Shibari Rope Jam | Hojocuffs | Beginner Friendly

Hojo cuffs, also known as inline cuffs, are fundamental, nifty building blocks in Shibari. They are used to connect two body parts together, for example an ankle to a waist, or to create a restrictive hands-behind-the-back harness, or to include other body parts into existing harness patterns. They are also useful if you'd like to attach your partner to a bed frame or chair! You see where we are going with this...

In this jam we will be attaching one body part to another using hojo cuffs. The class will be split into two groups, and you can choose which one you would like to join:

• 101: Attaching one thigh to another, increasingly attaching different body parts to one another - this group is great for absolute beginners who have never handled rope or for anyone wanting a refresher on hojocuffs. We will cover a basic single column tie in the first 10min for those who do not know how to tie it.
• 201: Practicing simple tengu/hojo harness, simple hog ties using the tengu/hojo harness - this group is great for those who know how to tie a hojocuff and the fundamentals and would like to have fun exploring different shapes in a guided space.

We hope that a mixture of 101 and 201 students in this class will help inspire the absolute beginners on where they can take their practice once they have solidly nailed the fundamentals! We also think that it's important to remember that shibari is a practice that requires skills refinement and muscle memory - we hope that the 201 level students will enjoy this opportunity to practice and improve their skills. 

What we mean when we say "beginner" friendly: 
In a general context, a "beginner" refers to someone who is starting to learn or do something for the first time. It is commonly used to describe individuals who are new to a particular activity, skill, subject, or field. Beginners are typically at the initial stage of acquiring knowledge, gaining experience, and developing basic skills in the chosen area. We feel that being a beginner is a natural and often temporary phase in the learning process. It implies a level of unfamiliarity and a need for foundational knowledge and skills. Beginners may seek guidance, instruction, and practice to progress from the novice stage to a more advanced level of proficiency in their chosen pursuit.

 

There will also be limited space for experienced folks to tie if they do not want to participate in the tuition component, ask our team if you need any help. We encourage attendees to get input on their technique from more experienced riggers and bottoms.

Rope is never safe, and we always attempt to practice it safe(r). By coming to and participating in this event, you acknowledge the risks involved in this activity. We recommend attending one of our Shibari Bondage Basics Workshops we host every 2 months as rope jams are not a replacement for formal tuition. We also urge all participants who have completed the Basics Workshop but haven't tied in a while to refresh their memory with this free rope 101 material: https://ropestudy.com/courses/101/

Embodiment Rope Space is a welcoming and safe(r) space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We practice rope and shibari communally and host occasional workshops for upskilling the community. Rope/Shibari is never safe, there are only ways to do it more safely.

Absolute beginners and experienced rope practitioners are welcome. Rope Jams are spaces where you can come and practice Shibari in a peer-to-peer setting. Switching is allowed and encouraged. In this jam we will have some rope instruction in the first hour, thereafter the floor will be open for peer-to-peer learning and having fun together. Any skill levels are welcome. If you do not have a partner(s) to attend with, you may have to self-tie or enquire with other participants to pair up. Class rope will be available for use for free on the day if you do not have your own rope.

Events start promptly at 19:00. Please DM us via Instagram if you are running late. Doors open at 18:40 and are closed at 19:05. We will be strict about this because late-coming can be very disruptive to those in the space. Pre-booking is essential (cash on the night is available by arrangement via Instagram DM). Please have your tickets ready to be scanned on arrival. 

We have limited treated rope from Sudo Jute for sale and safety shears. Non-alcoholic drinks (Coke, water, tea, coffee) will also be for sale. 

Come dressed however you like - comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish. As long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here. 

Embodiment Rope Space is the love child of a group of volunteers from different walks of life coming together to actualize something we think the world needs: a queer safe(r) space for exploring kink as a healing, connective force. 

You can follow us on Instagram here: 
@embodiment_ct 
@desirelinesbondage (she/they)
@vroeteldier.kinbaku (she/they)
@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)
@rope.fu (he/him)
@hotsqueak (they/them)
@wavybeanbaby (she/her)
@gr_en.trapa (they/them)
@charliefrench_za (she/her)
@creaturale (they/them)
@_bykye (she/they) 
@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute (he/they) 
@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)
@bugartstuff (they/them)
@newyork.creations (they/them) 

1. Don’t be late.
2. Respect the space. Leave no trace - whatever you bring, take it back with you. 
3. Ego has no place here. Learn and share with humility. 
4. Ask for people’s pronouns and use the ones you are given. 
5. No shoes. Keep underwear on at public events. Nipples may be free. 
6. Do not make unsolicited comments about anyone else's body.
7. Do not take any photos of anyone in attendance without consent. 
8. Do not post photos without the consent of EVERYONE in the photo. 
9. Do not reveal the identity of anyone you meet in the space once you leave. Many people prefer anonymity. 
10. Be mindful of making noise in the space when others are tying around you, this includes loud talking and laughing. 
11. Be discrete when moving through other parts of the premises. Clothes are optional in the space but not outside the door.
12. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
13. This is a sober space. Please do not use any recreational drugs or alcohol before coming or while on site. 
14. Acknowledge and accept that you are participating in high-risk behavior at your own risk.
15. No suspension is allowed unless you have been given permission, please message us beforehand via Instagram DM to tell us about the suspension you would like to do.

What is Shibari/Kinbaku/Bondage? 

The art of binding the body of a consenting adult. 

 

Is rope/Shibari always sexual?

Rope/Shibari has many benefits and practitioners outside of the sexual paradigm. For some, it is about pushing their bodies not unlike engaging in strenuous exercise or extreme sports. For some, it is a way to reclaim their agency after trauma. For some, it is a way to experience a connection with others without the scripts and expectations associated with genital contact. As long as what you are doing is consensual and intentional, we consider it healthy and valid.

 

What should I wear?

This is a friendly learning environment, not a sexual one, so crotches are to remain covered. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. We find that it is easier to tie with minimal clothing or clothing that you can move in easily (leggings, shorts, etc.).

 

Should I bring my own rope?

We encourage all participants to bring their own rope if they have any. For those who do not have rope, we have quality rope from SudoJute on sale at our rope kiosk. Additionally, we have class rope for use during our jams as well. All our class rope is quality 6mm Tokyo Asanawa rope from SudoJute which has already been pre-treated and pre-used. We do not permit any fluids or crotch rope/face rope/mouth rope with our class rope.

 

Do I need a partner?

We encourage all jam participants, regardless of skill level, to practice and experience rope through the act of self-tying. Some of our jams and workshops may require participants to come partnered and will be outlined as such in the event description itself. For this jam, you are welcome to come solo. We do not pair up jam participants. This means that you may find someone on the night who will be willing to partner with you after walking through some pre-tying negotiation, but this is not a guarantee. If you are unpartnered, we encourage participants to watch, chat with our team, and self-tie.