Handling Drills For Flow

In this shibari course, Fuoco teaches a series of drills together with her model Cat. These tie-along videos are designed for you to return to time and again, any time your rope handling needs to be dusted off.

Learning patterns may be integral to your shibari journey but so is connecting with your partner. If exploring intent and connection tends to take a backseat to perfecting patterns, developing your rope handling skills is an easy way to level up without the need for a lot of new knots and frictions. Getting comfortable with these drills will help you to tie more smoothly, quickly and confidently, so you can give more of your attention to the person in your rope as you wrap them up.

Finger Hooking: In the first drill video, Fuoco discusses finger hooking technique and offers three variations of the same exercise, utilizing finger hooking skills and three different frictions to create a simple mermaid tie. You’re encouraged to follow along however works best for you. Tie along on a chair or table. Adapt the drill to tie your partner’s upper body once you feel comfortable with tying on the legs. Keep it interesting for yourself but just keep coming back!

Make a Stick: This drill video is all about how to pass rope between the body and other ropes with smoothness and ease. Follow along with Fuoco as she does the drill herself in real time. Notice if, with practice, you’re able to keep pace with her and see your rope handling skills improving! If you don’t have a model to practice with, this drill can absolutely be adapted to work on a piece of furniture or your own legs!

Control Your Rope Ends: As we begin to tie faster and with more confidence, rope ends tend to go flying, and these wild rope ends can be a hazard to both you and your bottom. No one likes being popped in the face with a rogue rope end, so learning to control all of your rope – down to your little stopper knots – is important. Join Fuoco as she guides you through a drill designed to help you gain better control of the whole length of your rope.

Laying Your Rope: A drill that can be practiced with a partner or on your own body, this exercise is designed to help you confidently lay rope on a body with even tension, and without twists or gaps. Follow along with Fuoco and Cat and practice laying your rope down well without needing to look at your every move, so that you can give more of your attention to your partner!

This class is suitable for all levels. Even very experienced riggers know the benefit of returning to basic handling drills from time to time. If you’re a total newbie, you might want to familiarize yourself with single column ties and basic frictions first. Always remember to keep your skill set in mind when applying techniques from any Shibari Study class to your own rope practice.

* Captions available for this series: English