Free Introductory Shibari Workshop

You have read something about shibari, or perhaps seen an image that you couldn't shake off. Not because of the ropes themselves, but because of what you felt in it: surrender, trust, a silence that you cannot explain. And now you are curious. But you don't know exactly what to expect.

In my introductory workshop, I will take you into the world of tantric shibari. No prior knowledge needed. No experience required. Just the willingness to be present, with yourself and with your rope partner. This page tells you exactly what to expect, so you can decide with a calm feeling whether this is for you.

What is shibari?

Shibari is a Japanese rope art that finds its origins in hojojutsu, the martial art of binding. In the twentieth century, this evolved into kinbaku: an aesthetic and emotional practice in which ropes are used to explore connection, trust, and surrender.

In my work, I combine shibari with tantric principles. This means that we are not only focused on knots and techniques, but especially on presence, breath, and conscious touch. Shibari thus becomes a meditative experience. A way to return to your body and to the connection with another.

There are two roles in shibari: the rigger (the one who ties the ropes) and the bunny or rope partner (the one who is tied up). Both roles require something different. The rigger learns to listen with their hands, attuning to breath and body language. The bunny practices letting go, receiving, and building trust. In the introductory workshop, you switch roles so that you experience both sides.

Who is this workshop for?

The introductory workshop is for anyone who is curious about shibari and wants to take the step from watching to experiencing. You do not need any prior knowledge. Most participants have never touched a rope in this context.

You can participate as a couple or as an individual. If you come alone, you will be paired with a rope partner for the exercises. This feels exciting for many people, but it is actually a powerful experience: you learn to give trust to someone you have just met, in a safe and guided setting.

The workshop is suitable if you want to explore shibari as a conscious practice, if you want to deepen the connection with your partner, if you are interested in embodiment and consensual touch, or simply if you want to try something that takes you out of your comfort zone in a safe way.

This is not a BDSM workshop. We do not work with pain, dominance, or submission. It is about trust, surrender, and the art of being present with another.

What will you learn in the introductory workshop?

The workshop lasts three hours and is structured in three phases.

Phase 1: Arrival and connection

We always start by sensing the group. In a short round, everyone shares where they are and what their intention is for the evening. This gives me the chance to sense how much attention the foundation of consent needs, and it helps you to arrive in the space. We do a short breathing exercise to get out of your head and into your body.

Phase 2: The basic techniques

You will learn the fundamental knots and bindings of shibari. Not as a dry technique, but always in connection with your rope partner. At each step, you practice asking questions: does this feel good? Is the pressure okay? May I touch here? This is not a formality. It is the core of the practice. We work with continuous check-ins. I constantly ask questions about what feels good and what can be different, and we adjust the ropes immediately to avoid pain.

Specifically, you will learn:

• The single column and double column (basic bindings for arms and torso)
• How to feel and regulate tension in the rope
• How to read your rope partner through body language and breath
• Basic positions on the ground (floorwork) that are safe and accessible

Phase 3: Experience and integration

The last part of the workshop is less structured. Here you have space to experiment with what you have learned, at your own pace. I provide individual guidance and help where needed. We conclude with a short sharing round where you can share what the experience has done for you.

Safety and consent: how I work

Safety is not a part of the workshop. It is the foundation on which everything rests. My approach consciously differs from what you may encounter elsewhere.

In my workshops, we work with continuous check-ins. This means that I do not use a traffic light system (I save that for advanced classes). Instead, we constantly ask questions: how does this feel? Is the pressure okay? Do you want me to continue here? This makes consent an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time agreement.

We never work towards positions that cause pain. If something feels uncomfortable, we adjust it immediately. The goal is not to push boundaries, but to create a space where you feel so safe and supported that surrender comes naturally. That surrender is not a weakness. It is the most powerful thing you can give, precisely because it is voluntary.

Read more about my complete safety approach and consent methodology.

What ropes do we use?

In workshops, I exclusively work with POSH ropes (polyester-over-spun-hollow). These ropes are soft, have a pleasant grip on the skin, and are easy to clean. After each workshop, all the ropes are washed in the washing machine. Hygiene is therefore never a concern.

I never use cotton ropes. Cotton absorbs moisture and odors the fastest, making them difficult to keep hygienic in a workshop setting.

Jute and hemp are the traditional ropes of kinbaku. They have a rougher texture and a warmer appearance, providing a deeper sensory experience. However, due to the more difficult cleaning, I only use jute and hemp in private sessions, not in workshops.

Want to know more about the differences between ropes? Check out the page on shibari ropes.

Practical information

Location

The introductory workshops take place monthly at Freefall in Ghent. You will receive the exact address and time after registration.

Cost

The introductory workshop is free. You only pay a small contribution for the venue costs.

Duration

Three hours, including reception, introduction round, and closing.

Group size

The introductory workshops are popular and always fully booked, with about 20 participants. So make sure to register in time via the schedule.

What to bring?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Long sleeves are not ideal as the ropes may not grip well. All ropes will be provided by me. You only need to bring yourself and an open attitude.

Language

Workshops are conducted in Dutch. For English-speaking participants, I switch to English.

Reservation

Check the schedule for upcoming dates. Do you have doubts or questions? Feel free to contact me. I am happy to answer all your questions before you decide.

After the introductory workshop

The introductory workshop is a beginning, not an endpoint. Many participants discover something within themselves that they did not expect: a calmness, a curiosity, a desire to go deeper. There are various paths for that.

In the follow-up workshopswe will connect more deeply. For those who want to deepen the experience with a partner, there are workshops specifically for couples. And for those who want to work in a personal, intimate setting, I offer private sessions There is an opportunity to learn concrete shibari in small groups during group classes that take place multiple times a month.Shibari lessons. I also regularly organize rope jams.

But there is no pressure to continue. Some people come to one workshop and take the experience with them as something special they have done. Others come back and develop shibari as a regular practice. Both are good.