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 7 // THIRD ROPE TK LAB // INTERMEDIATE

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 7 // THIRD ROPE TK

Once the first and second ropes have established the foundation of the Gote / Takate Kote, the third rope opens a new field of structural, sensory and creative possibilities.

The third rope is not simply more rope. It can stabilise the TK, support and connect its existing elements, redistribute load and prepare the tie for different suspension intentions.

We will explore selected signature Tiger Nawa Ryū third-rope ties, studying how each one changes the function, feeling and possibilities of the TK.

Rather than memorising isolated patterns, we will examine why each line exists, what it changes and how it can be adapted to the body, the intention and the direction of suspension.

Time and experience permitting, we may briefly introduce a fourth rope as an optional addition rather than a necessary part of the TK, exploring how it can add a layer of Seme Nawa through deliberate pressure or restriction.

Before applying any rope, we will observe the body: shoulder mobility, arm position, posture, chest and upper-body structure, individual range of movement and vulnerable nerve pathways.

A TK must be created for the particular body receiving it rather than imposed as a fixed shape.

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we teach concepts rather than patterns. By understanding the purpose of every rope and the relationship between structure, body and intention, you become free to choose, adapt and create.

WE WILL EXPLORE

• Observation before rope: shoulders, arms, posture, mobility and nerve pathways
• Reviewing the structural relationship between the first and second ropes
• Understanding the different functions of a third rope
• Selected signature Tiger Nawa Ryū third-rope ties
• Supporting, connecting and stabilising the existing TK
• Working with both stemmed and stemless TK foundations
• Rope placement, tension, direction and friction choices
• Load distribution through the chest, shoulders, arms and upper back
• Adapting the third rope to different bodies and suspension intentions
• The relationship between third-rope ties, uplines, angles and body position
• Testing how the TK responds through floor work, partial suspension and, where appropriate, full suspension
• An optional introduction to using a fourth rope as a Seme Nawa layer

Once the functional principles are understood, the lab opens into experimentation.

What does this rope need to do?

What changes when its direction, placement or tension changes?

How does the same tie need to transform for another body or suspension?

How do we know whether the third rope is doing what we intended?

Our goal is not only to teach third-rope ties.

Our goal is to teach you how to think about every additional rope you place on the body.

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

To participate successfully, you should have completed Shibari Elements 5 — Introduction to the Gote and Shibari Elements 6 — Rope Handling Lab, or have an equivalent level of experience.

Participants should already be comfortable with:

• Tying a stable one- and two-rope Gote / Takate Kote
• Upper and lower wrap placement
• Stemmed and stemless TK foundations
• X and U frictions across the arms
• Consistent rope tension and body checks
• Basic upper-limb nerve and circulation awareness
• Suspension lines, uplines and lock-offs
• Clear communication, consent practices and stop signals

This workshop is not an introduction to TK. Participants must be able to tie the first and second ropes with consistency before developing the third rope.

ATTENDANCE

👥 Partner: Required

💡 Suitable for: Partnered Rope

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

Continuous observation of rope placement, tension, posture, circulation, nerve response and communication is essential. This workshop is therefore not designed for self-tying.

DURATION

This is a four-hour workshop, including a short break.

WHAT TO WEAR

Close-fitting, movement-friendly clothing is recommended so that rope placement, body alignment and changes in posture can be observed clearly.

A fitted or sleeveless top can be helpful when studying the shoulders, arms and upper body.

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

WHAT TO BRING

• Ideally 6–8 ropes of approximately 8 metres
• Additional ropes suitable for suspension if you intend to work in the air
• Safety shears or another appropriate rope-cutting tool — required
• Water, a warm layer and any personal comfort or aftercare items
• Optional notebook

If you do not have ropes yet, please message us in advance. Limited loan ropes may be available.

SAFETY & ADAPTATION

The Takate Kote is an advanced upper-body tie that carries risks involving nerves, circulation, joints, shoulders and soft tissue.

Adding a third rope does not automatically make a TK safer or more suitable for suspension.

We will work progressively, observing the body before tying and monitoring communication, breathing, colour, temperature, movement and changes in sensation throughout the process.

Different bodies require different solutions. Rope placement, tension and structure will be adapted according to the individual body rather than assuming that one TK fits every person.

Some exercises may progress into partial or full suspension for pairs with the appropriate experience. Suspension is not compulsory, and the tutor may ask participants to remain on the floor, modify a tie or reduce intensity when necessary.

If the optional fourth-rope Seme Nawa exploration is introduced, it may include negotiated pressure, restriction, discomfort or consensual pain. It does not include choking or compression of the neck or airway.

Any intensity will be introduced progressively and reduced or released whenever needed.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• All studio activities are guided by our Code of Conduct, prioritising consent, respect and inclusion.
• This is a sober workshop.

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.

If Ropejam Studio cancels the event, ticket holders will be contacted with refund or rescheduling options.

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

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.

TRANSPORT

Victoria Line

• Seven Sisters — use the High Road / buses exit
• Tottenham Hale

Overground

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

The studio is approximately 10–13 minutes’ walk from these stations.

Stansted Express

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

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME

Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the workshop begins.

If you get lost, please WhatsApp or call 07772 955 639.

Your punctuality helps everyone begin the learning journey together.

Unconditional Rope Love 🖤🪢