We have just uploaded the second part in the ‘Tying techniques’ series and will shortly be shooting the concluding tutorial. We were prompted to make this series by the hugely positive feedback received at live classes. Whilst we have aimed this series at beginners since we now start by teaching technique rather than ‘paint by numbers’ tying, it will also be highly relevant to those who have learned that way. It is all part of our philosophy of helping students understand the ingredients before learning recipes. In this way, they begin to appreciate how the elements work together to produce an effect in the person they tie and stimulate greater creativity. I’d strongly recommend those teaching shibari to consider adopting this approach. Whilst much can be gained by learning ties by rote and endless repetition, is it not better to learn how to use the tools correctly from the start? In this way, each movement and touch of the rope counts.
In this tutorial, we show the key elements of how you use your body and that of your partner to move beyond just tying parcels. However, we won’t even be using any rope! The principals that will be taught are even more fundamental and demonstrate that rope is merely an accessory that extends your abilities when you run out of hands or other ways to interact.
I will explore how your body position not only affects your tying but also how it plays an important part in conveying mood and dominance. You will also discover how you can create control to move smoothly and efficiently towards your goal, whether that be exposure or restraint.
I often use the analogy of kinbaku being a passionate dance with rope, this tutorial is about the moves of that underlying dance. If you practice without rope, as I illustrate at the end of the tutorial, you will find a huge difference. By combining these techniques with even simple ties, the effect will be infinity more profound than the most perfect and elaborate one executed mechanically. These are the things that transform a session from being OK to OMG! Find out more about this and other tutorials on ShibariClasses.