Tell us where you’re coming from, when you’re considering visiting, and what you want to learn. We’ll recommend the right number of paid private lessons and reply within 24 hours with workable weekday times.
Taught by Mr. Somerset, a licensed Ichinawa instructor under Hajime Kinoko, with training in Tokyo. Nearly a decade in rope, over 1,000 hours of live teaching, and five-star Google reviews from students who made the trip.
You get three uninterrupted hours, direct correction, and a progression built around your goals.
When you build a progression across several lessons, each session starts where the last one ended. No starting over, no relearning ties from scratch.
Built around your level and goals. Across your lessons, each one picks up where the last one ended:
Foundations and safety
Rope handling, essential safety checks, consent and communication, so your practice is 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.
A plan for home
Before you leave, we map out what to practise so your next visit picks up where this one left off.
Recommended if you’re traveling two or more hours to Bound Studio
Three private 3-hour lessons for you and your partner. Use the three lessons during one visit, across multiple visits, or at your own pace within 12 months.
Train at your pace. Use the lessons together during one trip or spread them across the year.
Real Google and Momence reviews from private lesson students. Swipe for more.
★★★★★ 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, worked with a studio model
★★★★★ Google review
“My wife and I learned so much… They were actually able to pivot for us and provide private lessons… We are not in the local area, but if we were we would definitely be back on the regular.”
James S. Traveled in with his wife
★★★★★ Google review
“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.”
Jonathan W. Couple, 24-lesson program
★★★★★ 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 C. Couple, returning students
★★★★★ 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 G. 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 M. Couple, first lesson
★★★★★ Momence review
“Matt made the experience for my wife and I, as beginners, enjoyable and completely doable. He is completely patient and his instructions are clear. Definitely going back.”
Delfin C. Couple, beginners
★★★★★ Google review
“It’s always an excellent experience whether taking private lessons or a group class… His calm demeanor, patience and knowledge put you at ease and making learning a pleasure.”
Robert T. Private and group student
★★★★★ Google review
“We did a private session with Matt. He’s very gentle, knowledgeable, and patient. He did a great job instructing steps and breaking them down into digestible pieces.”
Andrea D. Private session
★★★★★ Momence review
“Great experience. Professional, focused technical instruction in a perfectly upscale environment. We will be back. Highly recommended.”
Ted S. Private lesson
★★★★★ Momence review
“Great first private session! Excited to book my next one. Instructor is very professional and informative.”
Jason K. First private session
★★★★★ Momence review
“Matt and Tara were absolutely wonderful! They were very thorough and made us feel comfortable as it was our first time experiencing shibari. We will absolutely be back.”
Sarah B. Couple, first time
Educational and art-focused. Always professional.
Your Instructor
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.
Every lesson is three hours, one-on-one, and covers you and a partner you bring.
Single Private Lesson
per 3-hour lesson
Start smaller: Single private lesson
6-Lesson Pack
$359 per lesson · 10% off
For repeat travelers: 6-Lesson Pack
12-Lesson Pack
$319 per lesson · 20% off
For long-term students: 12-Lesson Pack
No partner? Not a problem.
Add an experienced model for $99 per lesson. Just mention it when you request availability.
1. Tell us what you’re after
Tap “Request Private Lesson Availability” and share your location, the dates you’re considering, your experience, and your goals.
2. We reply within 24 hours
You get available weekday times inside your dates and a recommended lesson plan.
3. We help you plan the schedule
We’ll identify workable weekday times and help you decide whether to use your lessons during one visit or spread them across multiple trips.
When
Weekdays, at three fixed start times:
Weekend lessons are rarely available.
Where
Bound Studio, 315 W. James St, Suite 203, Lancaster, PA 17603. Free parking.
A single lesson can absolutely be worthwhile. The 3-Lesson Pack gives you more room to build skill over time, with each session picking up where the last one ended. You can use the three lessons during one visit, across multiple visits, or at your own pace within 12 months of purchase.
You don’t need one. Add an experienced model for $99 per lesson.
Olu came solo and worked with Kim, one of our models. In his words, it was worth the trip.
Bring the ties you already use. Mr. Somerset has spent over 1,000 hours diagnosing and correcting other people’s rope, and will tighten your load paths, transitions and flow.
Lessons work with whatever style you tie.
They won’t. 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.
Three 3-hour private lessons for you and your partner, $1,197 total at the standard $399 lesson rate. Use them during one visit, across multiple visits, or whenever your schedule allows within 12 months. You get a progression built across all three sessions, booking up to 90 days out instead of the 45 days for single lessons, a written practice plan after your final lesson, and one complimentary Dojo visit for you and your partner (a $198 value, valid within 90 days of your final lesson).
The 3-Lesson Pack includes one Dojo visit for you and your partner, a $198 value, valid within 90 days of your final lesson, so you have somewhere to keep practicing after your lessons.
Weekend lessons are rarely available. Planning your visit around weekdays gives you far more options.
When we reply with your times, we’ll include our recommendations for places to stay near the studio.
Within 24 hours of your request.
Yes. If you tap Request Private Lesson Availability from a lesson or pack card, that option is pre-selected in the form, and you can change it there.
Single lessons are released up to 45 days in advance. The 3-Lesson Pack can be booked up to 90 days out, the 6-Lesson Pack up to 4 months out, and the 12-Lesson Pack up to 6 months out.
For a beginner lesson, each student needs at least one 30 or 40 ft rope, one 10 or 15 ft rope, and a pair of safety shears. We recommend 6mm hemp or jute. No rope yet? We have rope available at the studio. For intermediate or advanced lessons, bring at least eight long ropes of about 8m, plus shorter ropes.
Stretchy, comfortable clothes like yoga or gym wear; jeans are not recommended. If you are the one being tied, shorts and a tank top let the rope make good contact while keeping you covered.
Private lessons are closed-studio sessions: just you, your partner or model, and the instructor and Bound Studio staff. Discretion and confidentiality are core values of the studio, and we will never share your identity outside of your lesson.
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.
Yes. Bound Studio welcomes 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.
We’ll help you choose the right number of lessons, identify workable weekday times, and map out a visit that makes the drive worthwhile.
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