Hourai Kasumi 2019
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Studio Kink will be bringing Hourai Kasumi to Studio Kink Sydney in March 2019.
Hourai Kasumi
Hourai Kasumi is a highly respected Japanese Kinbakushi from Nagoya. Initially self taught, at 19 years old Kasumi decided to go to Tokyo in order to study under Akechi Denki in 1999.
Since then she has has learnt from a variety of highly respected sources. Kasumi spent time training with Hajime Kinoko as a member of 'Ichinawakai' where she learnt a lot about the discipline itself.
Then in 'Salon Kitagawa' she received instruction from Kitagawa on carabiner-less techniques and many different locks and knots as part of a logical, beautiful and efficient system.
Having had the opportunity to have an exchange with Akira Naka, Kasumi then developed a strong fascination with his work and in 2015 dedicated herself to study Naka Ryu with a passion. From the beauty of Akira Naka's rope work and his attention to detail, Kasumi sensed what she felt was the soul of a traditional japanese 'craftsman' - the ability to give complete attention to detail focusing not only on aesthetics but on intention as well. This caused her fascination with him to grow even more. From these experiences, Kasumi developed a strong desire to create a personal archive in order to keep a record of her own experiences as a rope bottom (bottoming for Akira Naka for DVD, performances and photoshoots in collaboration with Norio Sugiura). Since then Kasumi has spent more and more time learning from Akira Naka and then started being called on by Norio Sugiura to help in his studio as a rigger. This inspired her further towards the more classical and traditional form of Kinbaku.
Kasumi has her own style of rope, a fusion of Kinbaku with more traditional Japanese culture as well as her own experience as a Kinbaku model. Established in her own passion for traditional Japanese culture and her own understanding and sensitivity to it. Kasumi endeavours to teach this, not only with words but in real life with demonstrations. Currently, Kasumi is using all of her experiences as a rigger, working for photo studios on collaborations with the goal of expanding the sense and beauty with three-dimensional photography. She also travels the world to share her passion for Kinbaku.
Workshops
We will be running a Friday evening workshop 6pm-9pm. There will also be a weekend intensive running Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Friday Night Takatekote Class
March 8th Friday 6pm - 9pm
This class will focus on the Naka style Takatekote. This is a prerequisite for the weekend intensive.
Weekend Intensive
March Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th 10am - 5pm
In this weekend long intensive, Hourai Kasumi will share with students her practice of Kinbaku, a fusion of Kinbaku with more traditional Japanese culture as well as her own experience as a Kinbaku model. Established in her own passion for traditional Japanese culture and her own understanding and sensitivity to it.
With a preference for Seme-nawa style rope, Kasumi will show students how to adapt ties to suit the couple involved.
This is an advanced class. For people already familiar with the Naka Style Takatekote or those who have attended the Friday night class. Some previous suspension experience is recommended. If you are unsure please contact a member of the Studio Kink Team.
Miss Evil Gen
We have secured Miss Evil Gen to translate for the workshops. We had the pleasure of Miss Gen translating for Kasumi during her last visit. In addition to being an interpreter grade Japanese translator, Miss Gen is an amazing rope educator herself, holding the ranking of Shihan (Master Instructor) of Kazami-Ryu Kinbaku by Kazami Ranki. As those who have attended will know having an interpreter with a thorough understanding of rope adds immensely to the understanding gained in class.
Performance
Saturday 9th March 7pm onwards
There will be a Club Kinbaku performance night on Saturday the 9th of March featuring Hourai Kasumi and the Studio Kink Team. Whether or not you attend our classes throughout the weekend, this is your chance to see Hourai Kasumi and the Studio Kink Team in action.
Private Lessons
A limited number of private lessons will be available. These are extremely limited so preference will be given to workshop attendees and current Studio Kink Members. Please contact us for more details or to put your name down for a place.