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 8 // ROPE & BAMBOO SCULPTING // INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

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 8 // ROPE & BAMBOO SCULPTING

In Rope & Bamboo Sculpting, we learn how to combine rope and bamboo to transform the human body into a living sculpture, exploring shape, pleasure, pain and release.

Rather than beginning with a predetermined form, we will use somatic dance with the bamboo to discover the sculpture together with our partner.

Through movement, sensation and a unique act of shared presence, we will allow the shape to emerge and use the rope to “photograph” that moment on the body.

Bamboo introduces a rigid element into the fluid relationship between rope and body. It can frame, extend, divide, support, compress or redirect the body, opening possibilities that rope alone cannot create in the same way.

We will explore different techniques and observe how the body responds to bamboo, including safe bamboo placement, pressure, positioning and the relationship between body, rope and bamboo.

Through creative drills, we will learn how to use bamboo to generate new shapes and possibilities, progressing through floor ties, partial suspension and full suspension according to each participant’s experience and skill level.

Following the philosophy of Tiger Nawa Ryū, we teach concepts rather than patterns.

The aim is not to reproduce one bamboo tie, but to understand how bamboo changes direction, leverage, pressure, space and composition so that every sculpture can emerge from the body and moment in front of us.

This workshop will open your mind to a new world of possibilities, introducing bamboo as a structural, sensory and sculptural element within your tying practice.

WE WILL EXPLORE

• Preparing and inspecting bamboo before use
• Bamboo length, diameter, surface, strength and condition
• Safe placements and areas requiring particular care
• How a rigid element changes pressure, leverage and movement
• The relationship between bamboo, rope, body and gravity
• Somatic movement and dance with the bamboo
• Listening to the body before deciding the final form
• Discovering a sculpture through shared presence
• Using bamboo to frame, extend, separate, compress and redirect the body
• Rope tension, placement and frictions around bamboo
• Connecting bamboo to existing rope ties and body structures
• Working with line, angle, asymmetry, balance and negative space
• Using the rope to “photograph” an emerging moment
• Creating living sculptures through floor work
• Partial-suspension possibilities
• Full-suspension possibilities for participants with suitable experience
• Pleasure, pressure, discomfort, pain and release
• Transitions between shapes without losing presence or connection
• Adapting every exploration to the individual body

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

What does the bamboo invite the body to do?

What shape is already emerging before the rope fixes it?

How does pressure in one place transform the rest of the body?

How can the rope preserve a moment without removing its life?

Our goal is not only to teach bamboo ties.

Our goal is to teach you how to discover and create living sculptures with rope, bamboo and the body.

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate / Advanced

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 and Double Column Ties
• Lark’s Head and Hon Musubi / Square Knot
• Forward and Reverse Tension
• Structural frictions and stable rope connections
• Maintaining and recovering rope tension
• Building safe floor-based ties on a partner or themselves
• Clear communication, consent practices, body checks and stop signals

Participants wishing to explore suspension must also have previous partial- or full-suspension experience and be confident with suspension lines, uplines and lock-offs.

Shibari Elements 6 — Rope Handling Lab, or equivalent experience, is strongly recommended.

You can complete the workshop entirely on the floor. Suspension is an optional progression rather than a requirement.

ATTENDANCE

👤 Solo: Welcome for self tiers

👥 Partner: Recommended

🔄 Partner matching: Whenever possible

💡 Suitable for: Partnered Rope & Self-Tying

This workshop can be attended with a partner or approached through self-tying.

Partnered work allows two people to use somatic movement, touch and communication to discover the sculpture together. Attending with your own partner is recommended if this is the experience you wish to explore.

Self-tyers are equally welcome to investigate how bamboo changes their relationship with balance, movement, pressure and shape.

Self-tying exercises must remain within each participant’s existing skill and suspension experience. Nobody is expected to self-suspend.

Solo participants may work independently and will be paired whenever possible for exercises requiring a partner. Partner matching cannot be guaranteed.

DURATION

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

WHAT TO WEAR

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

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

Additional fabric or costume elements may be explored only after the underlying placements and structures have been understood.

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

Bamboo will be provided. Please do not bring or use your own bamboo without discussing it with the tutor in advance.

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

SAFETY & ADAPTATION

Bamboo is rigid and can create concentrated pressure, leverage and force.

A placement that initially feels comfortable may change as the body moves, the rope tightens or weight is transferred.

We will inspect every piece before use and work progressively, paying particular attention to the bamboo’s surface and edges, vulnerable nerve pathways, joints, circulation, breathing, skin, soft tissue and bony areas.

The neck and airway will remain free.

Bamboo will never be assumed to be load-bearing unless its use, condition and rigging have been specifically assessed and demonstrated for that purpose.

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 pressure when necessary.

Any exploration of discomfort or consensual pain will be negotiated and introduced progressively.

Communication, breath, movement, expression and changes in sensation will be monitored throughout, with pressure reduced or released whenever required.

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 🖤🪢