Upper body ties made easy

Expanding creative shibari through 'ingredients'

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This tutorial 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)

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.


Your Instructor


Esinem & Nina Russ
Esinem & Nina Russ

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 last few years, he has been improving his skills in Japan with the help some of their best known and respected 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 is currently 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'.


Nina Russ is a London based, shibari performer, rope artist and educator. She became student of Esinem in 2011 and their collaboration gave birth to BOUND shibari night (2012) and ShibariClasses (2015). She had also the fortune to participate at workshops with different Japanese shibari masters, like: Kazami Ranki, Yukimura Haruki, Kinoko Hajime.

She has performed internationally, most notably at the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage and RopeFest in St.Petersburg. In addition, she participates in numerous artistic, fashion collaborations and local performances. Her passion for rope has lead her on a route of discovery of concepts, philosophy, aesthetics and benefits behind this Japanese discipline.

She sees shibari as an art form which creates deep connection between the participants and also aids personal development. Due to its martial arts roots, it brings self-discipline, efficiency, effectiveness and, thus, growth in confidence and awareness. She believes these skills allow a greater focus on the most important aspects: you, your partner and your shared experience.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and runs for a whole month! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide how fast you go and how much you revise. Subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does a whole month 24/7 sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like until you cancel - 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 7 days and we will give you a full refund.

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