Zetsu and LA Rope Interviews and Reviews
Explore a curated collection of interviews featuring LA Rope Head Instructor Zetsu, offering insight into the art, philosophy, and practice of shibari. These interviews span podcasts, publications, and media features, highlighting discussions on consent, communication, emotional connection, and the cultural history of Japanese rope bondage. Whether you’re new to shibari or an experienced practitioner, these interviews provide a deeper understanding of rope as a form of intimate expression, creative exploration, and human connection.
Finding My Yum – “Shibari Practices with LA Rope Dojo”
In this interview on Finding My Yum podcast, Zetsu from LA Rope Dojo explores the art and philosophy of shibari, tracing its historical roots while unpacking the psychological dynamics that make rope such a powerful and engaging practice. The conversation highlights the importance of consent, communication, and mutual trust, alongside personal stories that bring the experience of rope to life.
LA Weekly – “Inside the Koreatown Dojo Dedicated to the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage”
A feature in LA Weekly offers an inside look at LA Rope Dojo, exploring how traditional Japanese shibari is taught and practiced in Los Angeles. The article highlights the dojo’s focus on emotional connection, consent, and communication, presenting rope as a deeply expressive art form rather than purely a fetish practice. Through scenes from beginner classes and interviews, it captures the accessibility of the dojo, the diversity of its students, and the philosophy of rope as a conduit for intimacy, trust, and shared experience.
Nicolle Double L – “Obsession with Consent Is Eroding Trust in BDSM”
In this interview, Zetsu of LA Rope Dojo offers a nuanced perspective on the evolving discourse around consent, drawing on his experience teaching Yukimura-style shibari. He reflects on the limitations of overly rigid consent frameworks, emphasizing instead the importance of emotional attunement, communication, and the subtle, moment-to-moment responsiveness that defines rope as a relational practice. Grounded in a model-centric approach, the conversation highlights how trust, care, and embodied interaction create a deeper and more dynamic form of consent within intimate experiences.
GoodNovel – “Is Discovering Kinbaku Worth Reading for Beginners?”
This reader-driven feature highlights Discovering Kinbaku as an accessible and thoughtful introduction to the art of Japanese rope bondage. The discussion emphasizes the book’s blend of cultural insight, clear foundational instruction, and a strong focus on safety, consent, and emotional connection. Readers note its balance between theory and practice, presenting kinbaku not just as technique but as a form of intimate, slow-building communication, making it especially valuable for those new to the practice.