2014 Minnesota Kendama Open at the Mall of America Rotunda-November 1st

Bloomington-based Sweets Kendamas is pleased to host the 2014 Minnesota Kendama Open at the Mall of America Rotunda on November 1st. Kendama, a 100-year old traditional Japanese wooden cup-and-ball game, is gaining speed and sweeping across the U.S. and world. The game, an anomaly in this age of electronics, gets kids and adults up off the couch and playing together. No longer just a toy, kendamas are used as training tools for traditional sports like hockey and lacrosse, as well as alternative sports such as tricking, slacklining and extreme martial arts. The composite skills of kendama help develop good hand-eye coordination and grow the life skills of perseverance, focus and self-confidence.

The 2014 MKO will bring professional kendama players from all over the world to the Mall of America. Pro players from Japan, Denmark, Canada and all across the U.S. will compete head-to-head and against local and national kids for prizes. This will be the largest kendama event in the U.S. this year. Sweets Kendamas and Matt “Sweets” Jorgenson are pleased to bring almost their entire Pro and Semi-Pro Teams to the Twin Cities - Willy P, Christian Fraser, Max Norcross, Chaz Edwards, Nui Wong, the Gallagher Twins, Cooper Eddy, Jason Major, and local whiz kid Brandon Meyer. Other pros competing will be Keith Matsumura, Tomatsu Kobota, Alex Smith, Matt DeCoteau, Haley Bischoff, Phillip Eldridge, Jake Fischer, Matt Ballard, and Turner Thorne. Mini-Games, 7-to-Spike Competition, and Beginner, Intermediate and Open Divisions for all players. Come watch and play the game that is taking the world by storm – teaching will be available for everyone. For more information, check the Sweets Kendamas’ website at www.sweetskendamas.com, check the firm’s Facebook page, call the shop at 952-322-7075, or email Margaret@sweetskendamas.com.