Shibari patterns Archive - Page 2 of 2

Nijûbishi

Nijûbishi (二重菱) belong to a group of shibari patterns that play an important role in Osada-ryû. They are based on the hishi, a diamond. This symbol is a stylized water chestnut and also appears in Japanese heraldry. Numerous family coats of arms (Kamon, 家紋) contain this symbol and it also appears in the company logo of the Mitsubishi car brand.

There are many variants and they are popular mainly because of the symmetrical shape. In addition, they show the skill of a bakushi, as great dexterity is required. Dexterity and the ability to maintain contact with the partner at the same time come to full fruition here.

The back resembles a Takatekote, but there are also possibilities to use Hôjô-Nawa techniques. Depending on the construction, even suspensions with these techniques are possible. It is important here that the weight distribution and the tension in the rope are perfectly matched.

Takatekote

Takatekote (高手小手) is the name of a classic shibari pattern. It is one of the most famous and widespread patterns. The forearms are placed at least horizontally on top of each other and tied together with a “single column tie”. Then several layers are wrapped around the torso and fixed at the back. This pattern is taught in almost all schools and always differs in certain points.

The Takatekote (short: TK) contains all the essential basic elements of Shibari. In a way, this pattern is like an alphabet of basic techniques. That is why so much time is spent teaching it. Besides the techniques, it also offers many opportunities to interact with the partner.

It is one of the most stable and refined patterns in shibari. Therefore, the TK is also used for many advanced suspensions and transitions.

Due to the symmetrical structure and because the TK encloses the whole upper body, it is easy to attach decorations (“Kazari”). This makes the Takatekote also a solid base for longer sesssions or performances and can always look different.

Teppô

When the first Portuguese arrived in Japan in the 16th century, they soon introduced firearms aka Teppô (鉄砲). It is these rifles slung over the shoulders of soldiers that first inspired the teppô shibari ( 鉄砲縛り) and later the teppozuri (鉄砲吊り) aka rifle suspension.

This suspension was popularized by the late shibari grandmaster Akechi Denki (明智伝鬼) and is very popular both on stages and in private.

Despite the traditional name, this pattern is not a classical pattern. There are no templates in hôjô-jutsu or other manuals and martial arts that show this technique. This pattern is a modern interpretation of traditional themes in shibari. It draws on historical imagery, but uses shibari aesthetics.

Yokozuri

Yokozuri (横吊り) means “lateral suspension”. It is the first and most basic form of suspension taught. The body weight rests laterally on the layers of takatekote on the upper body. This distributes the load evenly and provides a relatively comfortable feeling.

The Yokozuri is a creative, relatively simple and safe pattern.

One foot remains on the ground until just before lift-off, so that Ukete can test for himself, by lifting his foot, whether the ropes are properly seated and how great the physical strain is.

As a rule, this form consists of a stable upper body restraint. In Osada-Ryû, a Takatekote made of three ropes is usually used. However, other upper body patterns are also possible, such as a nijûbishi.

The preliminary stage is the kata-ashi-zuri, which is a partial suspension. Here, one foot remains on the floor, so that the load on ukete remains minimal. But already in this stage you can create many beautiful images and experiment with the partial suspension.

Category: Shibari patterns

Nijûbishi

Takatekote

Teppô

Yokozuri