A short history: how Battle at the Border began and got its name

Battle at the Border is the longest-running annual kendama event in the United States. The story begins in January 2012, when a small group of players gathered in a garage in Clarksville, Tennessee to hang out and run a friendly competition. That first year was hosted by Chad Covington, John Ross Rudolph, Nicholas Bellamy, and Tyler Marshall.

The following two years, BATB moved to a small high school band room in Kentucky hosted by Chad Covington, Colby Bicksler, and Calvin Warren III. As the event became an annual tradition and started to grow, we decided to give it a proper name. The name “Battle at the Border” was coined in 2014 because the event bounced between the states of Kentucky and Tennessee in those early years, and drew local players mainly from Kentucky and Tennessee.

With support from Sol Kendamas, BATB moved to a larger venue in Nashville, TN in 2015 and drew a crowd of around 100 attendees. The event continued to scale year after year, with over 200 attendees in early 2020. In 2021 BATB partnered with Sweets Kendamas to host the event online through the Sweet's Twitch channel that reached 1,024 live concurrent viewers. From 2015 until 2023 Chad Covington continued hosting the event solo with the backing of Sol Kendamas, but was joined by Sol pro Kevin DeSoto as co-host in 2024. In 2025 more than 500 kendama players attended with 344 registered competitors.

In 2026 BATB celebrates its 15th year, and we’re expecting 500+ attendees once again.

What is Battle at the Border all about?

Battle at the Border has always balanced competition and community. Its goals are simple and powerful:

• Provide a space for kendama players to make friends
• Further build the kendama community and create opportunities for relationships to grow
• Give kendama brands a platform to reach and connect with a larger audience
• Highlight players of all skill levels through competition
• Have fun

BATB is where the scene comes together: pros, up-and-comers, artists, and hobby players all in the same room. It’s the place to meet your “dream pro,” watch brands add new players to their team, launch new shapes and paints, and watch history being made when champions take home one of kendama’s most respected titles.

Nicknamed “Battle”

Within the community, Battle at the Border is often referred to simply as “Battle.” That nickname reflects how central the event has become: it’s shorthand for the highest-level domestic competition, the best product debuts, and the strongest community vibes.

Winning a Pro Open or Freestyle title at Battle is more than just the cash prize or trophy, it’s one of the most prestigious accomplishments in the sport of kendama.

Why Nashville makes the trip worth it

Nashville isn’t just convenient, it enhances the whole BATB experience:

• Affordable flights make travel easy from most U.S. hubs.
• Large group Airbnbs are plentiful and budget-friendly for teams and crews.
• Local food is incredible, plenty of restaurants to fuel a weekend of tricks and shows.
• The city’s energy makes it simple to extend your trip and explore beyond the event.

What to expect at BATB 2026

Expect world-class competition, product reveals from top brands, hours of endless kendama play, and chances to meet pros and fellow players from around the world. Whether you’re competing or there to soak up the culture, BATB delivers:

• Multiple competition divisions (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Amateur, Pro Open, and Freestyle)
• Brand booths and new product launches
• Open play throughout the event
• Park jams the days before and after the comp
  
• An opportunity to film a trick for the Kendama World Cup
• Watch greatness take place on stage
• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow

How to plan your trip

Practical tips for attendees:

• Book flights early because prices can rise the longer you wait.
• Share lodging with friends by splitting an Airbnb with a larger group
• Register online before January 18th in order to compete, and save money on increased prices at the door on the day of the event
• Follow official BATB channels for registration, schedule, and venue updates on instagram @batbkendama and through the link below.

Join a part of kendama history

Battle at the Border 2026 is a milestone: 15 years of players, progress, and passion. With your support we’ll keep growing the event, the sport, and the positive impact on the global kendama community. If you want to be part of the most iconic U.S. kendama weekend of the year, pack your bag and head to Nashville.

See you at Battle.

Hosted by: Chad Covington & Kevin DeSoto
Questions? Email: support@solkendamas.com