The Major Osada-Ryū Kyu Exams for Europe

The Aijō Dojo is located at Niederlenzerstrasse 29, 5600 Lenzburg, Switzerland. Workshops, training sessions, jams and private lessons usually take place there. The location for each event is shown with the current dates.

The dojo has a tatami area, a large timber frame with eight suspension points, a seating area and an entrance area for clothing, drinks and snacks. Outside training hours, the space is also used as a photo studio. You can find more details on the dojo page.

Consent, communication and respect for personal boundaries are the foundation of every activity at Aijō Dojo. Agreements apply before, during and after tying, and boundaries can be communicated again at any time. At jams and other open formats, other people or sessions must never be involved without being asked.

The word Ryū is derived from ryūha (流派), which means school, style or manner. In martial arts, it is customary to name the founder first and use Ryū as a suffix (-流, -ryū).

The structure is strongly influenced by Japanese martial arts. This means starting at Kyu 9 and progressing to Kyu 1.

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.

Both beginners and experienced practitioners can start Kyu training. Everyone begins at the same level.

Admission to an examination requires focused work on the content of the respective Kyu. The necessary knowledge is taught in practical lessons through exploring, experiencing and learning each focus topic rather than through books or videos. Watching and discussing are just as important as active tying. The duration and scope of preparation vary according to experience. However, the desired level cannot be reached without additional practice outside the training sessions.

Kyu training is based on a clearly structured curriculum tailored to the respective level. Learners work intensively with the defined topics for the Kyu they are pursuing. While the curriculum provides the overall direction, the specific exercises and learning content remain flexible and can be adapted individually.

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.

Yes. How closely someone wishes to follow the path of Osada-Ryū is a personal choice. Other styles and individual development remain possible. Regardless of style, safety, consent and responsible rope practice must always be respected.

Only an officially licensed instructor may conduct the examinations. We therefore collaborate with Vinciens from Kinbaku Dojo Vienna and Secret56. Vinciens is the highest-ranking instructor in Osada-Ryū and leads the major examination event, which takes place once a year.

Aijō believes that learners should not be examined by their own teacher. The examination is therefore conducted by another instructor, while Jack attends in his role as teacher.

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.