Beyond the arm position, the upper body can be tied in a more complex way to serve different purposes. The torso is the heaviest part of the body and the widest surface which creates different opportunities:

  • A solid structure will allow for additional attachment points
  • Different aesthetic can be executed
  • A variety of sensations can be explored.

We have already tried out some of these concepts with chest harnesses and box ties, but it is also interesting to expand these ideas with different arms positions. We’ll often see those ideas with classic ties such as arms in front, bunny, strappado, demon and riffle ties.

Activities

Day 120: Shoulder straps – A common way to solidify a structure is to connect the front and the back of the tie by going over the shoulders. This prevents the tie from slipping down. When a lot of weight is applied on the structure, it is interesting to double up the straps to spread the load on more surface. Going above the shoulder is also an opportunity to get closer to the neck and explore with those sensations.

Inspirations and Resources

Day 121: Strong stem – Most structures on the torso will have a stem from the basic structure. To make it a strong attachment points that won’t deform under load, there are several strategies. You can add more rope around it, trap the bight in, or create a structure around it to act like a net. In particular, the hexagonal shape aka kikkō is very popular in Akechi Denki style.

Inspirations and Resources

Day 122: Adding a stem – Adding a strong attachment point opens up tying opportunities. This is often done by connecting two wraps. It can combined with the shoulder straps by lashing to the upper wraps but can also be done with a simpler cinch between the two wraps. This concept is reversible, if the initial structure had a stem in the front, then you can build a stem in the back or vice versa for attachment points on both sides.

Inspirations and Resources

Day 123: Waist – Including the waist in the structure can serve many purpose. Being the narrowest part of the torso, it is a solid anchor that will prevent sliding up or down. A rope around the waist can serve as a practical attachment point. It is also an important part of breathing, so adding a waistline can be a part of play and intensity. You don’t have to stop at the waist, attaching to the lower body will help prevent movement in the tie, we’ll explore that concept further in Week 19.

Inspirations and Resources

Day 124: Mountain Shape – Aka Tasuki Gake, Mount Fuji – This popular shape was originally designed by Akechi Denki. It combines shoulder straps with an X shape in front that creates interesting tension, add support and shapes the front of the chest. This principle can be used anytime you want to connect two paralel shoulder straps.

Inspirations and Resources

Day 125: Diamonds – Diagonal lines will make the forces on the body indirect. Diamond structures are popular both for their aesthetic and the way it compresses the body in a gentler way. It also creates a net that can be used as attachment points. Different methods can be used, spirals, Xs, open diamond, moving wraps, etc.

Inspirations and Resources

Day 126: Asymmetry – For feelings and for aesthetic, you can make the whole thing uneven on each side, it’s an interesting to create something study when asymmetric. This can start from an asymmetrical position, or mixing things up with asymmetrical rope on a symmetric position..

Inspirations and Resources

Gallery

Inspirations and Resources

Got more resource suggestions? Write it in the comments!

 

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