Learn Shibari in Private. No Audience. No Group Class.
Three hours, one-on-one with a licensed Ichinawa instructor, in a closed studio in Lancaster, PA. Just you — and your partner, if you’d like.
$399 for three hours. Covers you and a partner you bring. Beginners welcome.
Taught by Mr. Somerset — licensed in the Ichinawa style directly under Hajime Kinoko in Tokyo. Nearly a decade in rope, over 1,000 hours of live teaching, and five-star Google reviews from his private students.
“The idea of a group class makes my stomach drop.”
You want to learn shibari. You just don’t want to learn it in front of a room full of strangers.
A private lesson is a closed studio: you, your partner if you bring one, and your instructor. Nobody else in the room.
- No audience.
- No awkward small talk.
- No “what if I see someone I know?”
Just focused, safe, respectful instruction, at your pace.
What Three Hours Gets You
Every lesson is built around your level and your goals. A typical session covers:
Foundations and safety
How to handle rope, essential safety checks, consent and communication, so your practice feels grounded and responsible.
Core ties and patterns
Depending on your level: single-column ties, futomomo, basic chest harnesses, and clean, reliable wraps.
Flow and connection
Moving from step-by-step tying into something smoother, more embodied, and more connected with your partner.
Hands-on feedback
Real-time corrections, troubleshooting, and answers to the “but what about…?” questions YouTube can’t answer.
You’ll leave with practical skills you can actually repeat at home — not just pretty photos.
What Private Students Say
Real Google reviews, in their own words.
★★★★★ Google review
“100% accommodating absolutely completely knowledgeable.”
“We had such a good time that we decided to sign up for a year long 24 private lesson program to get personalized for us… Definitely tailored to us for sure and the experience that we’re wanting.”
“We are working, partial suspension already, and having a great time.”
— Jonathan W., private lesson client
★★★★★ Google review
“I would recommend Bound for both new and experienced rope tops alike.”
“As an experienced rigger I was looking for more focused one on one guidance. The private lesson was perfect for this. Matt went over some of my existing ties and provided helpful feedback.”
— Jason G., private lesson client
★★★★★ Google review
“I took the leap and got a chance to learn from one of the GOATS.”
“Even though I’m a complete newbie, both Matt and my assigned model (Kim) made my reintroduction to Shibari worth the trip.”
— Olu, private lesson client
★★★★★ Google review
“Matt is a superb instructor.”
“His calm demeanor, patience and knowledge put you at ease and making learning a pleasure.”
— Robert T., private and group student
★★★★★ Google review
“He’s very gentle, knowledgeable, and patient.”
“He did a great job instructing steps and breaking them down into digestible pieces.”
— Andrea D., private lesson client
Who Private Lessons Are For
A private lesson is a great fit if:
- You care about privacy and don’t want to risk running into someone you know in a group setting.
- You’re a beginner who wants a safer, more supported starting point than piecing it together online.
- You’re an experienced rigger who wants focused coaching on specific ties, flow, or partner work.
- You want clear structure, direct feedback, and time to ask questions without feeling rushed.
This probably is not for you if you’d rather learn alongside other people — that is what Learn The Ropes and Sunday Dojo are for, and both are excellent.
Private lessons are educational and art-focused. Always professional.
Your Instructor
Mr. Somerset
Matt is a certified and officially licensed Ichinawa instructor under renowned Japanese rope artist Hajime Kinoko. Having trained extensively in Shinjuku, Tokyo, he has spent years refining his technique through direct study, cultural immersion, and ongoing mentorship in the Japanese art of shibari. He returns to Japan regularly to continue his education.
As the founder of Bound Studio in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he teaches and performs for sold-out audiences of up to 100 guests. In a private lesson, all of that attention is on you.
- Licensed Ichinawa instructor under Hajime Kinoko
- Nearly a decade of shibari experience
- Over 1,000 hours of live teaching
One Lesson, or a Training Block
Every lesson is three hours, one-on-one. Price covers you and a partner you bring.
Single Lesson
$399
per 3-hour lesson
- Three hours, one-on-one
- Covers you and a partner you bring
- Tailored to your level
- Book up to 45 days in advance
Most people start here.
6-Lesson Pack
$359
per lesson · $2,155 total · 10% off
- Six 3-hour lessons
- Book up to 90 days out — plan a trip around your lessons
- Guaranteed availability for the dates you lock in
- A progression built around your goals
- Use within 12 months
Build real momentum.
12-Lesson Pack
$319
per lesson · $3,830 total · 20% off
- Twelve 3-hour lessons
- Book up to 90 days out — plan a full week of lessons into one visit
- Guaranteed availability for the dates you lock in
- The deepest, most personal path
- Use within 12 months
Best value.
No partner? Not a problem.
Add a model at checkout for $99 per lesson and we will arrange an experienced model for your session.
Coming from out of town?
Single lessons open 45 days out. A pack opens your booking window to 90 days, so you can plan the trip first, lock in several lessons during your visit, and know the studio is yours on those dates.
Questions before you buy? Tap Chat in the corner and text us.
How Booking Works
When
Weekdays, at three fixed start times:
- 12:00 – 3:00 pm
- 3:30 – 6:30 pm
- 7:00 – 10:00 pm (limited)
Limited weekend sessions, depending on the studio schedule. Single lessons can be booked up to 45 days in advance — 90 days with a lesson pack.
Where
Bound Studio, Lancaster, PA. The full address comes with your confirmation.
What happens after you book
- You get an email confirmation with the studio address, what to bring, and how to prepare.
- On the day, arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in and talk through your goals.
- We spend three hours working hands-on, at your pace.
- Before you leave, we map out your next steps so you know exactly how to keep progressing.
“I don’t have a partner.”
You don’t need one. Add a model at checkout for $99 per lesson and we will pair you with an experienced model for the session.
Olu came solo and worked with Kim, one of our models. His review is above.
“What if someone sees me?”
They won’t. Private lessons are closed-studio sessions: just you, your partner or model, and your instructor. No spectators, no drop-ins.
Nobody on staff will ever photograph, film or post anything without your explicit consent. Your identity stays with us.
“I’ve never touched rope.”
Good — that’s what a private lesson is for. Beginners start from zero: safety, rope handling and basic ties, with nobody watching but your instructor.
There is nothing to prove on your first day. You set the pace, and nobody else is in the room.
“I already do suspension.”
Then you know how much there is still to refine. Mr. Somerset has spent over 1,000 hours teaching — watching, diagnosing and correcting other people’s rope. Bring the ties you already use and he will tighten your load paths, transitions and flow.
You don’t have to be learning Ichinawa. Lessons work with whatever style you tie. Jason, an experienced rigger, came for exactly this — his review is above.
Questions
Comfortable clothing you would wear to a class. Stretchy clothes like yoga, athleisure or gym wear are ideal; jeans are not recommended. If you are the one being tied, shorts and a tank top or similar let the rope make good contact with the skin while keeping you covered and comfortable.
Yes. For a beginner lesson, each student needs at minimum one 30 or 40 ft rope, one 10 or 15 ft rope, and a pair of safety shears. We recommend 6mm hemp or jute — please avoid cotton and other very soft fibres. Complete beginner kits are available to buy at the studio. For intermediate or advanced lessons, bring at least eight long ropes of about 8m, plus shorter ropes in the 7m–0.5m range.
Tatami mats, water and basic amenities. You are welcome to travel light beyond your rope kit.
You do not need one. Choose the Model Add-On at checkout for $99 per three-hour lesson and we will arrange a suitable model for your session.
No. Lessons are tailored to your level. Beginners start from zero with safety, basic ties and rope handling. Intermediate and advanced students can focus on complex ties, suspension, refinement and flow, provided they bring an appropriate rope kit.
Private lessons are closed-studio sessions: just you, your partner or model, and the instructor and Bound Studio staff. We do not allow spectators or drop-ins. Discretion and confidentiality are core values of the studio, and we will never share your identity outside of your lesson.
Yes, for your own personal use. Bound Studio staff, models and instructors will never photograph, film or post to social media without your explicit consent.
Because a private lesson reserves a three-hour block of studio time, you may reschedule once with at least 72 hours’ notice at no charge. Cancellations or changes inside 72 hours carry a $125 cancellation fee. All sales are final and refunds are not offered; any cancellation is credited back to your Momence account, minus fees, to use toward a future lesson.
Single lessons are released up to 45 days in advance. Lesson pack holders can book up to 90 days out, so you can plan a trip and secure several lessons during your visit. Members get priority booking for weekends and evenings and can book further out — if you are interested in ongoing lessons, ask about the private lesson membership during your session.
The 6-lesson pack is $2,155 (10% off) and the 12-lesson pack is $3,830 (20% off). Pack holders can book up to 90 days out instead of 45, so you can plan a trip and lock in several lessons — even a full week — during your visit. Lessons can also be spread out; packs are valid for 12 months from first use.
Yes. Bound Studio and every Bound event welcome all couples, regardless of gender identity, orientation or experience level.
All students and models must be 18 or older, with valid ID available on request.
Three Hours. The Whole Studio. Just You.
Book one lesson and find out how much ground you can cover when the instruction is entirely yours.
$399 per lesson. Weekdays 12–3, 3:30–6:30 and 7–10pm, limited weekends. Book 45 days out, or 90 with a pack.
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