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

Prerequisites:

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.

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

Who is teaching this class?

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.

Shirin

I started my Shibari journey a few years ago and have since—slowly but surely— developed a slight obsession with the practice. Both as a bottom and a rigger. Although it was definitely the extensive modeling that has gotten me more in touch with my body. Taught me how to read the smallest tingle, differentiate good and bad pain, how to communicate and collaborate with my rigger effectively. All great skills that let me explore being tied to a pole a lot more confidently.

Through tying with Ztella, the hashira quickly secured a very special place in my heart. The total immobility it forces onto the bottom conjures up emotions that other suspensions just can’t do in the same way—in my opinion. In the upcoming workshop, I’m looking forward to sharing my insights from a modeling perspective and answering any questions that might come up for the bottoms.

Outside of Shibari I’m a musician, journalist, podcast host and kink educator. You can find me on Instagram: @shirin.shibari or FetLife @Shirin_ 

Pricing

260€ per couple for the whole weekend