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Although I have been tying people with rope in a Western style for many years, only a year or so ago I began studying shibari, the Eastern style of rope. I used to think that shibari was simply for aesthetic purposes, as it is very beautiful, however I now know it is so much more than that. Most interesting to me, though, is the fact that suffering and journeying are very much on display in a shibari session. Although I am absolutely no expert, I believe this is depicted most clearly in suspension sequences which include several transitions from one pose to another. In this way, the subject tied is both fluid and stable. Each transition is a journey unto itself - the need to endure extreme physical discomfort, overcome mental limitations like “I can’t handle this,” and ultimately to find comfort in the discomfort. For this, I feel that shibari offers a very rich inner journey and I am so excited to be able to play in this way with others. Watch as Kino gracefully endures his sequential suspension experience. He is extremely tough. For those who have not been suspended before, note that Kino is ultimately suspended by a single futomomo - one folded over leg. This is very intense and is made doubly so thanks to the ropes running across his shin. Trust me, it’s brutal! Note: please excuse my messy, dangling ropes! I have not come close to mastering the art of keeping the ropes tidy as I go along - I aim to do better in the future. Enjoy!