This latest tutorial, shibari ‘Upper body ties made easy’, demonstrates and further explains ‘ingredients’ familiar from our other classes, e.g. ‘Tying techniques‘, through a variety of simple ‘recipes’. This brings a greater understanding of the engineering and associated aesthetics which develops your creativity safely.
– Two M-shape arm ties
– Two Teppo (rifle bearer) ties
– Teppo with half gote (suspension capable)
– Single choker tie
– Double choker tie
– Floor based suspensions
– Simple high hands gote (takate kote)
Here’s a short trailer showing the ties:
You will learn the two main construction techniques used throughout shibari though simple examples: those based on single/double column ties and those using reverse tension. In addition, you will see how different frictions or simple hitches can often be used interchangeably, in the same way culinary ingredients can be substituted, to create your own personalised ‘recipes’. This allows you to move beyond simply copying patterns.
Most importantly, through this understanding of function, you should be able to spot your own mistakes, thus being able to tie creatively and safely with confidence. No tie can be performed precisely the same way on everybody. Flexibilities vary, differences in size or shape will mean ropes never run out at the same time, thus a tie almost always needs some adaptation or macramé. Creativity allows you to tie to fit the body, rather than attempting to make the body fit the tie.