o) Exploring yoko zuri to ebi
An in-depth tutorial workshopping alternative ways of creating a side supension (yoko zuri) and transitioning to ebi (shrimp) or agura (cross-legged) postion.
Exploring yoko zuri to ebi
This is a new type of tutorial which goes way beyond being just a simple 'recipe' for you to replicate. Most of us learned this tie based on the Osada ryu version which uses an Akechi style 3-rope takate kote. The result was that it quickly became ubiquitous and rarely varied. We show you how to tie outside the box and to establish your own vision and style.
In these examples, Nina uses various versions of an old-style 2-rope gote, adding a number of additional postions to the suspension and culminating in transition to a far more constricted one. Nina workshops three slightly different approaches to creating her own yoko zuri (side suspension) which transitions to an ebi (shrimp position) or its less constricting variant, agura (cross-legged). Not only does the mood of each session differ slightly but Nina also explores different suspension line arrangements. The latter shows how the suspension can be adapted for different rigs, e.g. bamboo pole, ring or carabiners with and without an additional rigging point.
Think of this like a chef taking a classic, very common dish and creating his own masterpiece, with novel ingredients and additional garnishes. In these examples, you have a fly on the wall view of this creative process which means you gain a depth of preception which is rare outside a one-to-one class or intensive high-level workshop.
Learn creativity and gain understanding
These tutorials are not about learning, parrot-fashion, to simply reproduce a set recipe. Each session is first shown in full, without any commentary, so you can watch the flow, options and, demeanour whilst making your own observations. This will stimulate your critical eye and show you how to problem solve.
In the second section, we both discuss each session to give you insights into the thinking behind each move, what was right, what could be better and why some things didn't work. In total, there are nearly four hours of material, setting it apart from the more common, less detailed, step-by-step tutorials. If your goal is to be able to create your own variations safely and tailor your ties to your parter's mind and body, this is for you.
The key to creativity is gaining an understanding of the physics of your construction and changes; the effect they have on both the tie and your partner. These tutorials will unlock those skills and provide you with a greater understanding of shibari.
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.