Help me learn

@Rickyspanish5600 As @Emil Apostol mentions the Kendama Discord Server is a good place to connect and with the video/voice channels you can jam online. Additionally you might have a look at the JKA website they have trick videos but also information on testing. Those tests, even if you don't take them IRL, can be challenging. Also there are a number of threads in our Beginners section that might be helpful.

 

There is something to be said for not having to "reinvent the wheel" and being forced to rediscover all the various parts of playing kendama. Also when it comes to various techniques like grips, moves, etc. it is helpful to know how to do them properly, more efficiently. There's a lot of history out there about how to play, particularly from the JKA, so why not take advantage of the info. Choosing not to utilize knowledge that has been hard-earned by others can unnecessarily lengthen the learning curve and increase frustration during the learning process.

Not to mention that if a person's self-learned techniques aren't the same as are recognized by the playing community it's likely that they'll have to be changed/relearned to participate in competitions, testing, or even friendly games of KEN. Like you mention however everyone is different and like to learn, play, and participate in different ways, so as always YMMV.