Kinbaku Diaries Part III: Learning by observation
Learn kinbaku the traditional way by 'stealing' knowledge from Milla Reika who has studied under some of Japan's most accomplished kinbakushi.
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Learning by example
‘Kinbaku Diaries’ is a series of full-length and uncut videos of Milla Reika, tying in private. Drawing on traditional approaches to teaching kinbaku in Japan, ‘Kinbaku Diaries’ aims to provide a resource for learning through active observation; and offer a deeper insight into non-staged unrehearsedー ‘real-life’ kinbakuー between two people. In this part, you will observe a session, between Milla and Nau, which entails a low level suspension from a bamboo pole with floor-work.
Moving beyond patterns
Focusing on the whole scene rather than instruction on specific ties and patterns, the series offers insight into the subtle interactions and unspoken communication, the way one handles rope or responds to arising situations. Each session is filmed with multiple cameras and aesthetically edited to offer optimal angles for viewing without cutting any of the scenes; enabling you to observe our full ‘story’ of intimacy, domination, and surrender as it unfolds from beginning to end. This will help you understand the nuances of a rope session and move beyond simple restraint and tying patterns. To use the phrase, which I coined many years ago, real kinbaku is all about 'tying people, not parcels'.
In Milla's words
“To maintain a fully private setting all videos are filmed, edited, and produced by myself, Milla with support from my rope partners. These videos are not about memorizing ties but rather how to ‘play’ within kinbaku. They are not rehearsed and I decide as I tie depending on the feeling and my partner at the time. There will be places where I stop to think or change what I was going to do depending on the circumstances. I hope that this will also provide references for one way to deal with differing situations. While a lot (not all) of the content is quite advanced I hope that beginners can still use it as a reference. Rather than trying to take in everything, I hope that you focus on one point in particular. Whether it be hand movements, how I hold the rope, how my partners respond at certain moments, how I utilize my body, or move my partner's body.”
-Milla Reika
Your Instructor
Residing in Japan since 2009, Milla lends herself “seme”* style of kinbaku influenced by traditional Japanese approaches, absorbed understanding of culture and her background in Japanese martial arts.
Milla’s kinbaku exhibits a blend of feminine and masculine elements; possessing intent and assertiveness coupled with controlled fluidity and grace. She intently mixes intense restraint with a domineering and erotic sensuality.
Each rope and movement serves a purpose and is expertly tensioned to offer her partner a sense of reassurance and security while also challenging them to surrender to her and the moment. “To surrender is not easily achieved, and if you want your partner to be able do so in your ropes, then they must first offer solidness and a sense of security. Don’t be afraid to take control when it is wanting to be given. It is a precious gift that should be nurtured.”-Milla
For Milla, kinbaku is an erotic act of dominance and surrender and an exploration into the other and oneself. In this series your will see the more private side of Milla and her kinbaku practiced in Japan.
*Seme: While often mistranslated as ʻtortureʼ in English the word ʻsemeʼ (責め) denotes are sense of taking control and inducing another person to succumb or enter into a state of surrender. It does not necessarily include pain or so-called torture in the sense as it is understood in English terms.
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