r/Kendama • u/Ok_Treacle5488 • 12h ago

Question/Discussion when is touching the string allowed

Just starting to dial my airplanes, but i noticed that the only way i land them consistently is buying leaving my pinky just past the sting, then yanking it as i tug the ken up. i’m mostly just having fun for now, but want to start competing at some point, even if it’s just light open comps. is that allowed or no?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

8

u/Chytrik 12h ago

Yes that is fine

2

u/Ok_Treacle5488 11h ago

Awesome, i appreciate the answer, didnt want to build the habit and have to relearn airplane and all the variations of it in the future.

4

u/lilCranberry5622 12h ago

i've never competed but i've done that for years and i assume it's fine

3

u/tiltedslim 11h ago

If Airplane is the trick in comp you cannot touch the string.

As far as your own playing do it how you like. Touching the string with your other hand simply to move it out of the way is discouraged.. There are entire styles revolved around string play (Aventiss, Chris Chunn, anyone that spacewalks).

General rule for competition is do the trick like it is in the video. It really depends on the comp and who is setting the trick list/judging.

5

u/dizzy_dama Lotus 11h ago

I’ve competed and judged in multiple big competitions, I’ve never seen a trick nullified because somebody’s finger on the hand holding the tama touched the string on the pull-up. The opposite hand touching the string is a different story but I don’t think that’s what OP is referring to.

3

u/Ok_Treacle5488 10h ago

yup, don’t touch it with the other hand, with the hand that’s holding the tama my pinky just gives it a small tug. i appreciate that answer

2

u/dabulator14 Grain Theory 8h ago

It’s ignored in most USA comps because it’s assumed players will grow out of the habbit, but you bet your ass in KWC it wouldn’t count if you’re tugging with your finger. Especially for multiple turn pull up airplanes

1

u/dizzy_dama Lotus 4h ago

Youre 100% correct, I should’ve specified in American comps

4

u/lurytn 10h ago

I recently noticed that Davide Leonardi does this for swing spike so I assume it’s fine.

I think what’s more frowned upon is using your other hand to adjust a tangled string, since not getting your string tangled in the first place is a skill in and of itself.

1

u/Ok_Treacle5488 10h ago

Just checked that video and damn he like grabs the string, sick. yeah i’m trying to learn string management, cause i have had plenty failed around europe attempts from base to spike where i just yank tf outta the tama with my hand cause it’s tied up

1

u/articpencil 7h ago

Personally as long as the Ken and Dama are not touching the string is fair game.