On the occasion of the reopening of Sakura Rope ZENDO Juku on September 28 and 29, 2024, we had the honor of holding a two-day workshop on the Nine Gates of Osada Ryu, as well as giving a small performance at the opening Rope Jam. We would like to thank the organizers for the warm welcome and the wonderful atmosphere.

The Nine Gates of Osada Ryu describe nine aspects and topics related to the question of how to tie someone up. They thus complement the learning of patterns, which focus on what is tied up. The ninth gate, kuden (口伝), stands for oral tradition, oral teaching. This means that learning should primarily take place through instruction under the guidance of an experienced, appropriately trained person. The teacher should ensure that knowledge is acquired through actively experienced, felt, and sensed experiences. The workshop began on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. for the first six hours. It took place in the beautiful, The first six-hour workshop began at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the beautiful, light-filled bondage room in Schwieberdingen near Stuttgart. Even though the only requirements for bondage technique were handcuffs and experience with rope work, the participants quickly realized how intensive and complex the respective topics were.

Franky & Mel, the owners of Sakura Rope (Shibari Kinbaku)

With the help of our explanations to the group or individually in direct contact, the participants completed many practical exercises. A central element was the exchange of feedback after the exercise in pairs, as well as in the group, about the aspects of the Nine Gates that they had experienced, felt, and recognized.

Even though the person doing the tying has the most options for how to set up the bondage session, the possibilities for interaction by the person being tied up shouldn't be underestimated and definitely shouldn't be ignored. By actively providing space, the bound persons are given countless opportunities to actively participate in the bondage session in accordance with their nature and in harmony with the time spent together in the ropes. This takes the shared experience and togetherness in the ropes to a whole new level. Accordingly, both the person doing the tying and the person being tied up were deliberately taught by the team and introduced to the secrets of the Nine Gates. Accordingly, both the binding and the bound person were deliberately instructed by the team and introduced to the secrets of the Nine Gates. Thanks to the great space and the attentive care provided by Franky and Mel from Sakura Rope during the breaks with treats and refreshments, there was a relaxed but focused and pleasant learning atmosphere in the workshop, from which everyone benefited.

Shana & Jack during a short session for workshop participants

After about six hours of workshop, the participants' heads were spinning. This is not surprising, as learning and perfecting the Nine Gates is hard mental work for both of them. The fact that your head will be buzzing afterwards applies to beginners as well as advanced learners. The fact that your head is buzzing afterwards applies to both beginners and advanced practitioners. The topics can be explored in almost infinite depth, and there are always new aspects and possibilities to discover and master.

The first part of the workshop was over, but the day was far from over. After a break, many guests arrived to celebrate the opening of the Juku together with the workshop participants. After an emotional speech, Mel and Franky handed over to Shana and Jack the Rigger for their little performance. The Juku was officially opened by the mayor of the city, who was accompanied by the mayor's wife and the mayor's son.

After teaching all about interactions, the two demonstrated in their direct, straightforward, and incredibly humorous manner how the Nine Gates can be applied. No wonder everyone in the audience felt wonderfully entertained. Now the Sakura Rope ZENDO Juku was opened to all guests. They didn't need to be asked twice and used every opportunity in the room to make the ropes glow. The result was as desired: happy, satisfied faces everywhere. They didn't need to be asked twice and took advantage of every opportunity in the room to make the ropes glow. The result was as desired: happy, satisfied faces everywhere. Even the most beautiful evening comes to an end and eventually it was time for bed. Because the next day, the second part of the workshop awaited the team and the participants.

Not everyone was fully awake when the second part of the workshop began on Sunday. But everyone set to work motivated and eager. As on the previous day, each new gate was explained in detail, the exercise demonstrated, and then practiced under the watchful eyes of the team. Each time, this became a little more complex, as the participants were encouraged to incorporate the insights they had previously gained from the gates into the exercise . The participants mastered this task with flying colors, and at the end of the workshop, the Secret56 team was able to look into many tired but highly satisfied faces. The Nine Gates can never be taught conclusively. Even if you can never implement everything, even small steps are steps on the way to more intense, colorful, and exciting bonds.

We at Secret56 would like to thank all participants for your trust. You have allowed us to see into your hearts, so that we could hopefully positively influence your personal bonds. Special thanks go to Mel and Franky. Thank you for the honor of being able to give this workshop at your opening. Thank you for your friendship, the wonderful time we spent together, and your trust in us. We wish you all the best , success, and wonderful hours in your great juku. May many more exciting people in this room get to know the wonderful world of ropes thanks to you. All the best and see you soon.

Our hosts: https://www.sakura-rope.de