Part VII builds on the skills that you have gained in previous tutorials in the 'Tying techniques' series to learn how to tie a hashira shibari suspension, i.e. on a vertical beam or post. This is a classic method of tying, especially with those tying in the old-school style like Yukimura Haruki, Nureki Chimuo or Marai Masato, becasuse it uses the traditional architecture of old Japanese houses, wooden beams which would commonly present themselves.
This tie has some interesting cultural aspects since it not only turns the model into an household 'conversation piece' by being hung on a hashira like a work of art but also because it can play between a desire to avoid exposure and to relieve the discomfort of the suspension.
You will learn:
Not only is this all shown in great detail but, as usual, we also explain the reasons for everything that’s done. Suspension is not something to do by rote. To be safe and creative, you need to understand what you are doing and why. It is all too easy to make dangerous mistakes through ignorance. With 20+ years combined experience, 1,000's of suspensions and teaching from some of the world's top riggers, you can be sure we know most of the pitfalls and can help you avoid them. In addition, Sophie gives some useful feedback and tips for bondage models.
As this is an advanced suspension due to the challenges of making safe and secure anchors to a vertical post (hashira), it is very important to have studied the earlier parts of the series and be competent in Nina's hip-harness and a two rope contemporary gote with an X-friction or an old-style gote. While we encourage your enthusiasm, we urge you to really make really sure that you have laid solid foundations, especially with the anchor points, and not to rush ahead as this can be quite a demanding suspension. However, it is one which allows the person suspended to choose how they take the load and the clever addition of a simple variation of Nina's hip-harness makes it far more comfortable. This means it is easier to endure and, most importantly, makes it safer by reducing the load on the gote and adding the option of additional secondary main line.
Your Instructor
Esinem is a shibari artist who has regularly appeared at UK and international events such as Pride, Torture Garden, Erotica, Rubber Ball, Wasteland, Boundcon, Nuit Demonia and recently represented the UK at Japan's first international kinbaku event, Toubaku. He is also known for his teaching both in the UK and internationally and was co-organiser of the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Bondage and BOUND, Europe's premier monthly shibari event.
Over the last few years, he has been improving his skills in Japan with the help some of their best known and respected kinbakushi, Arisue Go, Osada Steve, Kinoko Hajime, Kazami Ranki and, grand master of newaza, Yukimura Haruki. Whilst drawing from classical methods, his style is distinctive and epitomizes the art of communicating with rope, often departing from the typical serenity of shibari shows and flying in the face of tradition to produce some striking and unusual performances.
In addition, he has worked on various videos, e.g. Primal Scream's 2013, artistic collaborations and photo shoots both on and off camera. He has been involved in projects providing inspiration for Tom Ford's 2013 collection and, Raqib Shaw, an acclaimed artist who has exhibited at the Tate, Metropolitan and White Cube galleries.
He contributed to Rope, Bondage & Power, edited by Lee Harrington and is currently involved with a number of documentaries on kinbaku. He is also author of the first English language tutorial DVDs: 'Japanese Rope Bondage: Tying people, not parcels'.
Nina Russ is a London based, shibari performer, rope artist and educator. She became student of Esinem in 2011 and their collaboration gave birth to BOUND shibari night (2012) and ShibariClasses (2015). She had also the fortune to participate at workshops with different Japanese shibari masters, like: Kazami Ranki, Yukimura Haruki, Kinoko Hajime.
She has performed internationally, most notably at the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage and RopeFest in St.Petersburg. In addition, she participates in numerous artistic, fashion collaborations and local performances. Her passion for rope has lead her on a route of discovery of concepts, philosophy, aesthetics and benefits behind this Japanese discipline.
She sees shibari as an art form which creates deep connection between the participants and also aids personal development. Due to its martial arts roots, it brings self-discipline, efficiency, effectiveness and, thus, growth in confidence and awareness. She believes these skills allow a greater focus on the most important aspects: you, your partner and your shared experience.