SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 1

BUILDING BLOCKS /// BEGINNER

Learn the fundamental language of rope.

Every rope journey begins with learning its basic vocabulary.

Shibari Kinbaku Foundations 1 is a complete four-hour beginner workshop introducing the essential building blocks from which more complex ties, harnesses and rope experiences are created.

This is not an open practice jam. It is a structured class for complete beginners and anyone wishing to rebuild their foundations with greater clarity and confidence.

No previous experience is required.

MORE THAN LEARNING KNOTS

At Ropejam Studio, we do not simply teach you what to tie.

We teach you to begin understanding how rope works.

How does tension travel?

Why does a tie hold?

How does rope communicate through touch, movement and direction?

How does the same technique change when it meets a different body?

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we learn the elements, investigate their function and begin combining them creatively.

Technique becomes vocabulary.

Vocabulary becomes expression.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

UNDERSTANDING KINBAKU

• Introduction to the history and philosophy of Kinbaku and Shibari
• Japanese and Western approaches to rope
• Rope types, treatment and care
• Consent, communication and negotiation
• Stop signals and body checks
• Anatomy, circulation and nerve awareness
• Principles of safer floor-based rope practice

ROPE HANDLING & CONNECTION

• Preparing and opening rope efficiently
• Rope handling, movement and direction
• Understanding rope as touch and communication
• Introduction to tension and body manipulation
• Beginning a rope scene through touch, movement and “breaking the seiza”

THE FIRST BUILDING BLOCKS

• Lark’s Head
• Joining ropes
• Single Column Tie through different approaches
• Double Column Tie
• Hon Musubi / Square Knot

We will explore what each element does, why it works and how it can be adapted to different bodies and intentions.

Guided exercises will then begin bringing these individual techniques together, allowing isolated movements to become the beginning of a rope language.

THE FOUNDATIONS PATHWAY

Foundations 1 is the first half of the complete Shibari Kinbaku Foundations curriculum.

SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 1
Building Blocks

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SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 2
Structure, Friction & Flow

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LEVEL 1 /// MODULE 2
First Rope Forms

Foundations 1 and Foundations 2 together cover the complete foundational curriculum taught during Level 1 Module 1.

After completing both classes, you can continue directly into Level 1 Module 2, where the same elements are combined to create Futomomo, Gunslinger and two-rope Takatekote structures.

ATTENDANCE

👤 Solo attendance: Welcome
👥 Partner attendance: Welcome
🔄 Partnering during the class: Whenever possible
🪢 Self-tying: Welcome
👁️ Observation: Welcome

You do not need to arrive with a partner.

We create space for pairing up, working in small groups, self-tying or observing. No one is required to tie or be tied.

Every listed date is one complete four-hour Foundations 1 class rather than part of a progressive weekly course.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This workshop is suitable for:

• Complete beginners
• People curious about Shibari or Kinbaku
• People interested in tying or experiencing rope
• Self-tiers
• Previous students wanting to strengthen their foundations
• Anyone preparing for Foundations 2 or the Tiger Nawa Ryū Level 1 curriculum

Ropejam welcomes people of all genders, sexualities, bodies, identities and relationship styles.

We are proudly LGBTQIA+, FLINTA+, queer, trans, non-binary and POC inclusive.

At Ropejam, difference is not simply accommodated.

We celebrate it. 🌈

PROGRAMME

Doors open: 6:45 PM
Workshop: 7:00–11:00 PM

Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the workshop begins.

This is a sober learning space.

WHAT TO BRING

If you have them, please bring:

• 2–4 ropes of approximately 8–10 metres
• Safety shears or another suitable rope-cutting tool

Communal ropes are available for students who do not yet own a set.

Premium Japanese jute rope is also available to purchase from the studio, subject to stock.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.

Close-fitting, non-slippery clothing is recommended while learning because it makes rope placement easier to see and check.

Vanilla, expressive or kinky clothing is equally welcome.

Come as yourself.

REFRESHMENTS

Tea, herbal tea and light snacks are available.

REFUNDS

Booking fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

The ticket price, excluding the booking fee, can only be refunded when cancellation is requested at least seven calendar days before the event begins.

HOW TO FIND US

Ropejam Studio
Unit 2, 7 Fountayne Road
London N15 4QL

⚠️ Make sure you go to Fountayne Road N15, NOT Fountayne Road N16.

Enter through the courtyard at number 7. The metal and glass courtyard door is open.

Go inside and follow the corridor on your right.

Unit 2 is the second door on the right.

There is no need to ring or message when you arrive.

If you get lost, WhatsApp or call:

07772 955 639

TRANSPORT

Victoria Line: Seven Sisters, using the High Road/buses exit, or Tottenham Hale

Overground: South Tottenham on the Suffragette Line or Seven Sisters on the Weaver Line

Approximately 10–13 minutes’ walk.

Stansted Express:

Liverpool Street → Tottenham Hale: approximately 15 minutes
Stansted Airport → Tottenham Hale: approximately 36 minutes

YOUR ROPE JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

You do not need to know where rope will eventually take you.

You only need somewhere to begin.

One rope. Two people. A language waiting to be discovered.

Unconditional Rope Love 🖤🪢