Don’t forget The Knot is on this Sunday, my mentored shibari peer workshop (click here for more info and to book). This event is unlike the usual rope peer workshop we find in the UK, which can have over 100 people. Although this can be great from a social point of view, it can be difficult to compete for the advice of those who what they are doing due to the sheer numbers and, if your skill is sufficient, you might find yourself fighting for a suspension point. The Knot can offer at least 4 simultaneous suspension point in two rooms. One room is a rather impressive 36m2 high-ceilinged room and the other is styled after an old-style Japanese tatami matted room.
As the maximum number at my meetings is 14, more like those held by masters in Japan, you can guarantee personal attention if you need it. Not only that, you can be sure that is the highest quality tuition as I have over a decade of experience in shibari and have been taught by some of Japan’s most respected sensei: Osada Steve, Kazami Ranki, Kinoko Hajime and Arisue Go. In August, I will be adding the legendary Yukimura Haruki to that list. I am also assisted by Nina who has an intuitive feel for rope. Although she is an experienced bondage model, she has been tying a relatively short time. Her progress has been incredible and her recent attendance at Kinoko’s and Kazami’s classes has given this a further boost. As my apprentice and model, she is a great asset as she can give a perspective from both sides of the rope. This is very important as a tie is only correct when it feels right on the person tied. There is no standard way to tie everyone safely. This requires good feedback so the person being bound must know what issues need mentioning and are possible warning signs that all might not be well. Furthermore, deceptively simple ties can be fraught with hazards: incorrect tension, poor isolation of components, bad placement of rope or unreliable tie-offs can all cause serious injuries. If you value your partner (and your reputation), you need to be very clued up on these points. As more advanced shibari has become common, sadly, I am beginning to see the spate of incidents that I predicted would be a consequence. Whilst to some injuries are inevitable, since it fits the criteria of an extreme sport, many are due to lack of understanding of the nuances and their critical importance. As I often say, it is easy to build something that looks like a plane but, without the right knowledge, it is unlikely to fly like one. The same can be said of many ties. I have spent many hours studying the key ties under the guidance of Japan’s most respected teachers so understand the engineering principals and how to apply them. That said, I still learn something new each time I spend time with them. Like many things, a short time to learn but a life time to master.