Considerations for Self-Tying

In this shibari course, Anansi shares a series of self-tying primer tutorials designed to help beginners explore the many benefits of self-tying and develop confidence in their practice. Additionally, she offers some ideas for connective exercises for roping others into your self-tying with her models Reemah, Lavender, Enna and Kahrin.

When we think of shibari as a tool for exploring connection and intention, it’s all too easy to forget that not only can these elements be explored without a tying partner but there are real benefits to be derived from tying solo too. This course is built around a series of easy and fun floor-based self-tying exercises that focus on cultivating different facets of self-tying rather than simply recreating certain patterns. As Anansi explains, self-tying can allow practitioners to improve essential rope bottoming skills such as processing various sensations, exploring different types of movement and mindful breathing.

The first two exercises offer starting prompts and intentions to explore both less and more dynamic types of self-tying, so focusing more on stillness or more on movement.

In the next three classes, Anansi demonstrates how self-tying can, in fact, still be a group activity with a series of connective exercises that explore… tying yourself to others!

Finally, the group ties conclude with a casual debrief as the participants discuss what they most enjoyed about these playful takes on connective tying.

This course is suitable for all levels and, with plenty of room for free-styling and adjusting to your own needs, can be adapted for just about any skill set. Remain mindful of your abilities and allow this series to inspire your rope practice accordingly.

*Captions available for this course: English