spring tiger ryu
EST. 2013
Spring Tiger Ryu was co-founded by Master K and Miss zElement in 2013 and is located in sunny, Los Angeles, California. Classes, workshops, and events are held in our Beverly Hills dojo or private outdoor location. Private classes can be scheduled virtually for students outside the LA Metro area; and many of our events are also available to live stream, allowing friends across the country and around the globe to attend virtually. We welcome diversity of every kind with events that are developed to appeal to all levels of experience and all areas of interest. If you’d like to meet us – or introduce yourself to Master K – prior to an event we are happy to hold a virtual call. If you’d like Master K to speak at one of your events, or work with you on a project, you can also contact us by email.
mission
To share the beauty, safety, and pleasure of traditional Japanese Kinbaku (Shibari) through innovative and safe methods appropriate for Western physical and psychological well-being.
vision
To demonstrate how traditional Japanese Kinbaku (Shibari) can be practiced and enjoyed by modern participants interested in a more meaningful connection through rope. And to provide creators in all media insight and opportunities for expressing the beauty of this sophisticated art form.
dojo
Our ample and elegant dojo space in Beverly Hills is housed in a secure building with a beautiful community garden space. We’re just a short drive from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Japan Foundation, Craft and Folk Art Museum (CFAM), and the new Grammy Museum.
Guests enjoy amenities including street parking, a Starbucks down the block, private restrooms, a professional hardpoint, mats, pillows, bottled water and energy snacks, and other class-specific items. Students should bring their own rope and safety shears however in order to maintain the calm atmosphere and cleanliness of our space, we encourage you to leave extra bags, bulky items, food, and personal belongings at home. The dojo is a shoe-free zone and photos, videos, or other recordings are not permitted without prior authorization.
Our events could not happen without the knowledge and dedication of Master K, the organization of Miss Z, and the help of our entire senior team, assistants, photographers, and models.
master k
Master K has studied the art of Kinbaku for more than 50 years and as a student of Yukimura Haruki under the given name Haru Tora (Spring Tiger) is the first certified instructor (first class) of the renowned master’s newaza (caressing) style of Kinbuku in North America. He is also the direct and named successor to legendary movie rigger Urato Hiroshi. Master K is a renowned authority on Kinbaku whose rope work can be seen around the globe. He’s provided professional advice and on-set professional tying for television, major motion pictures, music videos, elite fashion, performance art, theater, advertising campaigns, and more. A few of examples include Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon with Elle Fanning and Keanu Reeves (Netflix); Honey Lauren’s comedy short, Wives of the Skies, winner of over 100 film festival awards (Amazon Prime); Millie Brown’s performance project, Pendulum (Nowness); collaboration on fashion photography with Michele Comté for GQ Italia and Interview German; and French musician, Ilona Blanc’s 2019 music video Goldfinger (YouTube). Master K is the author of Shibari, the Art of Japanese Bondage (2004), The Beauty of Kinbaku (or everything you ever wanted to know about Japanese erotic bondage when you suddenly realized you didn’t speak Japanese (2008) and the Japanese adaptation, Cultural History of Kinbaku (2013). The second edition of the English text was published in 2015 and is available through Amazon and booksellers worldwide. A selection his articles, can be found on thebeautyofkinbaku.com, including a series of interviews with legendary Kinbauk rope masters, Meetings With Remarkable Men, and a comprehensive Kinbaku and Art series. Master K has taught Kinbaku for over 40 years.
named students
While Spring Tiger Ryu offers many educational opportunities for all levels of experience, of the many students, artists, and photographers who come to the dojo, there are a select few that have been designated named students. These talented people have studied with me for many years and in our time together I’ve been able to impart both my philosophy and numerous practical techniques which allow them to safely do many Kinbaku styles, patterns and positions. Named students have also learned a good deal about Kinbaku safety, history, and art; which allows me stand behind their acquired abilities and knowledge. While each is a great source of pride for me, I know they are all capable of greater achievement as they continue to learn and practice their own specific areas of interest.” — Master K
Master K (Haru Tora)
Founder
Sensei
I am delighted to have a creative team that brings such a variety of interests and skills to Spring Tiger Ryu. Together we look forward to presenting exciting events and classes that showcase this fascinating art; an activity for "like minded hearts that must always be a loving exchange."
Above: Master K with one of his two sensei, the great movie rigger Urado Hiroshi at the Silver Pavilion in Kyoto.
Yzen
Deshi
Named Student
As the proud deshi to Master K sensei, I enjoy collaborating on projects when time permits. I tie, shoot, perform, and sometimes teach.
Q: Why do you tie?
A: To create beauty.
Miss zElement
Director
Named Student
I am honored to be the first female named student of Master K and proudly call him sensei and friend. Without his extraordinary knowledge, patience, and kindness I wouldn't be on this crazy, wonderful journey. I study the Yukimuran Ryū and other styles, focusing on the scope of differences tying men and women.
Remy Thane
Named Student
I am proud and honored to be a named student in the lineage of Master K's Ryū and his two sensei before him. I value his expertise, friendship, and guidance.
Q: What is you main focus?
A: To tie with love, always.
–L–
Named Student
For me, receiving Master K's teaching in this culmination of a two decades-long search for the essence of Kinbaku. I am honored and blessed to have finally found sensei even if I know my true exploration of this art has just begun.