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 5 /// ROPE HANDLING LAB /// SUSPENSION LINES, UPLINES & LOCK-OFF DRILLS

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, self-tying, partial suspension and full suspension.

ELEMENT 5 /// ROPE HANDLING LAB

Suspension does not begin when the body leaves the ground.

It begins with preparation: understanding how a suspension line will connect, where it will travel, how it will be loaded and how it will be securely locked and released.

This practical, drill-based workshop isolates the essential rope-handling skills used between completing a harness and beginning a suspension.

We will repeatedly practise each movement, allowing suspension-line preparation, upline handling and lock-offs to become controlled, efficient and intuitive.

Rather than learning one complete suspension sequence, we will build a technical vocabulary that can be applied to futomomos, mermaid ties, hip harnesses, chest harnesses and many other structures.

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we teach concepts rather than fixed patterns. Understanding what every line is doing gives you the freedom to adapt your technique to different bodies, structures, suspension points and intentions.

SUSPENSION-LINE PREPARATION

• Inspecting ropes, rings, carabiners, bamboo and connection points
• Understanding the relationship between the harness, suspension line and overhead point
• Preparing and organising suspension lines
• Planning the pathway and direction of each line
• Positioning ropes and safety equipment within reach
• Checking that the harness and attachment are appropriate for the intended load
• Planning how the body will be lowered before beginning to lift

ATTACHING UPLINES

• Connecting suspension lines to different harnesses and body structures
• Single-column attachments
• Y-hanger attachments
• Selecting an attachment according to its function and direction of load
• Understanding how attachments and harnesses can move or deform under tension
• Creating accessible connections that can be monitored and released

UPLINES & LOCK-OFFS

• Understanding the different functions of suspension lines
• Main and secondary suspension lines
• Top and bottom lock-offs
• Locking main suspension lines
• Locking secondary and positioning lines
• Lock-offs on bamboo
• Lock-offs on suspension rings
• Lock-offs on carabiners
• Comparing different lock-off methods
• Choosing between speed, accessibility, stability and ease of release
• Maintaining tension while completing a lock-off
• Locking without load, under light tension and under progressive load

LOADING, LIFTING & LOWERING

• Introducing load progressively
• Maintaining control while transferring weight onto a line
• Efficient lifting techniques
• Using body mechanics to reduce unnecessary strain on the person tying
• Observing harness deformation under load
• Understanding how the angle of an upline affects direction and body position
• Adjusting the height and angle of a line
• Releasing a lock-off under tension in a controlled way
• Lowering the body in a controlled way

PROBLEM-SOLVING DRILLS

• Recognising ineffective or obstructed line pathways
• Preventing crossed, twisted or jammed suspension lines
• Responding to loss of tension
• Working with inaccessible lock-offs
• Resolving a jammed line
• Responding when a planned lock-off cannot be completed
• Preparing for emergencies and practising an appropriate response

The emphasis will be on repetition, understanding and practical problem-solving.

Drills will progress from unloaded lines to weighted practice and simple partial-suspension applications according to each participant’s experience.

WORKSHOP SCOPE

This is a rope-handling and suspension-line mechanics workshop.

It does not teach complete suspension positions, transitions or full-suspension sequences.

Most exercises can be practised without fully suspending a body. Participants with appropriate previous training may apply the techniques under greater load according to their existing competence.

Rope extension is not included in this workshop.

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginner / Intermediate

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

Participants should already be comfortable with:

• Single Column Ties
• Double Column Ties
• 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

You should also be able to tie at least one stable harness or body structure suitable for progressive loading, such as a futomomo, hip harness or chest harness.

Previous full-suspension experience is not required.

Full suspension and self-suspension may only be explored by participants who already have the appropriate training, experience and technical competence.

ATTENDANCE

👤 Solo: Welcome

👥 Partner: Recommended

🔄 Partner Matching: Whenever possible

💡 Suitable for: Partnered Rope & Self-Tying

Many preparation, attachment and lock-off drills can be practised independently before being applied with another person.

If your interest is primarily partnered rope, we recommend attending with your own partner whenever possible.

Solo participants are welcome to practise independently, explore self-tying applications or join partner-matching exercises whenever possible. Partner matching cannot be guaranteed.

Any loaded self-suspension work must remain within the participant’s existing training and competence.

WHAT TO BRING

• At least three full-length ropes suitable for suspension-line practice
• Safety shears or another appropriate emergency cutting tool
• A notebook and pen
• Any personal suspension ring or appropriately rated carabiners you normally use, if you would like to compare different lock-off methods

All personal ropes and suspension equipment must be inspected before use.

WHAT TO WEAR

Close-fitting clothing such as leggings, shorts or fitted sportswear is recommended so that attachments, rope pathways and changes under load can be clearly observed.

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

SAFETY & ADAPTATION

Suspension lines can introduce significant force into the harness and the body.

Throughout the workshop, we will explore preparation, progressive loading, body mechanics, communication, monitoring and adaptation.

Different bodies and structures require different solutions. We do not assume that one attachment, lock-off or level of tension will work for every person.

Loaded exercises must remain within the experience, physical capacity and negotiated boundaries of everyone involved.

You are always free to pause, adapt or stop an exercise.

Partial suspension, full suspension and self-suspension must only be attempted within your existing level of training and competence.

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 will be open. Follow the corridor on the right. Unit 2 is the second door on the right.

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

Victoria Line

• Tottenham Hale
• Seven Sisters, using the High Road and buses exit

Overground

• South Tottenham (Suffragette Line)
• Seven Sisters (Weaver Line)

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

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 or call us on 07772 955 639.

Your punctuality helps everyone begin the learning journey together.

REFUND POLICY

Booking fees are non-refundable.

The ticket price, excluding booking fees, is refundable when cancellation is requested at least 7 calendar days before the event begins.

Cancellations requested fewer than 7 calendar days before the event are non-refundable.

If Ropejam Studio cancels or reschedules the workshop, participants will be offered the appropriate refund or rescheduling options.

Unconditional Rope Love to all. 🖤