Nina Russ – Old-style gote (TK with 3rd & 4th rope variations)

Full tutorial including suspension demonstration

A very comprehensive tutorial for an archetypal old-style gote. It is Nina’s own variation on Marai Masato’s and very similar to Naka Akira’s with its roots in Yukimura’s. It starts with the 2-rope base, she then adds 3rd and 4th ropes, then finally shows how to add the suspension line and complete a very practical partial suspension graduating to a full suspension.

Bonus tutorial: We have just added an additional tutorial for Nina’s latest interpretation of a 2-rope old-style gote.

Supporting material includes detailed tying and usage notes, safety information specific to this family of ties, ‘Ask Nina’ Q&A forum, video of old style masters tying and links.

Please note that this is NOT a suspension tutorial. The tutorial covers the gote in great detail. There are guidance notes (not instructions) and a demonstration of a suspension for experienced riggers who understand the risks involved but it is far from a complete suspension tutorial. It is very easy to cause permanent nerve damage or worse if you don’t have sufficient skills in Japanese bondage style suspensions; even then, this type of bondage can be dangerous.

What You’ll Learn In Old-style gote (TK with 3rd & 4th rope variations)

Course Curriculum

Old-style gote (TK)

• Read this!
• Notes on using this tutorial
• Old-style gote (19:21)
• Notes on tying & usage
• Safety & common mistakes
• The importance of correct wrap tension (2:18)
• Nina’s latest old-style gote (8:23)
• ‘Ask Nina’ Q&A forum

Tying examples & resources

• Old style session by Akira Naka and Iroha in Bondage Cafe (Saint Petersburg)
• Yukimura Haruki
• Mumonbaku’s demonstration (14:17)
• Marai Masato tutorials

About Nina Russ

Nina Russ is a London-based shibari performer, rope artist, and educator. She began her rope journey in 2011 as a student of Esinem, with whom she later co-founded BOUND, London’s pioneering shibari night (2012), and the online learning platform ShibariClasses (2015).

Nina has had the privilege of learning from esteemed Japanese shibari masters, including Kazami Ranki, Yukimura Haruki, and Kinoko Hajime. Her work has taken her across the globe, with performances at international events such as the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage and RopeFest in St. Petersburg.

In addition to her performance work, Nina is involved in a variety of artistic and fashion collaborations, as well as local events that celebrate rope as an expressive, embodied art form. Her passion for shibari lies not only in its aesthetics but also in its underlying philosophy—she sees rope as a powerful tool for connection, self-exploration, and growth.

Rooted in the discipline and precision of its martial arts heritage, shibari offers pathways to greater self-awareness, confidence, and emotional presence. For Nina, rope is more than technique—it’s a language. Through her work, she invites others to discover the subtle, powerful ways that rope can communicate directly to the body and mind, enriching the shared experience between partners.

More courses from the same author: Nina Russ