The following text is by Mai Randa, written on 3 Dec. 2007 and perfectly translated by Faviola_Llervu.

Together with Akechi Denki, Mai Randa was part of my first exposure to bondage from Japan. Mai Randa is now (2012) in the “business” for around 25 years and with him I think that counts for something, besides his obvious knowledge he has gained experience, insight and a good overview of the business. With that he wrote the following text about becoming a kinbakushi.

 

Ishi (doctor), kyoushi (teacher), chourishi (cook), kaigoshi (caregiver), kangoshi (nurse), kenganshi (eye doctor) biyoushi (beautician), umachoukyoushi (horse trainer). . . and then, kinbakushi (bondage artist).

The common feature among these words is the expression “shi.” And the only big difference being the occupation. That is. . . kinbakushi.

Other “shi” are titles that organizations bestow and which our country acknowledges. It’s a title someone finally obtains after overcoming obstacles and frantically studying in order to receive the title (Incidentally, I possess licences as a chef and an eye doctor – ahem! Laughs).

So what is a kinbakushi?

There are associations without national accreditation, and there are titles one sometimes gives oneself without cause. It’s become so that a person can label himself a “kinbakushi,” think up a stage name, and start up a home page right away. I’m one of them, too. I’ve been using it for 21 years. Of course I hold it as self-confidence and pride in my own occupation. That is because I have “now” grasped it with incredible effort in this one occupation. This is a 21 year asset for me. So I’ll puff out my chest. I say it and write it audaciously. I’ve been doing this work for half my life, you know. That would get anyone to puff out their chest.

There’s something of a kinbakushi boom now, and the number of people who thoughtlessly call themselves kinbakushi has grown. Especially young men. I’d say they are snot-nosed brats with a long way to go. They’re no-nothing children. I think these guys are headed for pain and bitterness, and it’s sad.

Tie women. It certainly looks good, and it satisfies the thirst to conquer, which is one of the human lusts.

That doesn’t mean I’m saying it’s “bad.” But I’d say we’re drowning in the “shi” word! Guys who started tying 2-3 years ago already have their own students? Huh??? They have enough technique to teach what? Just because they’ve been taught the technical side of bondage. . . ? I want to say, “What a joke!” Technique comes second. First, the most important thing is. . . it’s from the heart and soul. One should at the very least seriously work to get called a “shi.” There are many things you should study before studying tying techniques, like medicine, neurology, history, etc.

I was doing this for 20 years before I had my first apprentice.

Those techniques can be learned with the “Randa Mai Complete Kinbaku Manual” book and DVD.

One doesn’t boast about being a “shi.” One gets labeled a “shi” because they’ve overcome huge barriers with their own hard work.

Kinbakushi. . . not a big deal at all, right?!

 

Being close to 15 years in the business myself there is one particular statement that I find very strong in this text “One doesn’t boast about being a “shi.” One gets labeled a “shi” because they’ve overcome huge barriers with their own hard work.“.

Food for thought!

 

Mai Randa | Faviola_Llervu | RopeMarks