Questions & Answers on Bondage, Workshops, Bondage Gatherings, and General Information About Aijō
General information
Is Aijō a company?
No. Aijō is a private offering from Shana and Jack The Rigger.
Can I participate as a minor?
No, the minimum age for participation in the offers is 18 years. We do not make any exceptions.
Do you also offer bondage sessions?
No. We only tie up people we have known for a long time and can assess.
Do I always have to log in?
Since our juku is very small, many activities take place in other dojos. To ensure reliable planning, registration is mandatory. After registering, you will receive a confirmation and a place assignment from us—without this, participation is not possible.
I don't have a partner, can I have one of yours?
We do not provide bondage partners. It is solely your responsibility to find a suitable partner. We recommend searching in your local area or via relevant platforms such as Joyclub, Fetlife, or others.
Am I allowed to take photos or film during the event?
As a general rule, photography and filming are strictly prohibited at our events. Exceptions are only possible if all parties involved have given their express consent. It should be noted that individuals who are recognizable in pictures or videos must give their additional and separate consent.
Workshops
Can I participate in a workshop as an individual?
Unless otherwise stated in the workshop description, these are designed for couples.
May we switch roles?
In general, the workshops are designed so that role swapping is not intended. However, depending on the situation, we can make an exception if both partners agree and the situation is safe.
What should I wear?
The active partner can wear whatever they feel most comfortable in. For the passive partner, we recommend close-fitting clothing, as this makes it easier to guide the rope along the body. For female partners, we also recommend not wearing a bra with underwire. A sports bra or no bra at all is best in this case.
What do I need to bring to a workshop?
In general, you do not need to bring your own materials. We will provide you with everything you need to participate in the workshop. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For advanced workshops, we recommend working with your own ropes. If it is a suspension workshop, the ropes should be made of hemp, jute, or another material that ensures safety.
For advanced workshops, we recommend working with your own ropes. If it is a suspension workshop, the ropes should be made of hemp, jute, or another material that ensures safety.
Am I insured during the workshops?
Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. They must ensure that they have adequate coverage for any damage that may occur.
Guided training
What is a guided workout?
The training is structured around specific topics. Each unit focuses on a clearly defined area of emphasis, which is explained at the outset. We then demonstrate the corresponding restraint technique— sometimes with variations—and practice it together with the participants.
What do I need to be able to do to participate?
The required level depends on the offer. Each date specifies the knowledge you should have. If in doubt, just write to us—we'll take a look at it together.
Osada-Ryū Kyu Training
What is a ryu?
The word ryu is derived from ryūha (流派), which means school, style, or manner. In martial arts, it is customary to first mention the name of the founder and then use Ryū as a suffix (-流 -ryū). The term Ryū is also used to describe a specific style or school of martial arts.
Ryu is very strongly based on the structure of Japanese martial arts. This means that you start at level 9 and then go down to level 1.
Ryu is very strongly based on the structure of Japanese martial arts. This means that you start at level 9 and then go down to level 1.
Who are these kyu training sessions and exams intended for?
Those who decide to take kyu training and then the corresponding exams want to focus specifically on kinbaku/shibari, particularly Osada ryu. The kyu training is designed to provide a solid foundation in the basics of kinbaku/shibari.
It is a clearly defined path, divided into nine levels (3 basic levels, 3 intermediate levels, and 3 advanced levels). These are dedicated to different topics and thus show a clear path for learners to acquire, improve, and develop their Shibari skills. The basic level is for beginners who have no prior knowledge of Shibari. The intermediate level is for those who have already acquired basic knowledge and skills in Shibari. The advanced level is for those who have already acquired advanced knowledge and skills in Shibari.
Through testing and intensive repetition, the Kyu also offer experienced riggers the opportunity to test their own level. In the process, carelessness in detail is corrected, thus consolidating and improving one's own style.
It is a clearly defined path, divided into nine levels (3 basic levels, 3 intermediate levels, and 3 advanced levels). These are dedicated to different topics and thus show a clear path for learners to acquire, improve, and develop their Shibari skills. The basic level is for beginners who have no prior knowledge of Shibari. The intermediate level is for those who have already acquired basic knowledge and skills in Shibari. The advanced level is for those who have already acquired advanced knowledge and skills in Shibari.
Through testing and intensive repetition, the Kyu also offer experienced riggers the opportunity to test their own level. In the process, carelessness in detail is corrected, thus consolidating and improving one's own style.
What requirements must I meet for the kyu examinations?
Both beginners and experienced Fessler practitioners can start with Kyu training. Everyone begins at the same level.
The prerequisite for admission to the exam is the focused and targeted study of the respective content for each kyu. To this end, the learner is taught by us trainers and the necessary knowledge is imparted. Learning does not take place through books and videos, but in practical lessons through working on, experiencing, and learning the respective focus topics. Watching and discussing are just as much a part of it as actively tying someone up. The duration and scope of preparation varies depending on experience. However, without additional practice outside of training sessions, the desired level will not be achievable.
The prerequisite for admission to the exam is the focused and targeted study of the respective content for each kyu. To this end, the learner is taught by us trainers and the necessary knowledge is imparted. Learning does not take place through books and videos, but in practical lessons through working on, experiencing, and learning the respective focus topics. Watching and discussing are just as much a part of it as actively tying someone up. The duration and scope of preparation varies depending on experience. However, without additional practice outside of training sessions, the desired level will not be achievable.
What distinguishes Kyu training from other types of training?
Kyu training is based on a clearly structured curriculum that is specifically tailored to the respective level. The learner intensively engages with the specified topics for the desired level. While the curriculum provides a rough guide, the specific implementation—how exercises and learning content are designed—remains flexible and individually adaptable. The curriculum is divided into three main areas: technical skills, tactical skills, and mental skills. Technical skills include the mastery of basic techniques, combinations of techniques, and the execution of techniques with precision and power. Tactical skills focus on the application of techniques in combat situations and the development of strategic thinking. Mental skills involve the development of mental strength, self-confidence, and the ability to concentrate. The curriculum is divided into three main areas: technical skills, tactical skills, and mental skills. Technical skills include the mastery of basic techniques, combinations of techniques, and the execution of techniques with precision and power. Tactical skills focus on the application of techniques in combat situations and the development of strategic thinking. Mental skills involve the development of mental strength, self-confidence, and the ability to concentrate.
How long does it take before I can take a kyu exam?
The number of training hours depends on the rigger's level of knowledge and their individual learning speed. As the kyu level increases, so does the intensity of the preparation in order to meet the requirements. As a rough guideline, approximately 10 hours of training can be planned for the lower kyu levels. However, the focus is not on the speed at which the exams are taken, but rather on intensive study of the restraints and topics of each kyu level. The journey is the destination.
When I do kyu training and exams, am I allowed to tie other things?
In principle, you can tie people up however you like. How strictly you want to follow the path of Osada ryu is up to you. There is no shibari police and no bondage laws that must be obeyed , even if, unfortunately, such statements and opinions continue to circulate. In shibari, there is basically nothing wrong, but it may not be safe!
Who conducts the examinations?
Only an officially licensed instructor may conduct the examinations. Therefore, we collaborate with Vinciens from Kinbaku Dojo Vienna and Secret56. Vinciens is the highest-ranking instructor in Osada-Ryū and therefore conducts the major examination event. This takes place once a year. The examination consists of a written test and a practical test. The written test covers the theory of Osada-ryu, the history of bondage, and the history of the bondage art. The practical test covers the application of the bondage techniques learned in the Osada-ryu courses.
Aijo also believes that students should not be examined by their own teacher. For this reason, the exam is conducted by another instructor. However, Jack is present as a teacher during the exam.
Aijo also believes that students should not be examined by their own teacher. For this reason, the exam is conducted by another instructor. However, Jack is present as a teacher during the exam.
Do I have to take the exams?
In general, there is no obligation to take the exam. However, without passing the exam, the student may not claim to have achieved a kyu level. This is only possible after passing the exam.