Come for a focused training visit built around your experience, your goals, and the time you have available. Schedule one lesson to begin, or build a multi-lesson block across several weekdays.
Tell us your preferred dates, travel timeline, experience, and goals. We’ll reply within 24 hours with workable times and the private lesson path we recommend.
Taught by Mr. Somerset, a licensed Ichinawa instructor under Hajime Kinoko, with extensive training in Tokyo.
You’ll receive:
Students travel to Bound Studio for focused instruction they cannot easily access near home.
For a general workshop where you are one person in a crowded room, the answer may be no.
For focused, one-on-one instruction with a licensed Ichinawa instructor, the calculation is different.
Your entire three-hour session is built around you, your partner or model, your goals, and the areas you want to improve.
You are not traveling here just to attend a class.
You are traveling here to train.
Come for a few focused days. Leave with a practice you can keep building on.
Some highly experienced students travel to Japan for extended periods of study, sometimes taking dozens of hours of private instruction over several weeks.
That type of training can be valuable, but it also requires significant time, travel, lodging, and overall expense. It is not a realistic first step for most beginners.
A private training visit at Bound Studio gives you access to licensed Ichinawa instruction without requiring weeks or months abroad before you can begin building a serious practice.
For many students, it is a more practical first step: less travel, less lodging, less time away, and a clear path for deciding what deeper study makes sense next.
It is not a replacement for continuing study in Japan. It is a practical way to receive concentrated instruction, direct correction, and a clear path forward closer to home.
Every lesson is three hours and built around your experience and goals. Across multiple lessons, each session can build on the last.
Foundations and Safety
Rope handling, essential safety checks, consent, communication, and responsible practice.
Core Ties and Patterns
Depending on your level, this may include single-column ties, futomomo, basic chest harnesses, and clean, reliable wraps.
Flow and Connection
Move from step-by-step tying into something smoother, more embodied, and more connected with your partner.
Technical Correction
Bring the ties, transitions, or problems you are currently working on. We’ll identify what needs improvement and give you specific corrections.
A Plan for Home
Before you leave, we’ll map out what to practice on your own so your next lesson or training visit begins where this one ended.
You’ll leave with practical skills you can repeat at home, not just a memorable experience or a collection of pretty photos.
Real reviews from private students.
★★★★★ Google review
“I went in blind to my first Shibari private lesson at Bound and I’m really glad I took the leap… Even though I’m a complete newbie, both Matt and my assigned model (Kim) made my reintroduction to Shibari worth the trip.”
Olu Came solo and worked with a studio model
★★★★★ Momence review
“Our private lessons with Matt at Bound Studios were an incredible experience. Matt is an amazing teacher who meets each student where they are and helps them progress toward their individual goals… We’re already looking forward to coming back for more private lessons with Matt!”
Martin Couple and returning students
★★★★★ Momence review
“Great experience. Professional, focused technical instruction in a perfectly upscale environment. We will be back. Highly recommended.”
Ted Private lesson student
★★★★★ Google review
“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 Experienced rigger
★★★★★ Google review
“My wife and I booked a private lesson and it was fantastic… Everything was explained very well in great detail including safety tips and useful ideas and instructions.”
John Couple and first-time students
A private training visit may be a strong fit if:
Private lessons are educational, professional, and art-focused.
Your Instructor
Matt is a certified and officially licensed Ichinawa instructor under renowned Japanese rope artist Hajime Kinoko. He has trained extensively in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and continues to develop his practice through ongoing mentorship and regular study.
As the founder of Bound Studio in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he has taught and performed for audiences of up to 100 guests.
In a private lesson, his full attention is on you.
Every lesson is three hours, one-on-one, and covers you and a partner you bring.
Recommended first training visit
A strong first training visit for students traveling a long distance.
Most first-time travelers begin here. It gives you enough instruction to make the trip worthwhile without requiring a long-term commitment before you know whether Bound Studio is the right fit.
Single Private Lesson
per 3-hour lesson
6-Lesson Pack
total · $359 per lesson, 10% savings
Designed for students who want a concentrated multi-day training visit or an ongoing progression across multiple trips.
12-Lesson Pack
total · $319 per lesson, 20% savings
For students committed to a deeper, long-term training path.
Weekend priority means early access to newly released weekend appointments. Weekend availability is limited and not guaranteed.
No Partner? No Problem.
You can bring a partner, or come alone and add an experienced model for $99 per lesson.
Mention that you need a model when you request availability, and we’ll coordinate it for you.
1. Tell us what you’re looking for
Share your preferred dates, how far you are traveling, your experience level, whether you are bringing a partner, and what you want to accomplish.
2. We reply within 24 hours
You’ll receive workable times for your dates and a recommended private lesson path.
3. We help coordinate the schedule
When appropriate, lessons can be arranged across consecutive weekdays so you can cover serious ground during one visit. If your schedule requires more flexibility, lessons can also be spread across multiple trips.
We can also point you toward nearby places to stay.
When
Private lessons are offered weekdays at three fixed start times:
Weekend lessons are rarely available, so plan your visit primarily around weekday availability.
Where
Bound Studio, 315 W. James Street, Suite 203, Lancaster, PA 17603
Free parking is available.
It is. Make it count.
A single lesson can be worthwhile, especially if you are already traveling through the area. If you are making a dedicated trip, a multi-lesson path lets you cover more ground, receive corrections across multiple sessions, and leave with a practice plan.
The 3-Lesson Pack is the first-visit path. The 6- and 12-Lesson Packs are for deeper, ongoing training.
Tell us your dates and goals. We’ll help you choose the right amount of instruction for the time you have available.
Private lessons are closed-studio sessions with only you, your partner or model, and your instructor.
There are no spectators or drop-ins.
Nobody on staff will photograph, film, or post anything without your explicit consent. Your privacy is respected throughout the experience.
Bring the ties and techniques you are already working on.
With more than 1,000 hours of teaching experience, Mr. Somerset can help diagnose and improve load paths, transitions, communication, and flow.
You do not have to be learning Ichinawa. Lessons can support your existing style and goals.
Yes. Many visiting students schedule multiple weekday lessons during one trip. We’ll help identify workable times based on your availability.
No. Consecutive weekdays can create a concentrated training experience, but your lessons can be scheduled according to your travel plans and availability.
Weekend lessons are limited. Pack holders receive early access to newly released weekend appointments when available, but weekend dates are not guaranteed.
Bound Studio is located at 315 W. James Street, Suite 203, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Free parking is available.
We can point you toward nearby accommodations after reviewing your dates.
Booking windows depend on the offer. Single lesson: up to 45 days ahead. 3-Lesson Pack: up to 90 days ahead. 6-Lesson Pack: up to 120 days ahead. 12-Lesson Pack: up to 180 days ahead.
You can add an experienced model for $99 per lesson.
Yes. Lessons are closed-studio sessions. No spectators or drop-ins are permitted, and no photography or video is taken without explicit consent.
Yes. Bound Studio welcomes LGBTQ+ students and couples.
Please contact Bound Studio with any questions about age requirements before requesting availability.
You do not need to travel to Japan to begin building a serious Shibari practice.
You can study with a licensed Ichinawa instructor in the United States, receive focused private correction, and return home with a clear plan for continued practice.
Tell us your preferred dates, travel timeline, experience, and goals. We’ll reply within 24 hours with workable times and the private lesson path we recommend.
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