Kaeshinawa Shibari (返縄), the second form of Yagami Ryu, is technically a gote that blends distinctive features of the Yukimura and Akechi styles, adapted for sekibaku practice.
It belongs to the Shoden Keitō (初傳系統) group of techniques.
The structure includes a single-column tie on the arms and two counter-tension wraps forming a line across the chest, all performed with one rope.
It closely resembles Yukimura’s basic gote.
Although both look gentle, this version is significantly more restrictive and demands greater muscular engagement—both when building it and while maintaining it.
As for its similarity to Yukimura’s gote, one major difference lies in how it’s finished: Yukimura keeps the rope’s end in hand (nawajiri), while in Yagami Ryu’s version, the rope is locked and hidden, leaving the shape visually “free-floating.”
Aesthetics
Visually, the result is a simple, clean gote.
Nothing unnecessary is added. The tied person becomes the focus of the scene, with their presence emphasized purely through the structure—without extra elements or visible interference from the rigger.
Functionality
This form works superbly as an active restraint, offering excellent control of the body in both lateral (twisting) and frontal (bending) movement.
In both cases, maintaining muscular engagement is key to performing these motions with control and safety.
If executed properly, movement feels smooth—almost as if floating.
If not, it becomes mechanical, jerky, and far less graceful or engaging from a sensory and aesthetic standpoint.
Of course, this counter-tension technique can be applied not only in gote forms but throughout the session, in many different configurations.
Techniques involved
In kaeshinawa, beyond counter-tension, we revisit two key management principles: tetori sankaku (手取三角) and fu-chin (浮沈). In addition, we’ll be working with:
- Posture and balance (Shisei 姿勢)
- Grip (Kote tori 小手取)
- Tension in body and rope (Chōryoku 張力)
- Body handling (Tenbindori 天坪鳥)
- Rope handling (Sabaku さばく)
- Triangle theory (Tetori Sankaku 手取三角)
- Base knot (Hon Musubi 本結び)
- Non-verbal communication (Toraeru 捉える)
Seeing such a list of techniques might look intimidating, but don’t worry.
These forms are designed to integrate foundational skills.
If you’ve practiced them attentively, applying them now will make perfect sense—and your progress will come much faster.