Yuji

Yuji Shimokawa Kelly by Arron Sparks

I have known Yuji for a few years now, seeing him at local meets and the bigger UK contests. He has always struck me as a laid back, friendly guy who has a massive amount of talent. But don’t take my work for it, watch the video, read the interview and say hi to him at the next Yo-Yo event where you happen to cross his path. Oh he’s the 2009 UK National Yo-Yo champion to-boot!

Introduce yourself:

My name is Yuji Shimokawa kelly and I’m from London.

Interesting second name!?
I’m half Japanese, my mums Japanese so I’ve taken both surnames.

Have you lived in Japan then?
Umm, I’ve been there for a months at a time, like going to school and stuff but not properly. My grandma still lives there.

When did you start Yo-Yoing?
Late 2004. Seems long now, almost 6 years.

How has Yo-Yoing changed over that time?

Umm, I think it’s changed quite a bit really, because I mean it’s a lot easier to learn tricks now. I feel you don’t learn tricks as deeply as you used to, it’s not as in depth. When I started out it was mostly Sector_Y and KWOS. Those were the two main sites with diagrams; once I got to around slitting the atom I had to make stuff up. Lately people can learn stuff all the way up to ladder escape and beyond. I think the point where you start making your own tricks has probably become too late in the learning.

You mentioned the web, what do you make of technologies impact on Yo-Yoing?
Big impact. Yeah definitely, the Internet, quality of videos etc. The Internet is the main thing, without the Internet you wouldn’t have any contact. You wouldn’t feel motivated to learn because you’re there on your own, you can’t see anyone else better than you.

How has the UK scene affected you, for better or worse?
The UK scene is really tight knit. Probably one of the reasons I’ve kept Yo-Yoing so long. You personally get to know basically everyone who Yo-Yos. I think I’ve met 80% of the regular UK posters on the Internet forums. You don’t have that in other communities so much.
It would be nicer to have a larger community in the UK. The only other community I’ve experienced is when I went to Japan and met up with some local players. The atmosphere is completely different; everyone is into showing each other tricks but not so much teaching. It’s more like everyone is peacocking as much as possible. Over here it’s much more chilled, people are more open to help new players, it’s much more friendly.
Contest wise I’ve not been outside of UK contests really so I don’t know so much. This year I’m planning to go to worlds for the experience, take it how it comes.

So what are your goals?

There are a lot of people who are up for winning UK Nats this year. Simmy, Krisztian obviously; and others. I mean I was pretty lucky to win last year to be honest with you! I’m pretty worried but planning to get ahead this year, get my freestyle down before my exams. Last year I basically made my freestyle after my exams, which wasn’t such a great idea!

I don’t know, it paid off! So you’re entering Nats again then?
Yeah and going to worlds. I’m aiming, maybe not this year, to eventually place higher than 9th, which is what Simon got. That’s my top goal.I’m on my gap-year next year so I’m hoping to make it to a lot of contests.
I might be living in Japan too so that will give me a different insight. Help me improve more. Next year is my Yo-Yo year. Hopefully.

So tell us about your Sponsor….
I’m sponsored by YoYoFactory, I’m the only sponsored YoYoFactory player in the UK. I joined as a junior member, late 2007.

Junior member?
Not entirely sure if I’m a junior now or not!

Why YoYoFactory?
Second metal Yo-Yo I owned was the one I won at GYYC which was back in 2006 when I won the advanced division, I was pretty chuffed with that! It was a 401k and it was pretty much my favorite Yo-Yo for ages. When they were taking applications for the team members I jumped at the chance! Sent in my Nats freestyle and got lucky!

Go on then, give them a plug:
www.yoyofactory.com!

Do you collect?
Not any more, I only keep the stuff Ben (McPhee) sends me.

Favorites?
Obviously 1A, only things I’ve really stuck too! I’ve dabbled in other styles but its not really taken off. As far as tricks go, I don’t really have one, when I’m making tricks I like to create it so I enjoy doing the trick. I like having distinct aspects of the trick which are different from all the other tricks that I have. I try and make a trick as enjoyable to do as they are to watch.

Anything I should ask you?
Err, I dunno.

Other interests?
Average, college, going out and stuff. Uni next.

What you studying?
I got an offer from oxford, studying material engineering. Not 100% though.

Advice to players, final words?
I’m not good at being philosophical. I don’t know really, I don’t think about what I’m doing too much. I just go with the flow.

Thanks Yuji! (and Thanks to Void and Corli Du Toit for the photos)