Esinem & Nina Russ – Suspension techniques: Part IV

A tutorial for an M-shaped suspension on bamboo using an old-style gote

What You’ll Learn In Suspension techniques: Part IV

In this part, Nina will take you through using her version of an old-style gote to create an unusual and spectacular M-shaped suspension on a bamboo pole. Whilst it is a demanding and dramatic suspension, it is relatively safe since there is surprisingly little load on the gote.

It is well worth being familiar with Nina’s ‘Old-stye gote’ tutorial since the tie uses a simplified, 2-rope, version of this. However, you will see clearly how she constructs the tie. Of course, this tie will work with any suspension capable 2-rope gote so you can min’n’match.

In the more common variants, the body position is at 90 degrees to the floor so the load is taken primarily on the gote but is also distributed fairly equally into mirrored single column ties above the knees. However, Nina’s version is a little different so suspension will stand out from the crowd. The body is angled thus loading the thigh nearest the ground and also taking a large percentage on the upper thigh. When the torso is brought upright, the gote is doing not much more that providing balance and has a much lower loading, thereby reducing the risk of nerve injury.

In this tutorial, you will also discover how to create secondary suspension from the mainline. This is a neat trick as it not only provides new opportunities and can be visually stunning but also means less clutter on your pole, or other suspension point.

You’ll learn some of the differences of tying on a pole, efficient ways to tie-off, how to rotate your partner and a sadistic little trick to ramp up the pressure. As we believe it’s as important to show you how to sort things out when something doesn’t go to plan or an emergency arises than just when it all goes perfectly, we have included a genuine “Get me down now” situation. Thankfully, it was no more serious than too much time in rope on a hot day but you’ll see how to handle it.

As we like to introduce a bit of creativity so the ties don’t become formulaic, Nina has added some simple variations and additions which change the look, feel and intensity.

You know that annoying situation when there isn’t quite enough or somewhat too much rope left? Let’s face it, no two bodies are the same and, even on the same person, the chances are it won’t work out spot on. Well, you’ll pick up a few ideas and workarounds for that too.

Course Curriculum

• Suspension techniques: Part IV
• Before you start
• Introduction and demonstration
• M-shaped suspension tutorial
• Emergencies: “Take me down NOW!”

About Esinem & Nina Russ

About Esinem

Esinem is a shibari artist who has regularly appeared at UK and international events such as Pride, Torture Garden, Erotica, Rubber Ball, Wasteland, Boundcon, Nuit Demonia and recently represented the UK at Japan’s first international kinbaku event, Toubaku. He is also known for his teaching both in the UK and internationally and was co-organiser of the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Bondage and BOUND, Europe’s premier monthly shibari event.

Over the last few years, he has been improving his skills in Japan with the help some of their best known and respected kinbakushi, Arisue Go, Osada Steve, Kinoko Hajime, Kazami Ranki and, grand master of newaza, Yukimura Haruki. Whilst drawing from classical methods, his style is distinctive and epitomizes the art of communicating with rope, often departing from the typical serenity of shibari shows and flying in the face of tradition to produce some striking and unusual performances.

In addition, he has worked on various videos, e.g. Primal Scream’s 2013, artistic collaborations and photo shoots both on and off camera. He has been involved in projects providing inspiration for Tom Ford’s 2013 collection and, Raqib Shaw, an acclaimed artist who has exhibited at the Tate, Metropolitan and White Cube galleries.

He contributed to Rope, Bondage & Power, edited by Lee Harrington and is currently involved with a number of documentaries on kinbaku. He is also author of the first English language tutorial DVDs: ‘Japanese Rope Bondage: Tying people, not parcels’.

About Nina Russ

Nina Russ is a London based, shibari performer, rope artist and educator. She became student of Esinem in 2011 and their collaboration gave birth to BOUND shibari night (2012) and ShibariClasses (2015). She had also the fortune to participate at workshops with different Japanese shibari masters, like: Kazami Ranki, Yukimura Haruki, Kinoko Hajime.

She has performed internationally, most notably at the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage and RopeFest in St.Petersburg. In addition, she participates in numerous artistic, fashion collaborations and local performances. Her passion for rope has lead her on a route of discovery of concepts, philosophy, aesthetics and benefits behind this Japanese discipline.

She sees shibari as an art form which creates deep connection between the participants and also aids personal development. Due to its martial arts roots, it brings self-discipline, efficiency, effectiveness and, thus, growth in confidence and awareness. She believes these skills allow a greater focus on the most important aspects: you, your partner and your shared experience.

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