Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 May

The weekend workshop will alternate between hands-on instruction and unique talks by Kasumi and Akane (with Q&A throughout). This is a valuable opportunity for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of kinbaku as a cultural art form originating in Japan. Participants are welcome to send in their questions in advance!

Kasumi and Akane will, each from their personal perspective, discuss how classical Japanese kinbaku has evolved (or changed) over roughly the past 30 years. They will offer their insights into how Japanese people view and distinguish between classical and contemporary, more pattern based, kinbaku.

Both teachers have worked intensely together with world renowned bakushi. Kasumi will talk about her personal experiences with Naka, Yukimura and the late Akechi Denki. As both nawashi and ukete, Kasumi will reflect on what is was like to receive ropes and teachings in different styles, and their similarities or distinct differences. Akane will also offer her perspective on modelling for bakushi the caliber of Naka Akira or Yukimura Haruki.

Kasumi will share up-to-date knowledge on reducing risks when performing kinbaku before she starts her hands-on training. From her particular TK she will teach different shapes of suspension and transitions. The highlight in working with suspensions will be using the bamboo as an integral part of the tie, rather than as just a hard point.

Kasumi will also address how to become creative in floor work, or “torment without suspension”.

Throughout the entire weekend the focus will be on combining technique and psychology when tying - before, during, after and beyond experiencing “pain”, aiming instead for a level of comfort with intensity. This is what makes Kasumi’s kinbaku a sophisticated style of tying that provides safety, stability and pleasurable challenge.