Introduction to Shibari - Beginners Course

About Introduction to Shibari - Beginners Course

Important note: each ticket for this event admits a pair (two people) for all four course dates

We are excited to present this 4-week beginners shibari course, designed to take you from your very first knots through to confidently executing classic floor ties. The course will take a technical approach, but will be rooted in the understanding that we tie for intimacy, play and shared experiences. Throughout the course, we will break up technical drills with intentional soft-skill exercises, ensuring your practice remains present.

Rather than just memorising rigid patterns, you will learn how the rope interacts with the body. By the end of this course, you will have a reliable, safe, and highly functional toolkit to create beautiful floor scenes that feel great for both partners.

What You Will Learn

• Safety & Communication: Anatomy essentials paired with negotiation and clear communication tools.
• Rope Handling & Basic Knots: Practical skills for managing rope without tangles, maintaining consistent tension, and understanding foundational Single and Double Column ties.
• Lacing, Frictions & Joins: Learning how to utilise multiple techniques to build tension, isolate ropes, change direction, and to connect ropes together.
• Foundational Harnesses: Building structural ties across the body, including the Futomomo, simple chest and arm positions (Bunny Ears or Hands-in-Front), and a basic Hog Tie.
• Combining Ties: Bringing all your skills together to execute Agura and Gote positions. You will learn to safely position the body and adapt the ties to suit different bodies and mobilities.
• Rope Play & Presence: Weaving technical drills with single-rope sensory play to remember that we tie for intimacy, connection, and play.

Course Structure & Expectations

This course teaches from both sides of the rope. Rope Tops will gain confidence and good habits. Rope Bottoms will learn to actively participate - learning to recognise their body's signals and comfortably navigate the headspace of rope.

Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this workshop as it is suitable for complete beginners.

Each ticket is for a pair (rope top and bottom).

Please do NOT attend alone as you will not be able to participate in this workshop.

Details

4 afternoon classes, 2pm-5pm:

20th February 2027 

27th February 2027

6th March 2027 

20th March 2027

Location: Manchester - Northern Quarter

Price: £145 per couple (for the full, 12 hour course)

Spaces are limited.

Teachers

All teaching and demonstrations will be led by the organisers of Manchester Rope Jam, who have been teaching shibari since 2019.

They have been tying together since 2017, attending classes and workshops throughout the UK and abroad. In the last 4 years, their rope has been heavily influenced by Naka ryu, and this is reflected in their tying and teaching style, which has an emphasis on unique connection between partners.


Equipment

The workshop will require couples to bring 3-5 lengths of natural fibre rope (i.e. jute or hemp). If you do not have rope, we have this available for purchase and can have it waiting for you at the workshop. Please contact us in advance if you would like this option.  

Mats are available, but you are welcome to bring your own, and it may be advised to bring a blanket, as sometimes rope bottoms can be cold between ties. 

Dresscode

Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Yoga clothes, leggings, lingerie, underwear, shorts, dance gear- our only request is that you wear SFW clothing when outside of the studio. We recommend clothing that you can move easily in. Please be aware that nudity is not allowed at the venue.

Refreshments

Please feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks for energy. Tea and coffee making facilities will be provided for free. 

Safety

By buying the ticket you (both rigger and model) confirm that you are physically and mentally fit to attend the workshop. If you have any concerns, questions, or doubts about your ability to participate safely, please contact the organisers before purchasing a ticket.

All participants will be required to read and sign the Manchester Rope Jam safety declaration prior to attending the workshop.

Cancellations

Please only purchase tickets if you are able to attend the event. Cancellations will only be refundable if we are able to re-sell the tickets.