The Stemmed TK - Revisiting a Classic

In this class we will be revisiting stemmed TKs which were very popular 7-10 years ago but which have now become less prevalent in most rope communities. This class is suited for those who already know how to tie  TK (in any style) and are interested in history and/or learning extra techniques. 

🪢 About the class

In this class we will be revisiting the stemmed Takate Kote (Kinoko & Kazami style), which were very popular 7–10 years ago but have since become less prevalent in rope communities. This is a pity — both as a matter of historical legacy and as a loss of practical skill — because these TKs, although more complex and arguably over-engineered in their construction, are actually highly sustainable for models when tied well. They are also well suited to people whose shoulder anatomies benefit from the additional support and stability that comes from being encased in a robust rope "armour". It is certainly a valuable tool for riggers to access a wider variety of techniques and styles that can benefit different partners bodies and different scene flavours.

In this class we will be teaching you these TKs with all the details, techniques and flourishes that we know.

This is the style of TK that we (Fred and Anna) first learned to tie, and the one we taught at the studio until around 2019, when we switched to the more fusion/hybrid stemless TK we currently tie and teach.

Stemmed TKs are also well suited to those who enjoy suspensions that are more on the "comfortable" and sustainable side of things. For the rigger, they are often harder to tie — more frictions and more steps — but this additional structure brings redundancy with it, and more opportunities to identify and correct imbalances along the way. So in a way can be more forgiving and an excellent learning process.

We are excited to revisit this TK in this short evening class, and to share some of its history as we understand it. We will also reflect on the changes we have seen over the years as new influences and better anatomical understanding penetrated rope communities.

The class will be a mix of demos, discussion, and practical tying.

NOTE: we won't be focusing on suspension in this class, but we will show how to load the TKs and you are welcome to test drive them within your own skill set during this class.

👩‍🏫 Who teaches this class?

This session will be led by studio owners Fred Hatt & Anna Bones.

Fred Hatt (he/him) regularly teaches classes for a wide range of levels at Anatomie Studio in London, which he and his partner Anna Bones founded in 2015. They also teach - and sometimes perform - outside of the UK. His classes focus as much on the ‘how’ as well as the ‘why’ behind what we tie in rope. Fred's style of teaching is rather technical, with an attention to the small details that can make or break a tie.

Fast and surprising dynamic transitions and predicament Shibari are Fred's favourite flavours of rope. Fred Hatt is a somewhat introverted and definitely caring rigger who enjoys sharing what he knows with his partners and students.

Anna Bones discovered rope, with her now-husband Fred Hatt, in 2013 and has been in love with it ever since.

Rope quickly escalated from a side hobby to a full-time job, culminating in the opening of Anatomie Studio (the UK's largest and first full-time Shibari space) which she runs with Fred Hatt since 2015.

Anna has taught and performed with her partner all over the world, but her favourite place is still her local hub, where welcoming and teaching beginners is her main passion. From self-tying, bottoming and rigging, Anna loves it all, although she finds being tied the greatest joy of all.

Anna enjoys learning from different teachers and about different Shibari styles, so when she teaches she can cover a range of techniques and approaches. Regardless of motivation or dynamic, she believes rope can be a great tool for self discovery and for building trust and intimacy within healthy partnerships.

🕒 Schedule

• Doors open: 6:30pm
• Class starts: 7:00pm
• Doors close: 10:30pm

Small breaks in between as needed.

👥 Who can come?

Riggers: you will get the most out of this class if you are already familiar with tying a TK. We will assume you are already well familiar with the pattern of the TK (any TK).

Models: A good understanding of your own body, including awareness of relevant nerves, and the ability to communicate clearly with your rigger. 

🧰 What to bring & wear

Comfy clothing, remember Anatomie is a shoe free zone.

❤️ Please note

For our Code of Conduct, see here.

🪢 Flexible Memberships

Join often? Our 6-month Flexible Membership gives you 12 credits for free Jam entries or 10% off other events. Purchase memberships on on ticketing website. Use your code at checkout.

🎟️ Refund policy

Tickets can be refunded or transferred up to 7 days before the event for events priced under £20, and up to 14 days before for events over £20. After these periods, tickets become non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend within 7 days, please join our ‘Ticket Exchange’ channel on Discord to offer your spot.

💸 Financial help available – click here to learn more.