In Yagami Ryu, we work across three areas of study, and for shibari to be considered sekibaku or "Yagami-style," it must incorporate all of them. If even one is missing, it cannot be called sekibaku.
All three are essential for a full understanding of the style. None of them can be overlooked, and it's necessary to maintain a balance of skill and knowledge in these areas - this is a requirement at all times.
The areas of study are:
Session Management (急所学 - Kyosho-gaku)
We approach shibari through disciplines such as psychology, sexology, communication, and neuroscience to better understand what happens during a session and how we experience and share it.
All of this is done without mysticism, myths, or vague concepts.
Body Handling (體術 - Taijutsu)
Shibari is an active, intense practice with inherent risks.
For this reason, this area of study is rooted in biomechanics and focuses on understanding the body and learning how to handle it during a session to care for and protect it, while also seeking a pleasurable experience.
Anatomy and biomechanics are vast sciences with extensive knowledge to explore. Don’t worry—we’ll introduce these concepts gradually, with examples and exercises that you can apply straight away, making them easy and fun to learn.
Rope Technique (縄筋 - Nawasuji)
We move away from pre-determined patterns and shapes to focus on the fundamentals.
This approach allows each student to use techniques with confidence and freedom, aiming for their own satisfaction rather than simply replicating others’ models.
There are no shortcuts here; it’s all about manual skills that require time and dedication.
In Yagami Ren’s style of shibari, there are two approaches to rope handling:
- 初傳 系統 - shoden keitou: strict and structured.
- 伽縄系統 - toginawa keitou: fluid and flexible.
The choice between them depends on personal preference, but it’s essential to be proficient in both. Moreover, it’s strongly recommended to combine them within the same session.
In this context, "strict" doesn’t necessarily mean tight, and "fluid" doesn't mean loose. It’s not about physical strength but rather how we guide the flow of the session.
There will be moments that call for greater intensity and others where it’s necessary to slow down and flow gently. When to use each approach will be guided by the study of Kyosho-gaku.
The order matters
Knowledge must come first, especially self-awareness. Learning about others take time and requires interaction.
Next comes a deeper study of anatomy, followed by learning to manage your own body and then another person's body (in that order).
Finally, we address rope handling.
Let's face it - it takes countless hours of practice, possibly years, to become proficient in any of these areas.
One of the great advantages of Yagami Ryu is that you can start applying what you learn from day one, turning practice into something engaging and fun. Progress comes naturally as you apply it.
In this online course, given the nature of distance learning, we will alternate content from all three areas, always clarifying which area each technique pertains to.
Both Roles Matter
In sekibaku, there is no hierarchy of "top" and "bottom." There is no one who ties while the other passively allows himself to be tied.
Both roles—tied and tying—are equally important.They are on the same level and actively participate in the session.
For this reason, the training in each area is specifically tailored to both roles.
Many exercises and topics are relevant and applicable to both the person tying and the person being tied, while others will be role-specific.