Introduction to the Art of Koma-spinning with supporting pictures and videos
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Koma Q&A
Q&A to introduce trivia worth knowing about Koma
* Will my fingers start hurting by wind the string on to the Koma?
* What does "size 2" and "size 3" stand for?
* What is a "plastic strawberry type" Koma.
* Is there a "Koma spinning competition"?
* Is there a "Koma association or organisation"?
* Can someone who is not good at physical exercise also master the art of Koma?
* Some Koma parts can get rusty ...
* Once the string has gotten worn out, is there anything else I can do except throwing it away?
* Can I color the Koma string?
* Do I need maintenance for my Koma?
* I would like to do Koma-training in my room!
Q: Will my fingers start hurting by winding the string onto the Koma?
A: Using band-aidcould be some form of remedy. But why don't you try to use a piece of thick leather as described in Spinning 2 Koma on the floor
Q: There are "size 2" and "size 3" Koma. What is the difference?
A: The size is different. Bigger numbers stand for bigger sizes, but nowadays there are only size 2 and 3 Koma on the market.
Q: I saw the so called "plastic strawberry type" Koma doing interesting tricks.
A: A Koma in shape of a strawberry, also called "Spin-top". It is made of plastic and has a bearing and all kinds of colorful tricks can be made.
Q: Is there an official organisation for "Koma spinning competitions"?
A: I have heard of a Beygoma competition where one can win prizes. I don't know of any for Koma, but the company DANCAN which sells the Spintop mentioned above organises competitions I heard.
Q: Is there a "Koma association or organisation"?
A: There are various local groups. A big organisation is the Association for promoting Japanese Koma They also have a membership system
Q: Can someone who is not good at physical exercise also master the art of Koma?
A: It doesn't depend on whether one is good at gymnastics or such, it is more a matter of personal training I think.
Q: When you don't play with the Koma for a long time, the iron ring and the axle can become rusty.
A: It depends on how long the Koma is left in a place, where it can rust. If it is just 2 or 3 months, you can clean it in the usual way and it will become as it has been before. But if it got very rusty its probably best to use a special cleaner for rust. In this case please be carefur that the cleaner doesn't make the woodden parts of the Koma dirty.
Q: What can I do when, after a lot of training, the string has gotten worn out?
A: If the twist of the string is released, it can be divided into 3 thinner strings. I did use them for Beygoma, but actually it does not give very good
Q: A method to color the Koma string.
A: It's not that you couldn't use a felt pen or such, but that is a bit of a trouble.{You could use a dye for coloring clothes, and for larger quantities that would be more economical.
Q: Do I need maintenance for my Koma?
A: Special care is actually not necessary I think and as the Tetsuwa-goma is very robust, there is no need to worry but nevertheless I will mention a few things.
* The body of the Koma has some influence to the technical performance, and if it gets scratched or chipped it might be good to use a file to make the surface smooth again.
* When spinning the Koma on a concrete floor the tip of the axle got a bit damaged. {That can be repaired by spinning the top on a sandy surface in a park for example, as the fine sand particles will shave the tip smooth as before.
Q: I would like to do Koma-training in my room!
A: I cannot really recommend to do the Koma-training in a room, because it is rather dangerous to do so, but if you do please prepare for the safety in that room. I will explain and give a few precautions based on my actual experience.
* Fluorescent lamps (without cover): Make a cover from several sheets of barbeque net (grade 100) joined together with wire.
* PC, TV: ScreenCover with acryl board or a special screen protection.
* Floor: Tatami mats are best I think as they do not get damaged and reduce the noise as well.
* Windows: I use curtains and they should be rather thick.
* Walls: Cover with cardboard or magazins Please also take care that there are no other things in the room, which could break, but still ... be careful and remember I told you, that it's very dangerous to play with Koma in a room.
