ROPE JAM STUDIO

Our studio is proudly LGBTQIA+, FLINTA+ and BiPOC supporter and ally, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all bodies and identities.

SHIBARI ELEMENTS 4 // ALL BODIES CHEST HARNESS LAB // IMPROVERS

The Shibari Elements Lab series returns, expanded to provide all the tools you need to create your own alchemical Kinbaku and Shibari scenes.

Each Element explores a single fundamental component of rope in depth. Together, they form a growing vocabulary that can be combined and applied to floor work, partial suspension and full suspension.

ELEMENT 4 // ALL BODIES CHEST HARNESS

Chest Harnesses are one of the fundamental building blocks of Kinbaku.

This is an All Bodies Chest Harness Lab. The aim is not to force every body into one standard form, but to understand how Chest Harnesses can be adapted and constructed around the individual body in front of us.

Adaptation is not a correction made when a pattern fails. It is part of the design process from the beginning.

We will consider chest shape and volume, torso length, mobility, sensitivity, comfort, posture and the purpose of the tie when choosing rope placement, geometry, tension and direction.

Once understood, Chest Harnesses unlock countless possibilities for composition, restriction, movement, play and suspension.

In this lab we will explore Chest Harnesses through function, structure and aesthetics.

Rather than learning a collection of patterns, we will study the concepts that make a Chest Harness work.

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we teach concepts rather than patterns. By understanding the function of every element and the role of each technique, you become free to choose, adapt and combine different approaches according to the body, the intention and the moment.

Our principal field of study will be arm-free Chest Harness options beyond the Takate Kote.

Rather than replacing TK with one new universal pattern, we will compare different structural approaches and investigate how rope can support, frame and restrict the torso while leaving the arms free.

This allows us to explore how structure interacts with the chest, posture, movement and breath, and how the same underlying principles need to change across different bodies.

We will also use Hojo Cuffs as modular building blocks, combining them to create alternative upper-body ties for people who find a Takate Kote uncomfortable, inaccessible or unsuitable for their body.

By changing how the cuffs are placed, connected and integrated with other rope structures, we can move beyond a single solution and develop the understanding needed to create our own Chest Harnesses.

Once these structural possibilities are understood, we will also explore Seme Nawa as one possible layer that can be added to a Chest Harness.

Through deliberate pressure, restriction, discomfort and consensual pain, the same harness can take on a more intense emotional and sensory quality.

Seme Nawa is one of several ways the structure can be styled, experienced and adapted. This may include breath-responsive torso restriction while always keeping the neck and airway free.

We will build the harnesses progressively, taking the time to understand not only how they are constructed, but why each element is there.

WE WILL EXPLORE

• Construction and structural logic
• Multiple arm-free Chest Harness options beyond TK
• Rope placement and direction
• Tension and tension distribution
• Frictions and structural stability
• Hojo Cuffs as modular building blocks
• Combining Hojo Cuffs to create alternatives when TK is unsuitable
• Using cuffs, frictions and rope pathways to create original Chest Harnesses
• Chest expansion and breath awareness
• Body mechanics and posture
• Restriction and freedom of movement
• All Bodies adaptations for chest shape and volume, torso length, mobility, sensitivity and comfort
• Choosing geometry, tension and direction according to the body and intention
• Structural and aesthetic variations
• How individual elements can be changed, removed or recombined
• Adding Seme Nawa as a layer of pressure, restriction and consensual pain
• Breath-responsive torso restriction without compression of the neck or airway

Once the fundamental structures are understood, the lab opens into experimentation.

What is essential?

What can change?

What happens when we alter direction, tension or geometry?

How can the same principles produce a different harness on a different body?

From structured minimalism to more complex variations, we will develop the understanding needed to adapt and create rather than simply reproduce somebody else’s solution.

Our goal is not only to teach Chest Harnesses.

Our goal is to teach you how to think about Chest Harnesses.

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginner / Intermediate

To participate successfully, you should have completed Beginner Rope Foundations 1 and Evolving Rope Foundations 2, or have an equivalent level of experience.

Participants should already be comfortable with:

• Single Column Ties
• Double Column Ties
• Hojo Cuffs
• Lark’s Head
• Hon Musubi — Square Knot
• Forward Tension
• Reverse Tension
• Half Hitches
• No-Dome Friction
• Full-Dome Friction
• X Friction
• L Friction
• U Friction
• Half Moon Friction
• Full Moon Friction

ATTENDANCE

👥 Partner: Required

💡 Suitable for: Partnered Rope

This workshop is designed specifically for partnered rope.

Please attend with the person you will be working with during the workshop.

This arm-free Chest Harness work requires continuous observation of rope placement, tension, body response, posture and breathing.

Working on another person allows us to explore adaptation and understand how the same structural principles interact differently with different bodies.

Although experienced self-tiers may be able to adapt some of these concepts independently, constructing these types of harnesses on yourself is considerably more difficult and this workshop is not designed as a self-tying class.

WHAT TO WEAR

Close-fitting clothing such as leggings, shorts or fitted sportswear is recommended so that rope placement, structure and tension around the chest and torso can be clearly observed.

Wear whatever allows you to move comfortably and feel like yourself.

SAFETY & ADAPTATION

Different bodies require different solutions.

Throughout the workshop we explore anatomy, body mechanics, breathing, communication and adaptation rather than assuming one structure fits every person.

Particular attention will be given to how each harness interacts with the chest and torso, how tension is distributed and how the person being tied communicates changes in sensation or comfort throughout the process.

Some explorations may add Seme Nawa as a layer of controlled torso restriction and consensual pain. This does not include choking or compression of the neck or airway.

Any intensity will be negotiated and introduced progressively. Rope placement, breathing, body response and changes in sensation will be monitored continuously, with pressure reduced or released whenever needed.

REFUND POLICY

Booking fees are non-refundable.

The ticket cost, minus booking fees, is refundable up to 7 days before the event.

Within 7 days of the event, tickets are non-refundable. If you can no longer attend, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can try to help resell your place.

ADDRESS

Ropejam Studio
Unit 2
7 Fountayne Road
London N15 4QL

⚠️ Please make sure you travel to Fountayne Road, N15, NOT Fountayne Road in N16.

HOW TO FIND US

Victoria Line

• Tottenham Hale
• Seven Sisters

Overground

• South Tottenham — Suffragette Line
• Seven Sisters — Weaver Line

Stansted Express

• Stansted Airport → Tottenham Hale
• Liverpool Street → Tottenham Hale

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME

Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the workshop begins.

If you get lost, please WhatsApp us on 07772 955 639.

Your punctuality helps everyone begin the learning journey together.

Unconditional Rope Love 🖤🪢