Introduction to Shibari

Weekend Intensive

Join Gestalta to take your very first steps in learning Japanese-inspired rope bondage.

This intensive course is thoughtfully designed for absolute beginners, providing a comprehensive and supportive framework for learning shibari that goes beyond the scope of a short drop-in class. 

Gestalta will be your guide and teacher and will encourage you to develop your skills, ground yourself in the fundamentals of tying and being tied, build muscle memory, and find inspiration for your personal rope journey. The objective of this workshop is to offer a wide-ranging exploration of possibilities, to help you discover which elements of shibari resonate with you, whilst equipping you with a strong foundation to embark on whichever path you choose.

Gestalta has been developing and refining this workshop gradually over almost a decade, taking careful note of what works best for participants, how to convey technical knowledge in a way that is accessible, but also challenging and empowering, and how to mix technique with connection and play right from the very beginning. Guiding beginners through their first steps in shibari is a genuine passion for Gestalta, and an integral part of their own continuing growth and development in shibari.

Gestalta will teach you:

• the basic technical elements involved in tying, such as, single column ties, wrapping, cinching, and basic frictions

• safety and risk awareness in rope

• rope handling and tensioning skills

• One rope exercises for connection, flow, and communicating through ropes

• anatomy and body mechanics

• Tying and thinking creatively

• Using your breathing to create space, and set an intention

• a brief history of shibari