Kama speed

[monkeygirl]

I've been getting back into practicing with the kamas again. I'm right-handed, and one thing I've noticed is that my left hand performs kama spins at a MUCH slower speed than my right hand.

 

Other than repetition and lots of practice, how can I increase my left hand's speed? Any help would be appreciated

[Withers M.A.A.]

I had the same problem years ago. What I did was just practice with the left kama only. Whenever I was home I would grab one kama use it in my left hand and spin it that way. Some people can only spin the left one if they have the right one spinning also. Try that. Also if you can find another kama that is a bit heavier that will help also.

[ninjanurse]

Try grip strengthening and joint mobility exercises too. Increased flexibility in your left wrist may help.

 

[monkeygirl]

Thanks! Somehow the idea of a heavier kama slipped my mind. I'll try that

[Tobias_Reece]

May I ask what you mean when you say 'spinning'?

[monkeygirl]

The main problem is with my forward and backward rolls.

 

Forward roll: kama tips forward and to the outside, comes back to the upright position.

 

Backward roll: Kama leans back and to the outside, continues into the upright position.

 

So technically they're rolls, but I call them spins. Does that clear things up?

[Tobias_Reece]

Right, that clears things up. I don't 'do' spins, you see - hence the reason for my misunderstanding.

[KoreanTiger30]

I dont know how much this might help but it helped me in the past for weapon speed. Master Choi told us that the best way to make your wrists quick and fingers stronger to pull the weapon is to do finger pushups. Try and see if it helps. Let me know if it does.

[Withers M.A.A.]

Monkeygirl what type of Kama are you using? Are you using the Mike Chat Kamas? If it is for competition that is prob. your best bet. Another thing to try is to interlock your fingers together (without the kama) and rotate your wrists. This will help increase the flexibility in your wrists and will help spin the kama. Also when spinning the kama make sure to have it tucked into the web between your thumb and index finger.

 

Pete

[superleeds]

As I'm a drummeer sharing some of my experiences from that sort of practice might help.

 

A problem for beginning drummers (and drummers throughout their careers) is to achieve balanced speed for the hands. When playing grooves and fills we often talk about right hand and left hand lead. What happens, is that when i play a difficult/fast pattern I'm most likely to start off with my fastest hand.( in my case the right hand) The trick is to be mindful of this and start off with the "weak hand" Hope this helps