Connective Tying

How to make the rope and extension of your hands and intent

Learn shibari, not just patterns

'Connective Tying' is an introduction to communicating with rope, which is the essence of shibari. This tutorial will show you the basics of the language of rope which will allow you to connect effectively with your partner. You will be surprised how this will change your mindset and transform your rope sessions.

Connection is simple

Despite usually only being taught in advanced workshops, tying connectively can be very simple. In this tutorial, I only use a single rope to tie single and double column ties, with a couple of added frictions. This means that the tutorial is accessible to complete beginners whilst also being relevant to more experience riggers. Most tutorials teach patterns but not how to speak the language of rope. As a result, you might be disappointed that your efforts don't produce the desired effect on your partner. However, it's not the tie itself but how you tie it that makes the difference. You will learm how to make small changes to your technique that will produce massive results quickly.

You don't know what you don't know

If you have never experienced a tutorial of this sort, you probably have no idea what you and you partner are missing. Connective techniques can be quick and easy to learn but can also take a lifetime to master. This tutorial will start you on that journey of discovery. ShibariClasses can help you every step of the way to mastery with tutorials like 'One-rope Techniques', 'Tying Techniques' and Osada Steve's floorwork series. Start your adventure now.


Your Instructor


Bruce Esinem
Bruce Esinem

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 years, he has been improving his skills with the help some of their best known and respected Jpanese 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 has been 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' .


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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