Last week we looked at a couple of methods for "hanking" rope for a quick and clean release during play. This week we're taking a look at an exercise we learned from a ShibariClasses tutorial, Tying Techniques Part 1. It occurred to me that rather like practising a kata, it may not be entirely realistic, but by focusing on an affectedly proper technique, you'll perhaps almost subconsciously apply the same best practice in other scenarios. (I think it works!)
The traditional method for determining a length of rope would be for the rigger to measure 4 times their fully extended arm-span. Since shibari ropes are typically doubled-over, this should mean that only a couple of movements should be required to pull a length of rope through any knot. Typically this leads to ropes being between 7.5m to 8m in length, and learning to manage the working length of a rope is a skill that does require a degree of practice.
We found the exercise that Nina Russ teaches at the beginning of Tying Techniques Part 1 has helped us significantly. It's hard to say more without simply giving away her practice technique, but it concerns body-position and a specific form of practical repetition. The Tying Techniques tutorial remains one of our particular favourites; it's so much more than what, at first glace, would seem to simply be a leg lacing method. The devil is in the detail, and some of the most valuable teaching is tucked away amongst the method.
We were reminded of this in the Hishi Pattern Ties tutorial that we are currently following, which also features a tremendously detailed explanation explaining the logic in choosing the direction for an alpine hitch style friction. It's a discussion we have not found anywhere else, but makes absolute sense. Check out the links below for these and other tutorials. :-)
References
Below we have linked to a few of the resources that we've found helpful over the last few months.
- Tying Techniques Part 1
- Hishi Pattern Ties Made Easy
- Our earlier book review: Shin Nawakiri's Essence of Shibari
- Rope Care and Treatment
Okinawa Jute from Esinem-Rope is currently our most frequently used rope.
Next week we put in our tuppence worth to the question, can you learn from video?
