Melbourne Rope Dojo

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I like to find unusual things to do. You may have read my other article on Neo @ Abode nightclub in St Kilda. One of the things I heard about while I was at that event was the , which provides training classes in the Japanese art of Shibari/Kinbaku (rope bondage).

Although today Shibari is typically associated with sexual activities, there is a distinctly artistic and practical element to it which makes it a generally fun night out.

Rope has a long history in Japan, and this art originated as a way to detain prisoners. According to the Dojo, different ties would be used to reflect the status of the prisoner- and over time this evolved into ties for a range of uses including erotic displays (for humiliating your female prisoners). Aesthetics and "tidy" rope layout are core elements to this art. High level ties will allow spectacular full hanging suspension of the "victim" (see picture).

People are advised to attend as a couple - one person to tie, the other to be tied (although everyone gets a chance to try tying if they want to). The first session includes a lecture on the history, evolution and safety principles of shibari (as noone wants to give someone nerve compression or cut off blood supply) as well as a small session of tying. Subsequent sessions are fully tie oriented.

Participation can be casual or regular or even competitive. There are gradings that can be taken to reach higher levels of competence and technical complexity. Beginner classes are currently held on Tuesdays in Brunswick - address is provided upon enquiry through their website (and may have changed since I attended last).

You should have a look at their website gallery, it's impressive.

Here is a photo of what we did on our third session!

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