Finger training goes from “strength” to “structure”. “Pocket Ninja,” the latest tool inheriting European design philosophy, draws renewed attention
The “Pocket Ninja” is a new, portable finger training tool that builds on the design philosophy of the “Boulderball”. It emphasizes consistent, injury-free training over raw strength, with a compact design (7cm, 140g) that fits Japanese hands and allows for precise movements. Developed by Ebertallee Co., Ltd. and designed by Martin Oberhauser, it incorporates sports science theories from Dieter Kofler to promote natural acquisition of correct finger usage and is currently available for pre-sale on Makuake at a special discount.
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- 📰 Published: April 5, 2026 at 17:00
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As a new product that inherits the development philosophy of the climbing training tool “Boulderball”, Ebertallee Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto Prefecture) is currently
pre-selling “Pocket Ninja,” a pocket-sized, portable finger-specific training tool, on the crowdfunding service Makuake.
The planned general retail price is 7,980 yen (tax included), and it is currently available at a special price, more affordable than the general retail price, exclusively on Makuake.
■ Background: Towards an era where “continuation” is more important than “strength”
In climbing, “strength” has traditionally been emphasized.
However, currently,
・Risk of finger injury
・Inability to continue training
・Decreased performance due to overload
Such issues have become apparent, and
the era is shifting to one where “how long can you continue without breaking” is emphasized, rather than “how strong can you become”.
■ “Sister Model” inheriting Boulderball's philosophy
Pocket Ninja was developed based on the philosophy of the “Boulderball” training tool, which received design recognition in Europe,
・more compact
・easier to incorporate into daily life
・focuses on more precise movements
as a sister model.
■ Size design that fits Japanese hands
With conventional training tools,
・Too large in size
・Does not fit the range of motion of fingers
・Difficult to reproduce subtle movements
Such issues existed.
Pocket Ninja, with its compact design of approx. 7cm and 140g,
・Easy to hold in Japanese hands
・Can reproduce delicate finger movements
・Can be controlled without applying excessive load
achieves such a structure.
This design was born from feedback saying “too big and difficult to use.”
■ Design philosophy evaluated by global standards
Behind the development of Pocket Ninja is
global design recognition.
The previous work “Boulderball” received
This product, developed in its wake,
was also designed by Italian product designer
It lies in “the fusion of function and design.” Furthermore, this product has been featured in overseas design media,
introducing its perfection as a product and the uniqueness of its design philosophy.
See the article here: https://designradiant.com/171597
■ The philosophy of “undamaged fingers” based on sports science
The development of this product reflects the theories of
In climbing, what is important is the idea that:
・“How to use” rather than muscle strength
・“Control” rather than strengthening
・“Balance” rather than load
Pocket Ninja, with its structure that “naturally acquires correct movements”,
enables efficient training while suppressing excessive strain on the fingers.
■ Difference from Boulderball | Evolution to “pocket size”
Pocket Ninja is a model that inherits the philosophy of Boulderball while
・Boulderball: Overall movements such as gripping and supporting
・Pocket Ninja: Finger precision, control, and judgment
There is a difference in that it is designed as “training that can be done anywhere.”
■ Support from climbers
From actual users, comments such as:
“I thought it was too small at first, but it's completely different once you use it.”
“Even for a short time, I can really focus on my fingers.”
have been received.
In particular, it has gained support as a tool that meets needs such as:
・Cannot continue finger training
・There are days when I can't go to the gym
・Want to get in shape quickly
■ A new training of “getting in shape while playing”
The greatest feature of Pocket Ninja is its “getting in shape while playing” design.
Addressing the challenges of conventional training such as:
・Tough
・Cannot continue
・Seems like it would cause injury
Its design, which makes you naturally pick it up,
transforms training from a habit into an “experience.”
■ Project Page
This project aims to promote it in Japan,
offering it at a special limited-time price (up to 41% OFF) before general sale.
Both quantity and period are limited, so
Pocket Ninja is currently