In addition to my regular classes in London, demonstrations and tuition can be tailored to your club’s, group’s or individual needs anywhere, within reason. My ‘out of town’ classes are very popular so costs can be covered easily, even internationally. I have run courses all over the world and for a range of groups and organisations such as Erotica, SM Gays, Vault Productions (Wasteland), Scandinavian Leather Men and Pride. Recently, I have taught and/or performed in Japan, Australia, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Finland, Netherlands and Hong Kong.
Group tuition – modular courses
I have recently decided to reformat my classes to accommodate the widely varying skill levels that now abound. Accordingly, classes will be graded according to the required skill level:
All = All levels
B = Beginners, i.e. no or minimal experience
I = Intermediate, i.e. some experience of authentic shibari techniques
A = Advanced, i.e. some experience of authentic shibari suspension techniques
E = Expert, i.e. extensive experience of authentic shibari suspension techniques
P = Performer, i.e. Experts wishing to learn performance techniques
Some of the subjects planned will include:
• Tying people, not parcels (All)
The use of rope for domination and communication.
• Bondage safety and nerve injury (All)
Essential information for all levels with special attention to avoiding nerve injury.
• Protocol and bondage (All)
Combining rope and D/s protocol for domination and control.
• Elementary bondage (B)
What is says on the label! Many ways to use 1 and 2-column ties.
• Bondage for sex and play(B)
Tying for ‘Access All Areas’ for bedroom fun and games.
• Lacing legs & arms (B)
Attractive and restrictive ties to fix limbs to each other or to furniture, poles etc.
• Pole bondage (B)
How to use poles, e.g. bamboo spreader bar, to enforce positions.
• Hip harness (I)
A versatile tie that can also be used as the basis for comfortable suspensions.
• Takate-kote (Kazami ryu) (I)
Kazami Ranki’s box tie.
• Takate-kote (Esinem ryu) (I)
My box tie, inspired by Yukimura and others.
• Takate-kote (Osada ryu) (I)
Osada Steve’s box tie.
• Hishi takate-kote (Kazami ryu) (I)
Kazami Ranki’s diamond pattern box-tie.
• Hishi shibari (Kazami ryu) (I)
Kazami Ranki’s diamond pattern lower body tie.
• Floor-based suspension (I)
A stepping stone into suspensions where the model’s weight is mainly on the ground.
• Suspension basics and rope control (A)
An introduction to suspension: How to safely place and manage the ropes and load.
• Yoko tsuri (Osada ryu) (A)
The classic sideways suspension
• Futo momo (Osada ryu) (E)
A spectacular and intense bent leg suspension using Osada’s clean and simple method.
• Futo momo (Esinem ryu, bent leg suspension) (E)
A spectacular and intense bent leg suspension using less structured methods.
• Performance technique (P)
How to create a performance not just a demonstration. Tips from hundreds of shows.
BOOKING
All classes will be 2.5hrs unless otherwise stated. The fee will be £30 per rigger with partner/model but blocks of 10 classes can be bought at a discounted rate representing a 25% saving.
IMPORTANT BOOKING CONDITIONS
Classes marked All (All levels) or B (Beginners) are open to all over the age of 18 regardless of experience and provide the foundations that are essential for solid, safe technique and good rope handling. However, I teach communication and domination with rope right from the beginning as if this cannot be achieved with a single rope, adding more will not enhance the effect. I firmly believe one should start to tie as one means to go on.
Attendance at all other levels of classes, i.e. other than those marked All (All levels) or B (Beginners), is only open to those who have been pre-approved. Pre-approval will be by prior personal contact, either by using the Contact Form or in person at a beginners class or other event. This precaution is for safety and to avoid others being held back by students who do not have the correct basic skills.
By ‘authentic shibari techniques’, I mean those used by the masters in Japan and not ‘Japanese style’ or fusion as is frequently taught in books on the subject. Unless you have had first hand tuition from a Japanese master, or from a competent student, you are unlikely to be aware of the important nuances of their methods or aesthetics. Be cautious about over-estimating your skills, as I constantly find serious errors in reproductions of ties, such as the ubiquitous takate-kote, even when people have had classes with experts. It is all too easy to produce something that looks like an aeroplane but doesn’t fly like one! In spite of being able to do this tie blindfold, I spent a very productive couple of hours with Osada Steve recently studying it in detail. Do not underestimate its complexities. Like many things, it takes a short time to learn but a lifetime to master.
Private tuition
Private tuition is available at £45 per hour, per couple or individual. Instruction can be tailored to your needs, including intensive courses with accommodation in my studio. Private tuition is possible for individuals, however, a model would need to be provided at additional cost, typically £25-£30ph, if you cannot provide your own.
Testimonials
“I got an epiphany from it. I took someone that I was trying to impress on a blind date to one of Esinem’s classes and I was utterly cynical. I had no interest in bondage whatsoever. In fact I was nervous at the idea of being tied up. That first moment of being tied, all the feelings and the place it took me back to, buried deep in my memory banks, was overwhelming. Floodgates opened. The recall I had was an event horizon. Things have developed since that moment.” Manonwire
“This is a man who teaches intuitively….he helps, he encourages, he works alongside you so closely, that you don’t realise you are being taught at all, more a feeling of being helped by a trusted friend…to find one who genuinely wants to spread the knowledge is a blessing & this man is one of them. “ BBDSPLS
“…he is a serious player, creative, skilled and caring- besides how to tie the knots his main concern is SAFETY and that’s the first thing we talked about when we first met. A good teacher.” EVie
“Had a great time thanks – I never thought I’d enjoy “making” knots so much as I do…” Mistress Wand
“Just a quick mail to thank you for your time, hospitality and experience. The time went awfully quickly which is usually an indication of time well spent…” Mistress Diva
My tuition system
Japanese style bondage (aka shibari or kinbaku) might seem complex, but it is easily learned using my methods. Whilst there are some theoretical topics, the bondage classes are very much hands-on. I have developed a methodology for teaching bondage to simplify and accelerate the learning process, whilst encouraging your own style and creativity.
Many people think learning shibari requires an extensive knowledge of knots. There is much more to kinbaku than simply a means of restraint, it has the power to create a very intense form of communication. It is as much about what you do as how you do it. This is not something that cannot easily be learned through books or the internet. In my classes, I explain the nuances, distilled from well over a thousand of sessions, that turn it into a passionate ‘dance with rope’.
In fact, there a only a few basic knots used in Japanese bondage. Once a few simple standard techniques have been mastered, these can quickly be used to build up more complex ties, the only limit being your imagination. I am constantly amazed how quickly students produce very professional looking work. You will learn not only how to create a beautiful result, but, most importantly, also how to maximize the erotic potential.
However, bondage is like many things, if you don’t know what you are doing people can get hurt. There is a lot of knowledge about that suffers from ‘Chinese Whispers’ type inaccuracies and consequently many people are learning ties that suffer from fatal flaws. It is very important to know how to tie correctly, safely and how to avoid accidents. This is a subject I take very seriously and cover in all lessons.
Book early to avoid disappointment as many courses are fully booked several weeks in advance. See the What’s On section for locations and dates. Courses are open to all over the age of 18…but if you are under 18, you shouldn’t be on this site anyway!
Why take a class from me?
So you may ask, why should you pay me to teach you? Why not learn it from a book? A book will teach you knots and the mechanics of the ties. Whilst this is important, for me, it is only a small part of what shibari is about. What is important is how it makes your partner feel as you apply those ropes. I think this can only be taught by example, ideally in a hands-on situation. Books teach wrapping parcels, I teach tying people. In fact, my new DVD series, Japanese Rope Bondage, bears the subtitle: Bondage for people, not parcels. It is unique in not only teaching authentic shibari techniques but also how to create the communication that makes it kinbaku.
Why me? After all, there are bondage teachers popping up everywhere, each claiming to be a master. So how do you chose?
First off, look for evidence of skill in the style you are looking to learn. If somebody is good enough to teach, their work should be good enough to post on-line for all to see; not just a couple of pictures, look for a solid body of evidence. Ideally, you should also see them work live or on video, as almost anyone with basic skills, given sufficient time, can make a tie look good in a studio picture or two. Take a look at galleries here for 1,000′s pictures of my work, plus a lots of videos and details of forthcoming shows. Over the years, I have performed at dozens of venues worldwide, including some of largest fetish events, e.g. Torture Garden (London/Athens), Toubaku (Tokyo), Wasteland (Amsterdam), Nuit Demonia (Paris), Rubber Ball (London) etc. All the shows, classes and private sessions must add up to well over 1,000 sessions! In addition, my work has appeared on national TV, music videos (Wolfmen, Tianamen and Big Pink), plus many mainstream publications, e.g. LOVE, Vogue Italia, .Cent, Sang Bleu, Wallpaper.
Ask around, as we can all create an impressive web site, and find out what others say. Preferably those qualified to judge, in other words, experts and students. Could the person teach? Did they learn anything useful? See if there are any reviews of the classes or courses. Time Out list my classes as ‘Recommended’ and there are great write ups in Metro, Skin Two and elsewhere. I have taught many hundreds of students over the past six years at home and abroad, a few of their comments are reproduced below.
What pedigree does the teacher’s knowledge have? Did they learn it from the internet? From books? Made it up as they went along? As for me, I have been studying Japanese bondage (aka shibari or kinbaku) for nearly a decade and my love of bondage stems back to my childhood. My first tuition was from Midori and since then my influences have included Matthias Grimme aka Drachenmann, Kazayu, Nawashi Murakawa and, of course, many of the Japanese grand masters. Over the past six years, I have been to Japan numerous times and have taken tuition from top kinbakushi: Arisue Go, Kazami Ranki, Kinoko Hajime and Osada Steve. In addition, I have spent time with watching their shows, observing their teaching and just hanging out playing around with rope. It has also been my great pleasure to meet the members of Kinoko’s Ichinawa-kai group and recently to have Kazami Ranki as a house guest during the master classes that I hosted on his behalf. The next tuition I have booked is with Yukimura Haruki, who is Osada Steve’s Sensei.
FAQs
What style do you teach?
On the whole, I try to stick close to authentic methods but will draw on other techniques from time to time. If you like what you see of my work on the site, it’s for you. If not, I hope you find something you like elsewhere.
If you want 100% genuine shibari lessons, do your research and be prepared to pay as you will need to find yourself a genuine Japanese trained sensei. There are only a very few in the West who even come close to the ‘real deal’ and those have almost exclusively trained extensively in Japan. I have recently taken the trouble to do so as part of this journey. In addition, I have spent many hours watching them at work and discussing the subject. All of which has been invaluable in giving me an insight into their art. Osada Steve claims I moved from being “unteachable, to teachable, to not teachable any more”. I don’t think that’s true as I am always learning and don’t imagine that process will cease. However, he says “Esinem is one of the very few non-Japanese who could come to Japan and dazzle the locals with his rope.” That’s good enough for me.
Do I need a partner?
The courses are open to individuals and couples over the age of 18. If you do not have a partner, you try to bring a friend or try posting on Fetlife or a similar site. Don’t worry, it doesn’t get more physically intimate than a dance class. Failing that, you might be able to negotiate something with one of my models, just ask using the Contact Form.
I’m nervous, what’s it like?
Anyone coming alone should not be nervous. It is a very friendly, relaxed, light-hearted and non-threatening environment. Any harassment or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Whilst I take teaching seriously, we always have a laugh. There is nothing intrusive nor any sexual activity. The mix of ages, genders, sexualities and roles (dom/sub/switch) is usually very varied.
All sexualities and genders are welcome. I recently ran a course for gay men, which sold out, and did well-received introductions/demos at Pride, Club Fukk, for Scandanavian Leather Men and SM Gays. Depending upon interest, I might be offering more gay only events in the near future. I would welcome enquiries from special interest groups who would like me to set up a tailor made course for their members.
How many people attend?
I restrict my classes to a maximum of 14 people, so everyone gets plenty of individual attention, whereas other courses/workshops can have over two dozen attendees or even more.
What should I wear?
You should wear light and unrestrictive clothing, as little as you are comfortable with. Avoid skirts as they get in the way.
What is the venue like?
Stunning! Everybody always comments on how nice it is. A large, beautiful, high-ceilinged room with rug-strewn wooden floors, antiques, paintings and a gorgeous marble and tile fireplace. You’ll feel very comfortable and at home.
What’s your policy on smoking?
I run my course from my own home, so it will remain one of the last indoor refuges for the smoker. I apologise to anti-smokers but they can console themselves with the fact that they can enjoy their preference in any indoor public venue, unlike smokers. Non-smokers are welcome to stand outside until others inside have stopped smoking 
However, I often smoke e-cigs these days so nobody can complain about that.
Getting there & parking
Buses run to Camberwell New Road and Camberwell Green. See TFL web site for route to SE5 9LQ. The nearest tube is Oval and is about a 15 minute walk. On evenings and weekends, there is unrestricted free parking right outside the door. At other times, there is a Pay and Display nearby. Full address details will be sent upon receipt of your booking.
Do I need rope?
Feel free to bring you own ropes, although they can be provided. I suggest 6mm thickness, natural fibre or Hempex, around 7m-8m long. See this article for more information. Call if you need advice. I always have plenty of rope to sell at very competitive prices.
What experience level is required?
None. The classes marked All or B assume no experience. That is not to say that more experienced players will not benefit as I can guarantee they will learn new ways to improve their skills. In addition to learning beautiful and effective restraint methods, I will also demonstrate how to transform it into a mind-blowing, erotic experience.
Do you do an advanced or suspension course?
Yes, the new A, E and P level classes include suspension. However, suspension is not for beginners as it multiplies the forces exerted and needs a good understanding of the inherent risks. These classes only open to those who have been pre-approved. Ideally, if you wish to do suspension, you should take private tuition to ensure your full understanding and proficiency.
In compliance with PayPal AUP, there is no sexual content and classes are entirely for educational purposes. Whilst the subject is erotic and involves physical contact, this is not gratuitous or intimate and there is absolutely no nudity; think along the lines of a Tango, therapy or fitness class.
Just saw your post for the new modular courses and it made my day!! So Looking forward to the classes and simply can’t wait for the dates!!
Brilliant! Thanks for organising this!
Mo
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