Ipponnawa with huahua

[Recurring event - the last Monday of every month]

Explore the endless possibilities of play through a single rope with hua hua

Date: Last Monday of each month - please see dates under "Tickets"

Time: 1930-2230 (Doors open at 1900, close at 1930)

Venue: Studio Yukari, London E1 4BG

What is Ipponnawa?

Ipponnawa means one rope. Beyond the literal meaning, Ipponnawa is a unique concept in Shibari that has come to represent a method of tying where there is greater attention to communication and the interaction rather than the complicated patterns or positions. Unlike other styles, where we can rely on adding ropes to create a response, with one rope there is nothing to distract from the tension between us.

What you will learn?

With a single rope there is endless potential. In this monthly-recurring class we will be exploring all of the possibilities that can be created when we are intentional about the application of each individual rope. Each month we will explore different aspects such as: rope handling, observing the model’s natural reactions, maintaining headspace, body handling and quality of touch drawing inspiration from her studies in Yukimura Ryu. In each class there will be a range of exercises that focus much more on the soft skills of Shibari. Practicing Ipponnawa can also help students to improvise when tying as there are no set patterns taught in this class.

Class Structure

The classes are designed as a safe space, where we can welcome vulnerability, and foster intimacy. For this reason, a large portion of the class is dedicated to discussion and feedback. Classes will begin with self-introductions and follow with progressive exercise. Each month the class will be designed around a different theme. These can range from the philosophical, to the technical, such as practicing selflessness and body manipulation. Feedback is a very important feature of these classes as we strongly believe that there are a lot of details and inspiration from watching others, and hearing new perspectives. Often students will be asked to demonstrate to the group and receive feedback altogether. At the end of each class will be a demonstration followed by dedicated time to freely improvise. 

How long is the class?

Each class is 2 hours in length. Doors open 30 minutes before class so that you have time to settle in. There will be an 1-hour free practice time after the class. Students may choose to participate to improvise based on the lesson content, freely practice or skip this out if they wish.

1900 Doors open

1930-2130 Class

2130-2230 Free practice

What level of experience do I need to join this class?

Ipponnawa is suitable for all levels of Shibari, which can benefit experienced and novice Shibari practitioners alike. It is recommended that students can familiarise themselves with basic Shibari techniques such as the hon musubi (square/reef Knot) and the Single Column Tie before the class.

Do I need to prepare my own rope?

It is recommended that students bring at least one full length rope (8-10m). Limited ropes will also be provided at the studio. Whilst Ipponnawa means one rope, there are some exercises where we will use more than one.

Can I attend alone?

Yes, you are welcome to attend alone and find a partner to work with in the class. You can also attend alone if you want to only experience being tied.

Is switching permitted?

In order to maintain a focused headspace, students are asked to dedicate to one role (top or bottom) without switching. However in some exercises switching roles or partners will be permitted.

What if I do not want to tie or be tied?

Consent is highly valued in this class. You do not need to participate in any activity that you do not feel comfortable with. As a large portion of the class is discussion and theory, there is a lot to absorb without having to participate in the physical practices.

Can I practice another Shibari style during the class?

There will be time at the end of the class for free practice. Please try to keep your own free practice to this dedicated space and not during the exercises, talk or demonstrations as to not disturb other students around you.

About hua hua (she/her)

hua hua (she/her) is a Shibari artist, Dominatrix and founder of Borderline Productions, currently based in London. She began the first public Shibari classes in Shanghai in 2017 and facilitated numerous events across China to help promote BDSM culture. hua hua left China in 2022 to access a wider community, and has taught in numerous countries across the globe. She runs a Patreon page where she can gather the international community and provide global access to resources of Shibari culture.

She believes that Shibari is a place to explore our inner most desires with authenticity and mindfulness. To her, ropes can create bonds beyond cultural, linguistic or social barriers. Her teaching style is more holistic than systematic, focusing on a slow pacing to encourage a more intentional practice and appreciation of small details.

Beyond teaching, she is passionate about developing Shibari culture through her project Borderline Productions. Working primarily with film, her work is often drawn from her personal journey navigating the world of Kink and life as a Dominatrix. She frequently collaborates with artists from other fields such as fashion, dance and experimental theatre to explore the relationship of BDSM with other subcultures.

Enquiries: contact@studioyukari.com