Seattle Shibari Presents Shibari Essentials: Tying the TK
A Workshop with Jonathan & Sappho

The gote shibari (TK/Box Tie) is widely regarded as the most iconic tie of Shibari, valued for its aesthetic appeal, potential for intense headspace, and versatility for both floor and suspension. Under the guidance of Jonathan & Sappho, participants will explore this tie, focusing on:

• Anatomy considerations and nerve safety

• Making adjustments for varying joint mobility & different bodies

• Proper rope tension

• 3rd-rope options for function & aesthetics

• Best practices for being tied in the TK

• Accurate rope placement

• Several types of rope frictions

Additionally, the workshop will address consent and negotiation in the context of rope bondage and provide practical guidance for efficient and fluid tying. Participants will receive direct, hands-on guidance and space/time to practice in an encouraging setting. Due to class pacing, one tying partner will tie.

To ensure quality instruction for each student, this workshop is limited to 8 tying pairs. 

Prerequisite: 

People tying should have proficiency in tying a secure, non-collapsing single-column tie, locking off bands, tying a hojo cuff, and joining rope together end-to-end.

Folks being tied should be able to clearly communicate about rope tightness or discomfort, self-monitor for nerve issues, and maintain their hands bound behind the back for an extended period of time.

Please bring:

• (2-3) 26'-30' lengths of soft rope, about 6mm/1/4" in diameter
• (2) 13'-15' lengths of soft rope, about 6mm/1/4" in diameter
• A blanket to place on top of your mat

Need Rope? contact us for details.

About the Educators:

International rope artist Jonathan Ryan (Seattle Shibari) performs on stage, ties for photoshoots, and teaches the art of Shibari worldwide. He has taught & performed for sold-out audiences in 15 countries and 24 cities, including Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Barcelona, London, Shanghai, Los Angeles, & many more. As an educator, he draws on 20 years of professional work in education, specializing in curriculum design and differentiating instruction for diverse learning styles.

Jonathan has been deeply involved in Japanese cultural arts for more than 40 years, and holds a high-level shibari instructor license awarded by his teacher Hajime Kinoko of Tokyo, Japan. Jonathan’s personal style of rope combines his knowledge of body movement principles, psychology, and rope art to create his distinctive style of tying. His website is SeattleShibari.com.

Sappho is an unabashed lover of rope who brings expertise in Latin dance forms and a spirit of sensual inquiry to her kinbaku. She and Jonathan have taught & performed together in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. 

As a physician specializing in neuro-anatomy, Sappho expertly combines her professional knowledge of the body with a dancer's awareness of physical movement. She is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others. Together with Jonathan, she directs activities at the Portland Shibari Salon.

For Jonathan & Sappho, rope is more than a beautiful & sensual art form; it is the invisible connection between two people made visible.

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Please note that that this is small curated event, and therefore no refunds or credit will be issued within 14 days of the event