Cafe Kendama

I’m exceptionally humbled.

Being at in person this year was a different experience than my years prior.

The last NAKO I attended was 2019–before the Brewview. I was a nobody.

This year, I was pulled aside left and right by so many of you and your kind me words surrounding the podcast.

It was weird. And it was nice. I felt “known.”

Despite not having recorded an interview for almost a year now, y’all have been so supportive.

I can’t thank y’all enough. Special shout outs to for bringing me beans all the way from New Zealand, and for brewing a coffee with me Monday Morning from .

I’m hoping to record some episodes soon, BUT I need your help.

Who would you like to see featured on the Brewview? I’ve been out of the loop. And I want to get back in it.

P.S. thanks, for the amazing shot!

Just me staring down year 26 🥳

Normally I write long posts on a day like today… and today is no different.

I’ve never really been about my birthday. I don’t love celebrating myself, but rather the people around me who have pushed me to be who I am 26 years later.

Thank you to all of y’all I have met along the road of life. You mean more to me than you know.

Today, if you’re in the Calgary area, come join us for a climb at at 6pm and we’ll be going for a drink afterwards.

Additionally, with every order made on the Cafe Kendama shop today I will be including a FREE Brew Battle 2021 mug, and adding in some other mystery gifts, because birthdays are for giving back.

Thanks for all your well wishes.

📸: .mamba

One of my weekend highlights was going on a hike up Johnston Canyon and getting filmed by ! Did not lend my originally intended trick, but I did get something saucy. Guess you’ll have to wait and see what!

Thanks .s for the dope shot!

Absolute focus: some morning coffee thoughts.

As Brew Battle edges closer, I am awaiting the day I get to share coffee with the guests making their way across North America to the once hot bed of Kendama here in Calgary.

We are already passed last years registrations and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to welcome in our American friends.

As the date gets closer, the concept of Focus had been on my mind. Focus helps us hone our craft, become masters, but can also be limiting.

When we focus too directly on on task we miss the opportunity to receive other inputs from other sources.

I’ve felt that while prepping this event. I’ve been consumed with Kendama that it’s been, at times, hard to enjoy playing while cultivating the event for others to play in.

In past few weeks I’ve been recharging through rock climbing, and it’s been so refreshing. Experiencing how other communities do community is vital for my own development as a host. I’ve learned more about community building by being a part of multiple communities, and I get to draw on those experiences as I bring together this year.

Here’s my thought: I think when we focus too much on “what we do” we get shortsighted. Instead, let me encourage you to focus on “why you do it.” I play Kendama because it brings me into deeper community with others in ways I couldn’t have imagined… and it happens to be an amazing hobby I absolutely love to progress in.

I’n nearly 4 weeks my why comes into full fruition as the Kendama community gathers at the White Box in Calgary for the second Annual Brew Battle.

The idea of being surrounded by so many unique and amazing humans is what fuels me. I can’t wait to see you.

Thank you for sponsoring 2021!!

I am beyond stoked to have Lotus as a major part of this years Brew Battle. Lotus has been a fast growing brand with an amazing aesthetic and following—for great reason! Isaac has built this brand impeccably, and I can’t wait for y’all to meet him.

will be joining us in person as a competitor in the Pro Open and Freestyle brackets, as well as vendoring during both main event days.

Catch Lotus and Isaac all weekend long this Brew Battle!