SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 2

STRUCTURE, FRICTION & FLOW /// IMPROVERS

Learn the mechanics behind every harness.

A complex Shibari harness can initially appear to be one mysterious object.

When we learn to recognise its individual elements, we begin to see something different:

A combination of understandable building blocks.

Shibari Kinbaku Foundations 2 is the technical bridge between learning your first fundamental ties and beginning to construct complete Shibari forms.

This four-hour improvers workshop completes the essential toolkit introduced in Foundations 1.

Every harness is created by arranging, combining and adapting these elements.

Once you understand what they do, you can begin learning to read rope rather than simply memorising patterns.

FROM TECHNIQUE TO LANGUAGE

Foundations 2 is dedicated to structure, tension, direction and friction.

We investigate how rope connects to itself, how tension is maintained or redirected and how different frictions change the behaviour of a structure.

But technique is never separate from the body.

We will also explore how tension, rhythm, movement and micro-adjustments allow rope to become responsive, expressive and connected.

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we do not simply ask:

“How do I reproduce this tie?”

We begin asking:

Why does it work?

What is this element doing?

Where does the tension travel?

What happens when the rope changes direction?

How can these elements be combined differently?

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

TENSION & DIRECTION

• Reviewing secure Single and Double Column Ties
• Forward tension
• Reverse tension
• Maintaining and recovering tension
• Understanding how direction changes structure
• Reading tension through the rope and the body

SLIP KNOTS & QUICK RELEASES

• Japanese slip-knot and quick-release approaches
• Understanding when and why a quick release is useful
• Creating secure connections that can be opened efficiently

THE FRICTION TOOLKIT

• Half Hitch
• No-Dome Friction
• Full-Dome Friction
• X Friction
• L Friction
• U Friction
• Half Moon Friction
• Full Moon Friction

Rather than memorising a list, we investigate the mechanical function of every friction:

• What does it connect?
• Which direction does it support?
• Where is tension held?
• What movement does it allow or prevent?
• How can it be adapted to different bodies and structures?

FRICTION IMPROVISATION LAB

After studying each element individually, we begin combining them through guided free-form tying.

This is where technique begins becoming language.

You will explore:

• Moving between different frictions without following a fixed pattern
• Creating pathways around the body
• Responding to posture, movement and tension feedback
• Making micro-adjustments while tying
• Using rope to communicate through rhythm, pressure and direction
• Beginning to discover your own rope choices and personal style

The purpose is not to produce one predetermined harness.

The purpose is to understand the ingredients from which countless harnesses can be created.

THE FOUNDATIONS PATHWAY

SHIBARI KINBAKU FOUNDATIONS 1
Building Blocks

↓

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 these elements are applied to Futomomo, Gunslinger and two-rope Takatekote structures.

SKILL LEVEL & PREREQUISITES

Skill level: Improvers / Advanced Beginners

You should already be comfortable with:

• Lark’s Head
• Joining ropes
• Single Column Tie
• Double Column Tie
• Hon Musubi / Square Knot
• Basic consent, communication and rope safety

Completing Shibari Kinbaku Foundations 1 is the recommended preparation.

Equivalent foundational experience is also welcome.

This is a structured four-hour class, not an open practice jam.

ATTENDANCE

👤 Solo attendance: Welcome
👥 Partner attendance: Recommended
🔄 Partner matching: Whenever possible
🪢 Suitable for: Partnered rope and self-tying

You can attend alone, with a friend or with an established rope partner.

The principles and techniques taught can be explored through partnered rope or self-tying. Some partner-based exercises may be adapted according to the group.

Every listed date is one complete Foundations 2 class rather than part of a progressive weekly course.

ROPEJAM STUDIO

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. 🌈

Respect, kindness and consent form the ground we tie on.

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

Please bring, if you have them:

• 2–4 ropes of approximately 8–10 metres
• Safety shears or another suitable rope-cutting tool
• Comfortable clothing suitable for movement and tying

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

Close-fitting, non-slippery clothing is recommended while learning because it makes rope placement and tension 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

LEARN THE ELEMENTS

Understand their function.

Experiment.

Discover.

Create.

The goal is not simply to reproduce somebody else’s rope.

The goal is to develop the understanding from which your own rope can emerge.

Unconditional Rope Love 🖤🪢