One of the three core areas of study in Yagami Ryu, and the first to be introduced in the training programs offered by our dojo.
The term Kyūsho-gaku (or kyoshogaku) translates literally to “the study of key points,” a concept deeply rooted in martial arts. It refers to specific areas of the body where applying a particular technique can provide a strategic advantage in combat.
Naturally, this interpretation does not apply to an erotic context. Here, we are not engaged in combat, and if we aim to foster healthy interactions, there should be no place for strategies like “gaining an upper hand over the other person.”
On the contrary, the focus should be on moving together in the same direction, each on their own path, but in harmony.
A superficial reading of the literal translation might lead one to believe that this area of study is about uncovering magical pleasure points hidden in erogenous zones (particularly those of women, that eternal mystery!)—points that, when discovered, will supposedly propel one’s shibari partner to unimaginable heights of pleasure.
To put it kindly, that interpretation is absurd.
The scientific reality is that while touch, in its various forms, can influence erotic sensations when applied to certain areas of the body, there is no direct, universal connection that establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. There is certainly no foolproof method—or even one that works reliably for a significant number of people.
Other factors, such as social context, personal history, the individual’s state of mind during the interaction, or their ability to eroticize the situation, play a far more significant role.
Moreover, there is no specific region of the brain dedicated solely to managing these sensations. They arise from complex neural networks (schemas) that are only beginning to be studied and understood.
For this reason, at Shibari Dojo / Escuela de Shibari, we approach this term metaphorically, giving it the more abstract meaning of “self-education through what we appreciate in another person.” Call it poetic license.
Under the broad scope of this loosely defined concept, we incorporate teachings from various disciplines—concepts, processes, and techniques—that help us enhance communication and management during a shibari session.
These are the tools that allow us to better understand what unfolds within the other person and within ourselves during an erotic interaction.