning (the verb form of using the kendama) can also bring significant peace to the user’s life. The group unanimously agreed that their anxiety and stress decreased significantly when practicing.
“It allows me to enter flow state and I don’t feel any outside pressure when I ken,” said Grossman, “I also have been able to focus on school so much better since it helps me calm down.”
Teachers like Adam Cadez-Schmidt have recognized the benefits of Kenning.
“It doesn’t have any negative impact on the classroom, which is a big deal for me,” said Cadez-Schmidt. “I’m also happy to see students helping and teaching each other how to use the Kendama.”
McKnight, a Junior at LHS, was introduced to the world of Kendama by Fichter and Johnston.
“If it weren’t for Ben and Lewis, then I would never have started Kenning,” said McKnight.
The support and brotherhood of the small band of Kendama users at LHS are impressive, especially as the group continues to grow.
According to the Japan Kendama Association, the Kendama originated as an adult drinking game in Europe. From Europe, it spread through trade to Japan, where it evolved into the popular children’s toy known worldwide today. In 1973, Kenning gained such traction worldwide that the JKA was established to formalize rules and competitions. Since then, Kendamas have been trendy within the US, but their popularity declined around 2018. However, with the hard work and dedication of the students at LHS, they have been able to restore the skill and hope to return it to its former glory.
