Remembering The One And Only Dave Mateo

June 26th, 2020 would have been Dave Mateo’s 33rd birthday. The kendama community still reflects on Dave’s presence and is continued to be inspired by his life inside and outside of kendama. Dave was also the very first Filipino professional kendama player, and now Dave’s former kendama team and signature catchphrase, Spike Hard Catch Low, is selling stickers individually and in packs to raise money for Suicide Awareness and to combat racial inequality.

Continue reading to see the full post about Dave’s passing and how much of an influence and inspiration he was to the kendama community.

Kendama Legend And Pro Player Dave Mateo Has Passed Away

With a heavy heart, it saddens us to report that Dave Mateo, a Kendama USA pro and legend in the community, has passed away. He was 32 years old.

The cause of death appears to have been by suicide, according to a GoFundMe page raising money for his funeral expenses, where it is stated that, “Dave brought light into the lives of anyone who he came in contact with. His only mission was to make others happy and to inspire and he is loved by so many people across the world who he has touched with his talents and gentle spirit. The burden he carried became too heavy for just himself to bare. Now he can rest in peace with our heavenly Father in Heaven.”

Courtesy of Kendama USA

Recognized for his breakdancing influenced play style, Dave’s originality made him stand out from other players. His flow tricks and full-body movements while playing kendama caught the attention of Kendama USA, where he turned pro in 2016. More recently, Kendama USA released the Mateo PLUS kendama, a reshape and redesign of his original pro model.

After receiving the news that Dave had passed, the kendama community poured in messages and tributes to Dave, recounting the impact that he had on not just them, but the entire community.

Dave Mateo Interview With Honed Media

I even had the chance to meet Dave and spend some time with him. He visited Florida on October 14th and 15th 2017, almost exactly 2 years before he died. He and Max Norcross were in town for a jam at the Winter Park toy shop Lighten Up! where we sat on the curb outside and shot a quick interview that you can watch below.

Dave may be gone but he will certainly not be forgotten. What he has achieved as a kendama player is something most can only dream of. And even with traveling the world and having a pro model, Dave remained incredibly humble, and was a human being filled with love, kindness, and infinite wisdom.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. And once again, Dave’s family has set a GoFundMe for his funeral expenses that you can donate to here.

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