Finger Training Shifts from 'Power' to 'Structure': Renewed Focus on 'Pocket Ninja,' the Latest Tool Inheriting European Design Philosophy

Not how much force, but how you use it.

As a new product inheriting the development philosophy of the climbing training tool 'Boulderball,' Ebertallee Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto Prefecture) is currently offering the pocket-sized, portable finger training tool 'Pocket Ninja' for pre-sale on the crowdfunding service Makuake.

The planned retail price is 7,980 JPY (tax included), and it is currently available at a special price exclusively on Makuake.
(https://www.makuake.com/project/pocketninja/)

## ■ Background: An Era Where 'Consistency' is More Important Than 'Strength'
'Being strong' matters more than 'how strong you are' because it changes the outcome.

In climbing, the focus has traditionally been on 'strength.'

However, issues such as:
- Risk of finger injuries
- Unsustainable training routines
- Decreased performance due to overload

have become more apparent.

We are shifting to an era where the emphasis is not on 'how much stronger you can get,' but on 'how long you can continue without getting injured.'

## ■ A 'Sister Model' Inheriting the Boulderball Philosophy
Left: Pocket Ninja / Right: Boulderball

Pocket Ninja is based on the philosophy of 'Boulderball,' a training tool that has received design acclaim in Europe.

It was developed as a sister model that is:
- More compact
- Easier to incorporate into daily life
- Focused on more precise movements

## ■ Sized to Fit Japanese Hands
Designed to fit Japanese hands | 7cm, 140g compact design

Conventional training tools had issues such as:
- Being too large
- Not matching the finger's range of motion
- Difficulty in reproducing fine movements

Pocket Ninja, with its compact design of approximately 7cm and 140g, achieves a structure that:
- Fits comfortably in Japanese hands
- Allows for the reproduction of delicate fingertip movements
- Enables control without applying excessive load

This design was born from feedback that other tools were 'too big to use.'

## ■ A Design Philosophy Acclaimed by Global Standards
Behind the development of Pocket Ninja lies a world-class design evaluation.

Its predecessor, 'Boulderball,' won the international A' Design Award (Italy).

Following in its footsteps, this product was also designed by Italian product designer Martin Oberhauser.

The philosophy lies in the 'fusion of function and design.' Furthermore, this product has been featured in international design media, showcasing its completeness as a product and the uniqueness of its design philosophy.

Read the article here: https://designradiant.com/171597

## ■ The Philosophy of 'Unbreakable Fingers' Based on Sports Science
It's not about force, but about conditioning the 'way you use it.'

The development of this product reflects the theories of Dieter Kofler, a climber with a Master's degree in sports science.

In climbing, the important concepts are:
- 'How you use' your fingers, not just muscle strength
- 'Control,' not just strengthening
- 'Balance,' not just load

Pocket Ninja, with its structure that helps you 'naturally acquire correct movements,' enables efficient training while suppressing excessive strain on the fingers.

## ■ The Difference from Boulderball | The Evolution of 'Pocket-Sized'
Authentic finger training that fits in your pocket.

Pocket Ninja inherits the Boulderball philosophy while expanding its use to be more integrated into daily life.

The differences are:
- Boulderball: For overall movements like gripping and supporting
- Pocket Ninja: For fingertip precision, control, and responsiveness

It is designed as 'training you can do anywhere.'

## ■ Supported by Climbers
Why actual climbers are choosing it.

Actual users have commented:
'I thought it was too small at first, but it feels completely different when you use it.'
'Even a short session really brings awareness to my fingers.'

It is gaining support as a tool that meets needs such as:
- Inability to stick with finger training
- Having days when you can't go to the gym
- Wanting to tune up in a short amount of time

## ■ A New Form of Training: 'Tune Up While Playing'
Training exists within play.

The greatest feature of Pocket Ninja is its design that 'tunes you up while you play.'

It addresses the common issues with traditional training:
- It's tough
- It's hard to continue
- It feels like you might get injured

With a design that you'll naturally want to pick up, it transforms training from a chore into an 'experience.'

## ■ Project Page
In this project, to promote its adoption in Japan, we are offering it at a special, one-time-only price (up to 41% OFF) before the official retail launch.

Both quantity and duration are limited, so we hope you will take this opportunity to experience it.

Pocket Ninja is currently available for pre-sale on Makuake.
👉 https://www.makuake.com/project/pocketninja/