LIMINAL: Aibunawa ("Caressing rope") - by Stuart & Ineya

About this event

Aibunawa (愛撫縄, "caressing rope"), is a shibari style developed by Yukimura Haruki. It
focuses on exploring the sensual and intimate aspects of shibari through floor-based
practices, valuing careful attention and meaningful intention over technical complexity.
This workshop focuses on the foundational elements of aibunawa. Participants will:

● Discover basic body handling movements and techniques.
● Practice common exercises and patterns specific to the aibunawa style.
● Learn to use “the space in between” in space and time to build emotional tension.
● Deepen connection using a single rope, covering both aisatsunawa (greeting rope) and
ipponnawa (one rope) techniques.

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This workshop focuses on emotional aspects of floor-based rope bondage more than
technical aspects. During this process, we will explore the emotional landscapes of
pleasure, shame and exposure, supporting participants in examining desires, boundaries
and vulnerabilities.

While this workshop centers on sensual connection, participants may experience a range of
feelings or emotions beyond arousal within themselves or in relation to their tying partner.
Please know that these reactions are normal, welcome, and valid - we are all continually
learning what resonates with us most.

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Schedule:

Sat/sun 29-30 August

12:00 - 19:00

1 hour lunchbreak (Take your own lunch)
Light snacks & tea/water provided

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Requirements:

● 5-6 ropes, 7-8 meters long, preferably 4-5mm.
● The person tying should be comfortable using a non-collapsing single-column tie, ideally
with a square knot.
● Clothing that allows the person in ropes to be partially exposed can enhance the
experience for both partners.

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Stuart approaches shibari as a non-verbal conversation - utilizing rope, presence, intention,
and time as the essential components of a language for delving into sensuality, eroticism,
and deep emotion.

He began his study of shibari more than a decade ago. He initially studied with various
European and Japanese instructors to learn fundamental skills, while exploring diverse
styles. Eventually, his practice narrowed, first focusing on Naka-style semenawa (torment
rope) and later on aibunawa. Stuart views aibu and seme as distinct yet complementary
energetic approaches, and he integrates elements of both styles into his sessions. He has
had the honor of studying with six students of Yukimura-sensei.
More information on Stuart’s ropes and teaching can be found on bothhands-kinbaku.com

Ineya's rope journey began in 2016 and over the years she developed a deep connection to shibari, exploring both the emotional and physical aspects of rope. Not drawn to one specific style made her develop experience in multiple different ways of "doing" rope. This in turn created an open and diverse perspective to rope(bottoming).

Her approach as a bottom is rooted in emotional openness, power exchange, and a fascination with how rope can create a non-verbal dialogue between two people.
She offers insights from the bottom perspective that help both riggers and bottoms connect more consciously and safely—emphasizing curiosity, emotional depth, and the unique energy that rope can create.