SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 1

THE FIRST LANGUAGE OF ROPE /// BEGINNER

Discover the art of human connection through rope.

What happens when touch becomes a language, and a simple rope becomes a way to connect?

Shibari is more than knots and beautiful shapes. It is an invitation to explore presence, trust, sensation, creativity and the delicate conversation between two people.

A rope can become a gesture of tenderness, an expression of desire, a moment of playful discovery or a way to communicate beyond words. Every movement, every change in tension, every pause can carry meaning.

Whether you are looking for a new experience, a different form of intimacy, a creative outlet or simply curious about the Japanese art of Kinbaku, your journey begins here.

Come alone or with a partner. Come as you are, with curiosity. No experience is necessary.

At Ropejam Studio, you will discover an exceptionally welcoming community where tradition, learning, human connection and creative freedom come together.

LEARN THE FUNDAMENTAL LANGUAGE OF ROPE

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

Rooted in the traditions of Japanese Kinbaku, our teaching combines technical understanding, body awareness, somatic communication and creative exploration.

This is not an open practice jam. It is a structured class where complete beginners can discover rope with confidence, while returning students can strengthen their foundations.

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 understand how rope works, how it feels and how it communicates.

How does tension travel?

Why does a tie hold?

How can rope express intention, sensation and emotion through touch, movement and direction?

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

How can traditional knowledge become the foundation for your own creative expression?

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we honour Japanese Kinbaku traditions while encouraging exploration, understanding and individuality.

We learn the elements, investigate their function and begin combining them creatively.

Technique becomes vocabulary.

Vocabulary becomes expression.

And rope becomes a language of human connection.

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.

Through demonstrations, guided exercises and creative exploration, you will begin combining these fundamental techniques, discovering how individual movements can become a meaningful rope experience.

Our goal is not simply to teach you knots.

Our goal is to give you the knowledge, confidence and sensitivity to begin discovering your own language in rope.

THE FOUNDATIONS PATHWAY

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

SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 1
The First Language of Rope

↓

SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 2
Structure, Friction & Flow

↓

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.

Every stage develops both your technical understanding and your ability to communicate, adapt and create through rope.

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 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
• Individuals and partners wishing to explore connection and intimacy
• Creative explorers interested in movement, sensation and expression
• 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.

Our studio is proudly LGBTQIA+, FLINTA+ and BiPOC supporter and ally.

At Ropejam, difference is not simply accommodated.

We celebrate it. 🌈

PROGRAMME

Every Tuesday, 7:00–10:45 PM. Doors open at 6:45 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 don't need to know where rope will eventually take you.

You don't need to arrive with experience, a partner or a particular expectation.

Only curiosity and the willingness to discover something new.

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

Unconditional Rope Love 🖤🪢