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Introduction to Hashira: Techniques for Tying (in)to Upright Objects


  • Daruma Neukölln, Berlin (map)

with Ztella & Aja

Tying to a hashira can be restricting like almost no other way of tying; when tied effectively, hashiras offer unparalleled opportunities for intimacy, dominance and eroticism.

Hashira—meaning simply ‘pole’ in Japanese—is the art of tying someone to an upright object. From a wooden support beam, to a tree, to a streetlight—hashiras are all around us, and so is the possibility to tie people to them. Tying to a hashira can be restricting like almost no other way of tying; when tied effectively, hashiras offer unparalleled opportunities for intimacy, dominance and eroticism. However, learning to tie and be tied safely and enjoyably (in)to an upright structure is not so easy and is distinctly different from tying suspensions on a ring or bamboo. Over two days, this class will therefore teach the fundamental building blocks for safe, effective, and fun hashira tying.

In this class you will learn:

  • How to safely attach anchor points to an upright beam (or other pole-like objects)

  • How to build uplines on a hashira:

    • This class will focus not only on uplines, but also on building lines that secure the model into the hashira—instead of simply hanging them in front of one

  • Basic harnesses specific to and useful for hashiras:

    • How to adapt these harnesses to your model in different situations

  • Some classic shapes and forms on hashira:

    • The focus of this class will, mostly, be on semi-suspensions in order to safely practice hashira skills—It will provide a solid base from which more complex hashira suspensions can be learned

  • Input and suggestions to create your own shapes and play using a hashira

Switching between two people is welcome in this class, just keep in mind that you may have less time for each exercise.

  • People modeling/bottoming should have experience being tied in semi- or full suspensions, and a good understanding of, and ability to communicate, their feelings and their limits. Further, they should know how to check for motor nerve damage in their hands and be able to communicate if issues arise.

    People tying should be able to tie single and double column ties as well as basic hitches (half- and munter hitches, quick releases, etc.) quickly. They should have first experiences tying semi- or full suspensions and harnesses required for such suspensions, as well as experience managing uplines on a ring and/or bamboo. They must be able to communicate clearly and calmly with the person they are tying.

  • Ztella
    I love rope bondage for the intense, touching and often erotic connection that it can create —and I’m also obsessed with shibari as a craft. Based in Berlin, I teach regular study groups that foster skills and techniques to enhance safety and adaptability.

    My teaching style is open and flexible. I feel strongly that the best shibari is a deeply personal adaptation to and with the person being tied. Shibari shouldn’t simply consist of copy/paste harnesses; instead, I encourage students to understand the why and how of rope, while fostering creativity and personal adaptation.

    Shibari, and the classes I teach, are about exploring the beautiful symbiosis between rigging and being tied, and how these coexist and complement each other. Even in the most technique-focused classes, I bring my own experience with both rigging and bottoming for rope and center the invaluable experiences of my models. I aim to teach in an undogmatic way and welcome (and sometimes encourage) switching in my classes.

    Outside the rope world, I am involved in Awareness work and kink in Berlin and am currently writing a master’s thesis on the subject.
    My social media presence is very limited, but you can find a little bit of what I do @Ztella on FetLife.

    Aja
    shibari lover, professional domme and artist; I started to dig into kink and the art of tying around 2 years ago and immediately felt drawn to pursue the exploration of this world. 

    I have been modelling for workshops for quite some time now and have gathered experience in understanding how to read my body’s signals and limits and how to communicate them effectively.

  • Regular
    280€ per couple.

    Supporter
    300€ per couple.

    Low Income
    260€ per couple.

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30 March

Fun with (Half) Booty Basket

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28 June

Semenawa (level 2)