Workshops and Demos by Tatu The Following Class Descriptions are for courses available to be presented at your event. If you have an interest in having Tatu for a couple of presentations for your Convention, or an intensive Nawa Dojo (12 - 16hr - Rope Weekend Workshop) for your group of bondage enthusiasts, please contact Tatu at
Revised: January 2006
Bio Tatu
Tatu is a 53 year old male Dominant from Florida who began his "rope
Tatu is the creator of the well known D/s Arts Website, which offers a wide variety of rope and BDSM information, as well his Japanese Rope Art Website which focuses on Japanese inspired rope arts. He is also the owner of the Adult Rope Art Yahoo Discussion Group with some 12,000 participants from all over the world. It is perhaps the largest rope group on the net, people helping people with techniques, safety, resources, and artistic exploration of the art of rope. Tatu is one of the founding board members (1996) and past President of S.P.I.C.E. (South Florida People Involved in Consensual Endeavors). He is also the founder of The Palm Beach Munch Group. In 2000 he founded "Shibari South Florida" also known as "SILK" with over 200 members. Under Tatu's leadership, 30-50 local south Floridians gather twice a month to learn and practice their rope. Tatu has presented at national and forums such as Shibaricon, Black Rose, LIL, SELF, BMSL, Orlando Bash, Kinky Kollege, and Sinsations in Leather;as well as numerous regional support groups. He was the keynote speaker for Shibaricon II in 2005. Tatu, enjoys all things Japanese and as such, enjoys the tranquility that this lifestyle has to offer. His book "Nawa Do ~ The Way of Rope: Learning the Japanese Tying Arts for Erotic Pleasure" with companion instructional DVD is expected to be available in late 2007.
You can read more about Tatu, the person, his free educational websites and groups at: http://www.ds-arts.com/Tatu
PLEASE NOTE:
The following are courses Tatu has taught over the years. He can teach a couple of classes for your convention or support grou; or he can teach an entire weekend known as a "Nawa Dojo", a term he coined many years ago) at the D/s ARts Website.
"The Way of Japanese Rope"
I. Tatu's Nawa
Dojo "Nawa Do" literally means in Japanese The Way of Rope.
" Nawa Dojo" means The Place of Learning The Way of Rope.
Tatu's has been presenting Nawa Dojos since 1998. Courses are "Hands
On" Workshop and presented in a traditional dojo format.
History & Psychology
Tatu's background involving academic studies in history and psychology with an emphasis in Asian studies for over 30 years has led to this scholarly presentation.
* Torture to Erotic Surrender: A History and Psychology From The Japanese
Cultural Perspective. (Course
overview) (1-1/2 Hour) In this class, participants will learn some of the history of rope bondage from ancient Tokagawa torture techniques to the evolution of an erotic art form. We will discuss the Japanese culture, sexual practices, sexual art and the role rope bondage played in the psychology of humiliation, interrogation and confession. Tatu will share via a Power Point presentation a number of ukiyo-e images of rope bondage, torture and a wide variety of sexual practices going back hundreds of years. We will look in depth at: 1) the Japanese Edo Period Law Enforcement and Torture Techniques and Hojo-jutsu (The Martial Art of Prisoner Restraint with rope). 2) the transition from torture with rope to erotic from the 1800's to present day Shibari and how these Japanese techniques came to play a role in the development of erotic bondage in the west
Basic Forms (Katas)
* Japanese Wrist Ties & Basic Knots
(Course overview) (1-1/2 Hour) Getting your hands dirty, so to speak, as this is a class participation rope workshop. Tatu will instruct basic knots for bondage with an emphasis on safety. He will also demonstrate comparative wrist and limb ties "Ryo-tekubi", giving consideration to circulation and nerves paths in the human anatomy. Also taught will be the "Kotobu Ryo-tekubi" wrists behind the neck tie. This tie often is a telling moment when the rope bottom finds herself unable to resist the erotic encounter. Suggested rope lengths for this workshop are: 3-30' & 2-12' lengths, either 5/16" or 3/8" in diameter.
* Japanese Chest Harnesses
(Course overview) (1-1/2 Hr) Being rendered incapable of only embracing the rope is a key moment of sensual surrender in the rope bondage experience. Tatu will teach an advanced form of chest harnessing that will place your rope bottom in the position of no choice ,but to surrender her/his power to the pleasure inflicted. Presented will be the traditional "Ushiro Takata-kote", a box arm & wrist tie. This form is the building block of most Japanese Rope ties. Basic safety and quick release methods will be covered. A Second traditional Japanese chest harness variation will be taught, known as the "Ushiro Tasuki". Suggested rope lengths for this workshop are: 3-30', either 5/16" or 3/8" or 6, 8 or 10mm diameter.
* Japanese Body Weaves - The Karada
(Course overview) (2 Hrs) Being encased in rope is a wonderful, sensual and secure experience for the rope bottom. Tatu will present various methods to tie the "Hishi-Karada", which is a traditional style Japanese diamond body weave. Suggested rope lengths for this workshop are: 2-30' or 1-50' & 2-3' and 2-10' lengths, either 5/16" or 3/8" or 6, 8 or 10mm diameter.
* SEX - Shibari Style (1-1/2 hrs) In this course participants will learn what Tatu calls S.U.S.H.I. Seductive Uninhibited Shibari Hot Intimacy The Japanese have some very interesting ties that are accommodating for sexual pleasuring. This is a class on how to beautifully, tie, pose and expose your rope victim using classic shibari ties such as the Kotobu Ryo-tekubi, Komon Sarashi, mata-nawa and a number of other ties to position your delicacy. Tatu will teach these forms to enhance your personal experience. Sushi anyone? Suggested rope lengths for this workshop are: 3-30' & 2-12' lengths, either 5/16" or 3/8" in diameter.
* Bamboo - Hashirodaki
(Course overview) (2-3 Hrs) Using Bamboo in your Japanese Rope Scene. Understanding the role of bamboo in Japanese Culture, the types of bamboo, how to prepare and use. A number of practical uses in tying your juujun to bamboo will be demonstrated and practiced as a group, including the construcion of a bamboo suspension tripod.
* This class takes special preparation of bamboo materials.
Advanced Japanese Rope Bondage Forms (Katas)
* Hon Kikkou - Tortoise Shell
(Course overview) (1-1/2 hr) The Hon (original) Kikkou is one of the most beautiful decorative ties in Japanese Rope. It is also one of the hardest to learn. This will be a hands-on class on how to artfully weave these 6 sided shapes.
* Ebi - Shrimp Tie
(Course overview) (1-1/2 hr) This tie comes from the pages of Japanese history as one of the torture techniques (Hojo - Jutsu) to make prisoners confess. Not for the week. This is a very painful and dangerous tie.
* Gyaku ebi -Reverse Shrimp Tie
(Course overview) (1-1/2 hr) This is a very special Japanese Tie of arm restraint with arms folded in the prayer position behind the back. Not everyone can do this. Must be very flexible.
* Mune-nawa (Breast
Bondage) (Course overview) (1-1/2 hr) Also known as "Chi-chi nawa" which is Japanese slang for "Tit-binding", you will need a female bottom for this workshop. We will discuss and demonstrate creative ways to bind the female breasts for mutual erotic pleasure, taking into consideration safety. Consideration will be given to techniques for: "pechapai" - the small breasts/flat-chested
* Kami - Hair Bondage (Course overview)
(1-1/2 hr)
Variously spelled: Hojojutsu / Hojo-justu / Hojojitsu / Hojo-jitsu (1-1/2 to 2 hrs) *Note this is NOT a martial arts class, but a historic study and demonstration of techniques that can be extremely dangerous and were not intended for erotic pleasure. These techniques will in some ways instruct us on what not to do with erotic bondage. "Hojojustsu" also known as " Torinawajutsu" was the ancient way to restrain prisoners during the Edo period in Japan. There are very few martial artists today that practice this art. But just like most modern day policemen who eventually bring home the handcuffs and use them on his wife for erotic and sexual purposes, it was inevitable that that "ho-jo" rope would be used on the little Japanese Geisha at home. This workshop includes: Part 1 - History of Torture and Hojo-jutsu aks Torinawajutsu and the evolution of the art from official to an erotic art form. For Advanced students, taught only in small groups of 2 - 3 couples max. *Tsurinawa -Rope Suspension
Basic Suspension - Japanese Style
(Course overview) Note: This is a presentation and demonstration on basics and is not a hands on workshop. (1 1/2 hrs) Rope Suspension (Tsurinawa) can be a very exciting and pleasurable adventure. It is also perhaps the most dangerous undertaking in the world of BDSM and considered edge play. Only persons who are very experienced rope players and who have had the appropriate instruction should attempt suspension. This workshop will be on the basics of suspension. Emphasis will be on safety not only in terms of equipment and rigging, but also in understanding the physical limitations of your rope bottom. We will also cover specific harnesses suitable to the chest and hip areas. The goal is to safely take your rope bottom on an enjoyable thrilling flight. Note: It is a prerequisite that anyone taking this class, first take Tatu's Chest Harness course, or has shown advanced rope skills.
Note: The following is a breakdown of an intensive hands on workshop on Japanese Styled Rope Suspension (7-8 hrs: 2 hrs each part) This topic is divided up in to 3 - 1 ½ hour classes: Part 1: *Safety and Suspension Demontration & Discussion Courses
*The Way Of
Rope:(Course overview
-Demonstration and Discussion) (2 hrs) Tatu and his nawa-jujun, shevah, will explore the value in understanding rope as more than simply technically tying someone up, but experiencing it as a journey. This scene will include setting the scene using aesthetic elements, such as cultural attire (kimonos) and taiko drumming. Also, other ritualistic techniques such as ritual bathing, simultaneous breathing, preparation of the dojo (scene space) for the rope bondage moment to feeling and sharing the energies between the and his nawa-jujun will be explored and experienced by all. This class will include a discussion about the responsibility of the Top to enable a safe way to journey into different realms of rope bondage. Understanding the mental / spiritual / and meditative aspects of inflicting bondage pleasure, along with safety will bring this "edge play" into more useful realistic possibilities. The presentation will conclude with both Tatu and shevah demonstrating a traditional Japanese ritual of Shibari suspension.
Nawaikido - Spirituality & Rope:
(Course overview
- Demonstration & Discussion) (2 hrs) This class will explore in depth the spiritual dynamic to rope bondage. "Nawaikido", a term coined by Tatu. It literally means "the way of love and harmony through rope." Once you have your bottom beautifully tied, posed and exposed, what now? Learning how to access the energies that activate the inner pleasure centers that are naturally within the body will be our objective. Tatu will discuss Spirituality in terms of Dominance and submission as "energy" and not simply roles played. Understanding the body and the flow of energies, and other approaches used in creating a spiritual connection between the Rope Top and bottom is fundamental to the goal of mutual pleasure. Techniques and concepts such as: scene setting, ceremony, tradition, ritual activities, simultaneous breathing, and meditation will be explored and practiced in the class.
* S.I.L.K. - The Japanese or Eastern School Approach to SMBD (1-1/2 hr) Not feeling especially "leather" or "dungeony" with your kinks. You are kinky, but maybe wired differently from popular western BDSM? Welcome to what Master Tatu has entitled as S.I.L.K., a kinky alternative with an Eastern School approach. Asia has a long history of a beautiful artistic world that is seen as both sensuous to sadistic. This lifestyle genre' incorporates was Tatu refers to as both: "Sensuous Intimate Loving Kink" to "Sadistic Insane Lascivious Kink". Course participants will be exposed to this new model for Dominance and submission lifestyle activities developed by Tatu . The wearing of Japanese or Asian influenced clothing and/ or fetish attire such as Kimono, Obi, Hakama, Tabi, Haori, Sandles. Come ready to discuss alternative possibilities for your erotic role play, from the Geisha model for service to other practices to express courtesy and respect found in Japanese and other Asian cultures to enrich your D/s lifestyle.
* The Psychology of Bondage
(Course
overview) (1-1/2 hr) What is it about bondage that is so erotically appealing to so many people? Here we discuss the history and psychology behind consensual erotic bondage.
* Basic Safety with Rope (Course overview) (1-1/2 hr) A basic understanding of the human body, its strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Safety as a first consideration and negotiation depend upon good communications between the Bondager and the rope bottom.
* East vs West
(Course overview) (1-1/2 hr) What's the difference between Eastern and Western Bondage? A comparative study is given as to the classic damsel in distress rope bondage and the Japanese school.
II. Classic Western Bondage "Hands on" Workshops by Tatu
Damsels in Distress, Rope and Gags, Oh My!
Bikini Harness - (Hands On)
Yoke Harness - (Hands On)
Single Limb Bondage - (Hands On)
Chair Bondage - (Hands On)
Hog Tie Bondage - (Hands On)
Breast Bondage - (Hands On)
Reverse Spreader - (Hands On)
Arm Binders - (Hands On)
Wrist & Ankle Ties - (Hands On)
Rope Corsets & Gaunlets - (Hands On)
Gags - (Hands On)
* Keeping it Legal
(Course overview) (1-1/2 Hr) In 1999 the Broward's Sheriff's Office dressed in BDU's, Jack boots, and masks invaded SWAT style a couple of local swingers clubs, arresting some on lewd and lascivious charges. They are still open and thriving. In 1998 a local Palm Beach BDSM club found the Fire Inspector and Code Enforcement on their doorstep one Friday evening. They shut their doors never to reopen. An Orlando Alternative Lifestyles club was swarmed by the local sheriff's office one day. They closed and the owners went away on Felony charges. Other organizations have had their events interrupted. What happened? How do you keep it legal? How does one organize in order to lawfully express our 1st amendment rights and avoid legal or moral harassment from the community?
After these events an ad hoc committee was formed in Florida by their local BDSM support and educational group. Tatu was elected chairman to work with several attorneys and community members studying these and other problems and presenting recommendations for the community. Tatu is not an attorney, therefore cannot give legal advice, but as one of the founding board members and a past president of SPICE, a South Florida BDSM Support and Educational group and the chairman of this Special Committee, class members can benefit by these learning experiences.
* Spanking, Caning and Paddling (Course
overview) (1-1/2 Hr) Techniques and positions of old fashioned over the knee spankings are discussed and demonstrated. Learning to warm up and build up, when to administer a good spanking. Understanding the difference between punishment vs discipline. Memories of the "good old School daze". We will also look at English canings and Paddling, both historically and in lifestyle practical application. Appropriate aftercare.
* Body Modifications and the BDSM Scene
(Course overview) (1-1/2 Hr) Tatu is a body modification lover. There is something about a person who can where their soul on the outside of their skin which is very powerful in terms of erotic power. Symbols of D/s ownership are discussed from tattoos, branding, cuttings, scarification and body piercing.
* Pain and Pleasure (Course overview) (1-1/2 Hr) "Making it hurt soooo good" or "inflicting pleasure" is our theme for this discussion course. What is it about pain that can be so pleasurable? Understanding something of where this need or desire comes from. Is it a healthy or unhealthy psychological desire? Learn the difference between processing pain and converting it to euphoric pleasure and metal detachment?
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journey" in the late 1970's,
with his central love being the art of Japanese Rope. He has been teaching
Japanese inspired Rope Art as a spiritual component to D/s for many years
and is on a very short list of well-respected Rope Masters in the US; often
known by his signature essay & presentation: "Nawa Do ~ The Way of Rope".
