Refinement – A Deep Dive Masterclass with Murasaki Haruan

There is a point in the journey of learning to tie, where spectacle stops being impressive. A deeper complexity emerges, not in knots and patterns, but in the interpersonal and vulnerable.

This two-day intensive workshop with Murasaki Haruan offers a rare opportunity to step over that threshold.

Rooted in the philosophy of Yukimura-ryu, this is not a workshop about acquiring more patterns, more ties, or more theatrics. Instead, it is an invitation to deliberately return to the fundamental sequences 片足開脚（KataAshi Kaikyaku) and 獣縛りKemono), and to explore them with a level of attention that transforms the familiar into something more profound.

Across 12 hours of in-person teaching, these two sequences will be examined from multiple perspectives. Through repetition, variation, and subtle adjustment, participants will begin to encounter the depth that only reveals itself over time. This is a practice of refinement, where intention replaces habit, and nuance becomes the language. It is a challenge in patience and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Murasaki’s teaching does not follow a westernized format. It draws from a distinctly Japanese approach to transmission: slow, immersive, and often indirect. Meaning is not always explained – it is experienced, sensed, and gradually understood. Like an apprentice observing a master over years, participants are invited to engage not only with what is shown, but with what is implied.

The weekend includes exercises, demonstrations, and renbaku – a format in which participants take turns tying the same model alongside the teacher – offering an intimate lens into timing, touch, and presence. Conversation and reflection are woven throughout, creating space for insight to emerge organically.

This is not about learning more. It is about diving deeper into what you already think you know.

What to expect

• A deep exploration of one foundational Yukimura form into advanced territory
  
• Guided exercises focusing on precision, timing, and intention 
  
• Renbaku practice: rotating through the same model with the instructor 
  
• Demonstrations that emphasize subtlety over spectacle 
  
• A non-linear teaching style rooted in observation and embodied learning 
  
• Space for discussion, reflection, and quiet integration 
  

Who is it for

• Experienced shibari practitioners with a rooted tying practice 
  
• Those who have explored complex structures and now seek depth over novelty 
  
• Practitioners interested in traditional Japanese approaches to learning 
  
• Individuals drawn to refinement, restraint, and nuanced expression 
  
• Those willing to engage with challenge, repetition, and subtlety
  

Application

This masterclass works with applications, only. In order to apply, please email us with a short introduction and relevant information about you as a pair und your knowledge in Yukimura-ryu. If you would like to use our in-house sleep over option and/or pay in installments, please let us know in your application. We kindly as you to send your application to mamana@karada-house.de. We will review all applications on a rolling basis. We give priority to LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized groups.

Please not that this weekend demands specific knowledge and constellations:

Person tying:

• You must be proficient in tying the Yukimura-ryu sequences 片足開脚（KataAshi Kaikyaku) and 獣縛りKemono) and forms (i.e. Yukimura-ryu gote, etc.) and be able to execute them easily and well,
• You must be able to tie any other standard shibari forms (i.e. tengu, futomomo, etc) easily. The general standard of technical rope expertise for the person tying should be quite advanced.

• you must have prior experience in being tied in this style and are willing to dive deep into emotional territory with your partner

As a pair:

• you must have an established rope relationship with each other, trust each other and have very good rapport. You must be willing to delve deep into emotional territory with each other. Please note that we do not accept pairings of people who do not know each other well for this particular class as it does not suit the topic.

Private Lessons with Murasaki

Murasaki Haruan will offer private lessons on August 31st and September 1st, 2026 for all levels, including beginners. If you are interested in booking a lesson, please email us at mamana@karada-house.de for booking, indicating with day(s) and times would work for you and how many hours you’d like to book (minimum is 2h). Please also indicate, if you need a translator Japanese <-> English and/or a model.