Rope Salon x Kinbaku Live by Michael Ropeknight x Anna Noctuelle

Date: Friday 15 November 2024

Time: 1830-2230 (Doors open at 1815, close at 1900)

Venue: Studio Yukari, London E1 4BG

This Rope Salon will feature a Kinbaku Live Session by Michael Ropeknight x Anna Noctuelle followed by a discussion led by Naoko. 

What is a Rope Salon?

Do you love shibari? Or are you interested in finding out more? Are you curious to learn more about the different styles of tying? Are you looking for more inspirations in rope? Rope Salon is the perfect event for you - for both beginners and more experienced folks alike!

Rope Salon is a social gathering facilitated by team members of Studio Yukari. To create a cozy, intimate environment for everyone, we maintain a capacity of 20-30 people. We strongly encourage everyone to engage in the event and therefore, each Rope Salon comes with a theme - commonly a Kinbaku Live session, or a movie screening, followed by discussions led by Naoko. After that, you will have free time to tie, get tied or socialise. Tea and light snacks will be served.

What is a Kinbaku Live?

A Kinbaku Live is akin to a show / performance. We invite people from and outside of London to tie and share with us their philosophy in Shibari. A Kinbaku Live session is real, intimate and based on the moment, in contrast with a show/performance, which is often carefully curated and rehearsed. We bring to you the concept and experience of 一期一会 (ichi-go-ichi-e). Every session is unique - once in a lifetime, never again. This is the perfect way to learn and experience Shibari - with a focus on the heart as opposed to the shapes. With the guidance of Naoko, these sessions are a valuable opportunity to learn to appreciate the details and the beauty in those fleeting moments, and pick up soft skills that are often not covered in group workshops.

Can I come on my own?

Of course! Many attendees come on their own and make new friends at the event. If it is your first time or if you are nervous, please feel free to talk to the team at Studio Yukari and we are happy to introduce you to other attendees.

Dress Code

Please wear something that is comfortable for you to tie / get tied in. In terms of temperature control, we have windows (in case it gets too stuffy), A/C unit (in case it gets really HOT, pun intended) and heater.

Please note that Studio Yukari has a strict no-shoe policy. We have a cloakroom on ground level for shoes and coats.

What should I bring?

Studio Yukari is equipped with wooden beams, bamboos (2 meter long) and hashira. Please bring your own ropes, safety shears and any other suspension equipment you might need (such as carabiners, rings and slings), and items for aftercare.

About Michael Ropeknight

Michael Ropeknight ties with rope since his teens and has later on been able to experience different styles of Shibari on various journeys to Japan. He studied with several well-known japanese and western Bakushi before becoming an official student of Osada Steve in 2012. Osada Steve was also the one who introduced him early on to Yukimura Haruki Sensei as he felt their way of communication is quite similar.

As an official instructor in both styles Ropeknight combines the schools of Yukimura-Ryu and Osada-Ryu in an undogmatic way. The key elements of his style are intention and empathy as well as his use of energetic components (Ki). By approaching his model in a creative and powerful, yet calm and deeply emotional way, Michael gives these styles an independent touch.

As the owner of the Fourelements Kinbaku Lounge, he regularly organizes events for beginner to advanced level since 2014 and is travelling to teach in workshops and private lessons.

Find out more about Michael Ropeknight at www.ropeknight.com.

About Anna Noctuelle

Anna is a highly experienced and versatile Shibari practitioner with over 18 years of experience. Her journey with Shibari began as a personal discovery and has since evolved into a multifaceted practice encompassing teaching, modelling and performing.

Anna’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by her diverse background. With a foundation in classical dance and breath work practice, she brings grace, elegance, and a keen sense of body awareness to her Shibari practice. Her exploration of Buddhism, tantra and meditation, as well as her commitment to yoga, have shaped her aesthetic and philosophical approach to Shibari, lending it a spiritual depth and tranquility. Being a linguist in her other life she’s constantly exploring the communicative aspects of Shibari. Anna Noctuelle’s blend of skills, knowledge, and experience make her an exceptional practitioner and educator of Shibari who understands what it means create safe and inclusive learning environments which reward inquiry, curiosity, courage, experimentation and playfulness.

Enquiries: contact@studioyukari.com