We are very proud of the work we did with The Bulls for their latest video, “Come Unwound.” They were an amazing group to work with and we think the final result speaks for itself!

The LA Rope Dojo is proud to announce a new series of classes the Threshold in Los Angeles. These classes will be a blend of basic instruction (beginner to immediate level rope), combined with kinbaku education (art, books, films, talks) and plenty of time to socialize, tie and practice.

Our first event will feature our video of Akira Naka’s Los Angeles performance from this past June, a great chance to see it if you weren’t able to attend or see it again if you were!

We will couple this with some basic instruction on Naka Sensei’s unique gote (hands behind the back tie) and some discussion of the philosophy behind his style and technique.

Classes will be led by Master K and Zetsu and will be held on the first Thursday of the month from 7-10 pm. Our goal is to teach both the techniques of kinbaku as well as to provide a bit of context to the art form. Classes are open to all levels of experience and those new to the art, both tops and bottoms, are especially welcome.

Bios

Master K has studied the art for more than 40 years and is both a student of Yukimura Haruki (under the name Haru Tora) and the direct and named successor to Urato Hiroshi’s school of kinbaku in Japan. He is a renowned authority on his subject and has been a teacher of Kinbaku for over 30 years. He is also the author of “Shibari, the Art of Japanese Bondage” (2004) and “The Beauty of Kinbaku Or everything you ever wanted to know about Japanese erotic bondage when you suddenly realized you didn’t speak Japanese” (2010). His latest book was recently translated into Japanese as “A Cultural History of Kinbaku” and is in its third printing in Japan.

Zetsu has been studying rope since 2008 and kinbaku photography since 2010. He is the deshi of Master “K” in Los Angeles and a member of Yukimura Haruki’s kinbaku school in Japan under the name Haru Yutaka. He has participated in workshops in Tokyo with Suguira Norio and has had his work exhibited in Tokyo at Gallery Shinjukuza, run by the legendary kinbaku photographer Kanno Kei. While in Japan, he has participated in several “satsueikai” photo shoots, photographing the rope work of Naka Akira and Yukimura Haruki. He is a member of The Monarchs in Los Angeles, co-executive producer of BOLD (an annual MDHL conference), and is co-founder and co-owner (with Master “K”) of the Los Angeles Rope Dojo (http://34.220.101.164).

I’m delighted to report that a new Kinbaku book featuring the rope and photography of the great Yukimura Haruki has just been published by Sanwa publishers in Tokyo. It’s called “Affection of Kinbaku” and features many wonderful pictures of the master’s signature newaza (“caressing”) style of Japanese erotic rope. There’s also a lengthy DVD and even a brief “how-to.”

I’m also honored to report that my friend Mr. Matsumoto, president of Sanwa, asked me to write the preface to this volume. I was very, very flattered to do so since I consider Yukimura sensei to be not only my teacher but also a good friend.

For those interested and because getting Sanwa’s publications in the US is a somewhat difficult process, here is the preface:

緊縛の情愛緊縛の巨匠◉雪村春樹写真集

Preface to “Affection of Kinbaku（緊縛の情愛)”

I believe Yukimura Haruki to be one of the greatest Japanese rope masters to have ever lived. His “caressing style” of Kinbaku is unique. It is both very beautiful and very seductive. It powerfully communicates his art to the viewer and, more importantly, to each of the models he ties.

“Communication” is the key word. Yukimura sensei communicates with rope. His Kinbaku transmits messages to his partners. Messages of love, of sensuality, of power, of whatever he wishes. This is why the pictures of his models are always unique. The lovely women he ties and photographs never seem to “model”. Instead, they express their true feelings and so expose their true selves to the camera. Yukimura’s caressing style of Kinbaku (newaza) causes this. They can’t help it. 

And no one ties like Yukimua sensei. Like every great artist, his style is all his own. Watching him tie is like watching a great dancer dance. Graceful. Sure of every movement.

I like the title of this book, “Affection of Kinbaku.” It is a good title for a book of Yukimura sensei’s art. In it you will see simple ties and complex ones. All will be beautiful. This is because Yukimura sensei is not only a great rope master but also a true visual artist. He has a fine “eye” for photography and lighting. However, both his canvas and his main subject is the female form. Few bakushi know how to pose their models better. They always glow from the “affection” he shows them with light, camera and rope.

Yukimura Haruki sensei is a magician of Kinbaku. I am truly honored to be one of his students.

Master “K”（マスター”K”『緊縛の文化史』著者）
Los Angeles, California