Introduction to Shibari
Level 1
Shibari or Kinbaku is the art of erotic Japanese Rope Bondage – beautiful and engaging, it has a rich history and deep roots in Japanese culture.
From artistically intricate knot work through to aerial suspension.
With a focus on connecting with your partner and enjoying the process, not just the end result, Shibari is becoming increasingly popular in mainstream culture.
This class is aimed at anyone looking to get started with Japanese style rope bondage. We will focus on the basics of rope bondage, teaching people the foundation ties that are used, talking about safety and how to use the what you have learnt. Once you are proficient at the content of this course you will have the skills necessary to have fun practicing Japanese Rope Bondage or to participate in more advanced classes and courses.
Starting from the most fundamental components, this course requires no previous experience and has no pre required skills or knowledge. You will be able to practice all of the hands on components of this course either on yourself or on a partner.
At Studio Kink, we're thrilled to announce that our Introduction to Shibari Series/Intensive is a unique and inclusive experience that doesn't require a partner for attendance. All ties demonstrated in our classes are specifically designed for individuals to practice on their own bodies. While you're welcome to bring a friend or partner to the course, please keep in mind that they will need to purchase their own ticket. In 2024, we're introducing an exciting change – as during the 4th week of our monthly series, participants have the option to bring someone along to tie (at no cost). If you don't have a partner available, don't worry, as we provide mannequins for practice. Join us for a journey into the art of Shibari, where everyone is welcome to explore and learn in a supportive and engaging environment.
Content
Fundamental knots
Safety
Negotiation and consent
Bondage patterns
Rope selection, care and storage
Classes
This course is offered in the following formats.
Tuesday evening series. This course is split into four classes starting from the first Tuesday of the month. Each Tuesday night class begins runs from 7pm to 9pm and each week builds on the previous Introduction to Shibari Classes skills learnt during the month.
A Saturday Intensive. Starting 10am on selected Saturday’s (monthly) we run an intensive 3 hour version of this course. It is the exact same content as what we cover in the the Tuesday night version of this course, just condensed. The class starts at 10am and finishes at 1pm.
COMPLIMENTARY CLASS ROPE IS SUPPLIED FOR ALL ATTENDEES TO OUR INTRODUCTION TO SHIBARI SERIES + INTENSIVES.
If you have your own jute rope please bring it with you, or if you wish to purchase your own rope to use during this course (or at home), please wait until you attend Studio Kink as jute rope is available for purchase either before or after your class. We stock natural, red, purple or pink jute (pending current stock) in 8m lengths.
Alternatively you can also pre-purchase ahead of time from here.
IMPORTANT TICKETING UPDATE FOR 2024 - ALL MONTHLY STUDENTS WILL NOW RECEIVE FREE ROPE PRACTICE EVENINGS FOR THE RESPECTIVE TICKETED MONTH. NO NEED TO REGISTER, JUST CHECK IN WITH THE STUDIO KINK CREW AT THE DOOR AND ADVISE YOUR NAME!
Online Class
The content of our Introduction to Shibari course is also available online.
Tickets
Monthly Tuesday Night Series and Saturday Intensive tickets available below.
Introduction to Shibari FAQ
What do I need to wear?
We recommend comfortable, casual clothing that allows you freedom of movement. What you would wear to the gym or yoga would be fine.
Do I need to come with a partner?
For the Rope beginners course you can practice all the components on yourself or a piece of furniture. You are welcome to bring a friend to practice on (class pricing is per person so they will need a ticket to attend too) but this is optional.
Do I need any previous experience?
No! This class is suitable for people who have never even held rope before.
What if I can’t make 4 Tuesday nights in a row?
Each Tuesday night class builds on the previous ones from that month. If you miss a class then we suggest catching it up by purchasing a ticket to attend the Saturday Intensive or talk to your instructor about what you have missed next time you are in class.
Do I need to bring rope?
We can lend you all the rope you will need to use during the class. Please feel free to bring your own if you would like, in Japanese-style rope bondage we work with 7-8 metre lengths of natural fibre rope – jute is ideal, but you can also use hemp.
Do I need to start this course on a specific week?
Yes. In order to make the most out of this course we suggest either starting on the first Tuesday night of the month and completing the four class progression in order OR attending our Saturday Intensive version of this class.
Where can I purchase rope?
Studio Kink stocks natural, red, purple or pink jute (pending current stock) in 8m lengths. Alternatively you can also pre-purchase ahead of time from here.
What if I want to be tied up?
Please feel free to come along! There’s no harm in learning some basics, and it’s a great way to get involved and start meeting people. We recommend that people who want to be tied attend this course too, it will give you a better understanding of Japanese Rope allowing you to make better informed decisions about safety and the skill of potential rope tops
What if I can’t make Tuesday nights?
We offer this course in an intensive format one Saturday per month. Alternatively you can book a private class with one of the team members.
How do I find Studio Kink?
Check out the location page. Studio Kink is located in an access controlled building. Doors open 15 minutes before classes are scheduled to start. If you have not been to the Studio before we recommend coming 10 minutes before class starts so that you have plenty of time to find the entrance and so that a team member can show you around the Studio before class starts.
Do I need to buy a ticket for my practice partner if they are not tying themselves?
For all Studio Kink events unless explicitly stated otherwise, tickets are per person. This has been factored into the cost of tickets. We believe in doing this for a few reasons:
Sometimes people don’t want to come as couples, they can come as onesomes, twoesomes or moresomes.
When people do come with a partner we don’t assume that one partner is covering the full cost. We encourage people to work this out between themselves but believe by not bundling tickets this makes it easier.
We believe that top, bottom, rigger, model, bunny, switch or anything in between are of equal importance we are an equal opportunity teaching studio and everybody learns something from whichever role they assume.