Each month, we offer two beginner classes. These classes are designed to give a basic background in the history, context, and background for the practice of shibari, provide some basic safety concepts, and an understanding of the various types of rope we use to tie.
The bulk of the class is spent learning basic ties. Within the Yukimura school of rope, we focus on two primary elements of tying: First, a very minimalist approach, focusing on what we can do with a single rope with ties that are easy to learn and easy to remember. Second, we focus on the emotional and intimate connection different ties can create. Ideally, you should leave class with ties you can use immediately, but which also have enough depth to allow you to explore shibari for lifetime!
The two classes we offer are also designed to teach fundamental constructions that will come up again and again if you continue to study.
The classes do not need to be taken in any particular order:
Hands In Front Ties
This class focuses on a basic hands in front wrist tie that allows for a variety of different positions, ranging from tight, hugging compression ties to ties that create feelings of exposure and vulnerability. In learning this tie, we experiment with issues of timing, tension, distance, touch, and curating emotional experiences. Using a variety of ties and positions, we also look at the various ways rope can be used to create construct scenes and be used to enhance communication.
Hands Behind Ties
This class focuses on the Yukimura style one rope gote (gote simply means “hands behind”) and is one of the core ties that we use in more advanced classes, all the way up to full suspensions. This class breaks down the various elements of the hands behind tie back tie to better understand the psychological and emotional effects that can be created in even the most basic rope scene.
Shibari for Sex
This class introduces three basic ties/positions that can be used for erotic purposes. The goal of this class is to show how shibari can create different headspaces to create more intense sexual and erotic experiences. This class introduces three to four ties which provide both a gradual build up of erotic intention as well as final poses that are useful for erotic activity.
