The Story of Quad Kendamas

Hello, I’m AJ, the hands behind Quad Kendamas. My journey began back in high school, where I first fell in love with woodworking and turning on a lathe. Every year, I’d dive into woodshop, crafting everything from bowls and chess pieces to intricate designs, blending different woods and techniques.After high school, I took a break from turning due to the lack of a lathe, but in 2017, I discovered kendama. I played solo for a few years, until I connected with others in the kendama community. That’s when my passion for creating returned, and I bought my first lathe again.

As I started making kendamas, the community’s support was incredible. Players helped refine shapes, and the first kendama shape we created was the “Kami.” For about a year and a half, I crafted kendamas in the bed of my truck, until I finally got my own shop. That space allowed me to focus on quality and creativity, and I began making custom kendamas for players who wanted unique designs.

Over time, I produced over a thousand kendamas by hand. Eventually, the introduction of a CNC lathe allowed me to scale up and maintain the same level of quality and precision.

What drives me is the joy of both kendama and woodworking. Combining these passions has brought me immense fulfillment, and the kendama community has been a huge part of that journey. I’m deeply grateful for the connections and the growth we’ve experienced together.

Today, Quad Kendamas is a blend of tradition and innovation, and it’s still a labor of love. While I run the company, the players and community members who have joined us are what truly make Quad Kendamas special. We’ve accomplished so much in a short time, and as we celebrate our fifth year, the journey continues.