This is a workshop introducing the absolute basics of kinbaku.

Kinbaku, often called shibari after the Japanese word for tying, is an art of rope bondage originated in Japan.
Kinbaku is a practice, or erotic artform depending on who you ask, belonging to BDSM & fetish culture, where the body is bound with jute ropes. This is by enthusiasts understood as act of intimacy between the person tying and the person getting tied, as well as a form of erotic and fetishistic aesthetic appreciation.
The dynamic between tying and getting tied is typically intended as a form of power exchange play, taking on roles of active and passive. It is also a cooperative exploration of ambiguously pleasurable and oftentimes intense sensations such as of restriction, or even suffering in a sadomasochistic sense, depending on the intention.
t is common for people tying together to experience a sensation of being "high", and when based on mutual trust and appreciation, a sense of intimate, often sensual, connection between one another.

In this workshop we spend the day learning the basic principles and techniques to start your rope journey.
No prior experience will be needed.

Contents:

How to hold & handle rope while tying
Single column tie with a basic knot - applicable for every tie that exists
Double column tie (handcuff type tie)
Wrapping & counter tension
Finishing off & locking a tie
Joining ropes to add more length
Exploration of how rope tension and placement decide the function and sensation of a tie
Basics of anatomy of the tied body - how to manage and position your partner
Shibari as RACK - risk-aware consensual kink

During the afternoon the techniques learned will be applied in order to recreate a couple of specific ties for the upper and lower body using 2-2,5 ropes.
 

Requirements

Everyone needs to sign up with a partner to ensure everyone has someone they are comfortable tying with throughout the workshop. Therefore the price is per couple.

No prior skill or experience is needed.

It is possible to borrow ropes during the class if you do not own any yet.
 

Where

The class takes place in the private space of the instructor in southwest Berlin. This is a queer friendly & queer lead space intended for a small group of students of any orientation, identity, or background to learn together.
Please sign up with the intention of bringing a respectful and supportive mindset to the group as the aim should be that you can all feel comfortable exploring your shibari interest together. 

The exact address will be given once the booking is confirmed!

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11.00- 17.00 (6 hours)
120€ per couple

Register by sending an email to Tamanduaengstrom@gmail.com with a small introduction of yourself.

Such as your names and if you or your partner had any prior contact with shibari, or similar.
If you have any questions regarding the class or certain needs that would be good to know about, don’t hesitate to reach out!

In case you need to cancel plans, it is possible to get a full refund up until one week before the event. This is to ensure enough time to allow other students to take your vacant spot.

Organised by Luhmen D’arc in Zürich Click here to see event!

When we play with shibari we put our bodies, and our partner’s bodies, through plenty of absurd and fascinating situations. From the twisting lock of a shoulder in a TK to the compress and pull of a suspension line. Without question this is fundamental to the attractive power of rope bondage; how it provides such a unique experience and can touch us deeply. Tying opens up a whole new spectrum of positions, limitations, and sensations so unusual from what we can expect or recognize in other parts of life. You could say that shibari has a distinct somatic language of its own.

But to put ourselves (and each other) in these positions which may be bizarre, and often challenging, requires a great deal of trust, as well as respect for our body and what it can do for us.

How can we better get to know this unusual version of the body - the body in ropes?

 

In this 5 hour class Briki and Tamandua will guide us through a series of exercises where we explore our own and our partner’s bodies in relation to common situations in shibari/kinbaku. We will use simple movement, body manipulation, palpation, and tying as tools. The tying will be basic enough that even beginner level students of shibari will be able to try them when aided with a bit of technical support from the instructors or a more experienced participant.

Tamandua and Briki will share some insight into the logic of classic shapes and ties from an anatomical and rope technical point of view. What happens in our body, and how does the rope make the body do that? Also, what are common reasons when it doesn't work as expected? How can seemingly similar ties feel so different depending on slight changes?

They will go through some tips and tricks for models and riggers in order to better understand and work around common issues that cause unwanted forms of discomfort and stress, trouble with body management, and safety concerns from a body-focused perspective.

The event is sold out - if you can attend spontaneously, getting on the waiting list in case a participant has to cancel may be worth it!

The weekly monday classes at Chirohouse will from April onwards take place the first 3 wednesdays of the month.
First week: introduction/absolute beginner
Second week: Beginner with prior experience
Third week: Intermediate level floorwork

This 2h wednesday workshop is suitable for students with any prior experience in shibari/kinbaku as well as people who wish to practice the absolute fundamentals.
To partake you should be somewhat familiar already with the single column tie and have attended at least one class before (of mine of another shibari teacher).
In these classes we typically go through basic techniques of wrapping, counter tension, keeping tension and handling rope and body. Unlike the intro class we more often include simpler specific ties and improvisation exercises to apply our techniques onto.

Do I need a partner?

You do not need to come with a partner to this class if you are comfortable asking to tie together with other students attending the class. Keep in mind that we sometimes end up being an odd number which results in tying in threes or taking turns.
Switching is recommended for everyone but obligatory if you attend as a single person, so that everyone has the possibility to practice.

Some ropes are available to borrow but please bring a one or two if you have!

Price:

1st time attending: 20€/person
Normal price: 25€/person
Clip card for attending 4 different intro or beginner classes: 70€/person

Where?

The class takes place in a lofty dojo space overlooking the Spree at Chirohouse on the Holzmarkt area. The adress is Holzmarkstrasse 25 which is walking distance from stations Jannowitzbrücke or Ostbahnhof. To get to the room go to the back of the tall building (side facing the river) and look for a gate with a buzzer saying Chirohouse. Call the buzzer to get let in and take lift or stairs to the top floor. The room is on the farthest corner of the building facing Kater Blau. You can enter via the reception or directly the dojo area.
The room is wheelchair accessible but toilets are not.

For further questions tamanduaengstrom@gmail.com

-THE CLASS-
This floorwork class is for intermediate level students. The prerequisites below for clarification of what that means in this case!
Advanced students may also attend, chances are you have not encountered the same ties or teaching despite having plenty experience.
During this class which takes place on the fourth monday each month we focus on a different theme each time, all which can be done without suspension points. Topics may include practicing a particular pattern, learning how to make different varieties of the same tie/shape, improvisation techniques and more.

-PREREQUISITES-
To attend you need to be familiar with basic technique and principles to follow. Rough estimation could be knowledge equivalent of having attended at least around 4 of the beginner classes.

Bring at least 3-5 full length (7-8m) ropes and ideally also a couple of shorter rope lengths. Rope should be of the kind intended for shibari (jute of loose twisted kind is most recommended although some people use hemp).
!!You need to attend with at least one other person whom you can tie with to ensure everyone has a partner!!

-RATES-
Per 2h class: 30€/person (in other words 60€ per couple)
Clipcard for 3 classes: 75€/person (150€/couple)
Please note that the beginner class clip card can not be used for the intermediate class since rates are different.
Payment by cash or invoice possible

-WHERE-
Chirohouse dojo room overlooking the Holzmarkt area and the Spree. A spacious room built for movement activity.
To reach it go to the backside of one of the main buildings on Holzmarktstr. 25 and look for a metal gate leading to a stairwell. There should be a buzzer named Chirohouse which you need to press to get let in. Then make your way to the top floor and walk to the opposite corner of the building.

For any questions PM Tamandua or email Tamanduaengstrom@gmail.com

-THE CLASS-
Shibari Basics is a drop-in workshop for anyone wanting to get started exploring kinbaku as well as those wanting to go into depth with the fundamentals. The first 2 Mondays of the month suitable for complete beginners and the 3rd Monday of the month for beginners with a bit of prior experience.
We will cover basic concepts and techniques needed to start understanding and playing around with rope. The content always varying a bit to not get boring for those who choose to attend this class to work on their technique on a regular basis.

-PREREQUISITES-
First 2 Mondays of the month you need no prior knowledge.
You can come together with partner/s or also alone if you don't mind coupling up with other students for the exercises.
Bring a couple of ropes meant for shibari if you have (ones to borrow are limited).
The prerequisite to attend the ´beginner with experience´class which is on every 3rd Monday of the month is to at least know how to tie a single column tie. As well as have some personal experience of playing around with rope.

To attend the Intermediate Floorwork Class every 4th Monday of the month you need to be familiar with the basics to follow. Rough estimation could be knowledge equivalent of having attended around 4 of the beginner classes. More advanced students are also welcome since there is no upper level limit. See separate event for further information.

-RATES-
First time tryout: 15€/per person
Per 2h class: 25€/person
Clipcard for 4 classes: 70€/person
Clipcard can be used for any beginner class for the duration of the year. Note that they do not apply for the intermediate class since rates are different.

-WHERE-
Chirohouse dojo room overlooking the Holzmarkt area and the Spree. A spacious room built for movement activity.
To reach it go to the backside of one of the main buildings on Holzmarktstr. 25 and look for a metal gate leading to a stairwell. There should be a buzzer named Chirohouse which you need to press to get let in. Then make your way to the top floor and walk to the opposite corner of the building.

For any questions PM Tamandua or email Tamanduaengstrom@gmail.com