Learn the Most Iconic Tie of Shibari

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The gote shibari (TK/Box Tie) is the most iconic tie of Japanese-style rope, valued for its aesthetic appeal, versatility, and suitability for both floor and suspension. Jonathan has more than a 15 years of experience tying it on a very diverse range of bodies.

Under the guidance of Jonathan & Sappho, participants will learn to tie a supportive, suspendable Ichinawakai-style Gote Shibari/TK, focusing on:

• Anatomy considerations and nerve safety
• Effective modifications for diverse bodies
• Achieving proper rope tension
• Best practices for receiving this tie
• 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, effective guidance for efficient and fluid tying.

Prerequisites: 

Tying participants should have proficiency in tying a secure, non-collapsing single-column tie and familiarity with basic Shibari techniques such as locking off bands, hojō cuffs, and joining rope together end-to-end. This workshop is highly suitable for folks who have completed our Shibari 102 course. 

Those 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 extended periods of time. 

Participants will receive direct, hands-on guidance and space/time to practice in an encouraging setting. Due to class pacing, role-switching will be limited; one designated tying partner will tie.

Please bring:

• Three lengths of rope, each measuring 26'-30' and approximately 5-6mm in diameter
• One to two lengths of rope, each measuring 12'-15' and approximately 5-6mm in diameter

We strongly recommend 5-6mm jute, as it holds knots very well, doesn't stretch much, and has a great feel.

Need Some Rope? We have quality jute bondage rope for sale that can be delivered to you at start of the workshop. Please contact us for details.

To ensure personal attention to each participant, this workshop is limited to 6 tying pairs. Due to the limited size, early registration is recommended. 

Questions about equipment or class prerequisites: contact the instructors at jonathan@portlandshibari.com

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. 

Jonathan has been deeply involved in Japanese cultural arts for more than 40 years, and holds a high-level teaching license awarded to him 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. Together with Sappho, he directs activities at the Portland Shibari Salon.

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. 

Sappho combines a methodical analysis of physical movement with a deep professional knowledge of neuro-anatomy in her approach to rope, and loves to share 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.