Laying the Groundwork - 3rd edition (group 2)

Shibari is a form of bondage that originated in Japan (sometimes also called Kinbaku or Japanese bondage). The word “shibari” literally translates as “to tie” refers to intricate and beautiful knots and patterns used to restrain and feel/give bodily sensations.

FOR WHO?

Beginners with basic experience, or no experience at all.
It will be a thorough and detailed study of the fundamentals, with special attention to the safety precautions and relevant tying rules and techniques.

We will discuss the basic shibari philosophy and safety protocols throughout these sessions, and we will provide hands-on training in the most important tying and being tied techniques.

The goal of this workshops is to lead you on a path of individual and group development by utilising your body and your senses as instruments for inquiry and self-learning. This session is intended to give you the basic skills necessary to begin your own Shibari journey and communicate deep emotions with both yourself and your partner, regardless of your level of experience.

Kasia will do her best to teach you some of the most basic knots and frictions used in shibari, which are the basis of most traditional shibari tying - but also a great basis for learning to improvise and find your own unique style in shibari tying.

The workshop will address some of the most common shibari safety concerns when tying with your partner. Communication is key in practicing this type of activity. Basic knowledge of your own and your partner's anatomy, as well as awareness of your own physical capabilities, is essential when practicing shibari.

You will be able to hear a little about the origins of shibari in Japan and its development to its present form. The instructor will also explain the difference and help you choose the right types of ropes.
Each person participating in the workshop will receive as a gift one shibari rope (jute, 8 meters), scissors for cutting ropes useful in case of an emergency, and printed information on human anatomy and other useful tips and information.

WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE:

1 - General information:

• Origins of Shibari and Kinbaku - short introduction to this art form and where it all started
• Rope types and general handling information
• Safety – basic anatomy - risks associated with Shibari practice
• Safety and Consent: How to communicate verbally and non-verbally with your rope partner, setting up boundaries, and being clear about consent on both sides (as a rigger and as a rope model)

2 - Practical - learning basic knots:

• Single Column Tie - and when to use it
• Double Column Tie – cuffs -
• Frictions - their types and functions
• Extending ropes to continue a specific tie

3 - Basic ties (all based on the floor level in this workshops, but with the possibility of introducing partial suspension if the course goes smoothly for everyone):

• Single Rope Technique – building emotions, sharing deep feelings through the rope
• Usagi shibari – for people in pairs
• Leg ties - Futomomo or Mermaid
• Hands/Arms ties - with use of single column, double column and frictions from the practical part of this class.

At the end of the class we will learn how to improvise ties using the information we learn during the class.

The number of places is limited.

In case of the course being sold out, you can join the waiting list (contact: skinnyredhead@wp.pl).

The organizer reserves the right to cancel the workshops if no more than 4 people register for the workshops.

ABOUT THE HOST

The workshops will be led by Kasia Zawadzka - one of the world's pioneers of self-suspension rope performances. Kasia Zawadzka first encountered ropes in 2011 as a model. In 2012 she started tying, attending workshops and finally experimenting with self-suspension. She has worked with some of the world's leading practitioners, including Kinoko Hajime, Saki Kamijoo, Fred RX, WykdDave, Garth Knight and Esinem, to name a few.

Since 2012 she has participated in many different workshops including: General drawing and painting; Pyrotechnics; Lighting Design for the Theater; Dance and Theater Workshops; Shibari art workshops.
In 2016, she completed her Diploma in Physical Theater Practice in Edinburgh. She has experience as a rigger and leader of rope workshops. She often acts as a model in photographic and artistic projects.
Since 2016 she has been a regular on the main stage of Torture Garden Events, she has performed at Torture Garden Tokyo, London, Edinburgh and Rome, as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014/2015/2016, Rope Spirit Prague, Dive, Bound, Bark, Anatomy, Kelburn Festival , Manipulate Festival, Modern Panic Festival, Hidden Door Festival and more. She has performerd and taught in numerous events across the World, including Japan, Denmark, UK, Norway, Seychelles, Germany, France, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, the Netherlands and more. Kasia's shows are provocative, full of power and always performed with a clear and dynamic story.

FAQ:

What should I wear? - Please wear comfortable clothes that enable you to move freely and won't get cought by rope. I would suggest something close to your skin such as leggings for bottom part of your body, or shorts so you can tie directly on your skin, and maybe tighter tops/tshirt for upper body

Do I need to have my own ropes for this workshops? - I will provide practice rope on the day of the class, this will have to be returned once you complete the course. If you want to buy ropes from me, please let me know as I have a discount for people who attend my classes.

Can I attend workshops by myself, or do I have to sign up with a partner?
You are more than welcome to join this workshops by yourself as most of the ties are possible to be practiced solo, you will also have a chance to pair up with other solo attendees.You are also welcome to sign up with your partner or a friend - this workshop may deepen your connection/frienship.

Does this workshops include nudity/sensual play? It is a safe space for learning fundamentals of Shibari in an inclusive enviornment, and even though Shibari/Kinbaku has an emotional aspects, and can be a very powerful tool to connect with your partner, this time it won't be possible to use the space for "play time" or erotic/nudity content.

I am looking forward to meeting you all and sharing my knowledge with you!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at skinnyredhead@wp.pl.

Kasia