The term ebi zeme groups together different forms inspired by the classic immobilizations of prisoners: sitting in agura, arms behind the back and body compressed, bringing the face toward the feet.
Ebi (海老) translates as shrimp (or prawn), because the body takes on a shape reminiscent of the crustacean.
It is neither a comfortable nor a resting posture, but one of torment (seme, 責め). To make it safe, the aim is not pain but muscular stress, through opening the chest, external rotation of the shoulders and strong muscle activation.
This tie lends itself to countless variations, depending on the taste and creativity of the person tying. One of the best known —which in fact has little to do with it— is the gyaku ebi (inverted shrimp), which has its own entry in the glossary.
Versions with the arms in front involve greater compression of the body, acting especially on the breathing cylinder.
This tie works as such on the floor; taking it into suspension complicates or outright prevents its “compressive” function.
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