Kinbaku literally translates as ‘binding tightly’, yet in Japan its meaning describes a unique journey… An often unspoken intimate communication achieved through deft utilisation of rope. With historical roots in ‘fast capture’ techniques used by bushido warriors during the early 1400’s, the martial art (then known as Hojojutsu) has evolved into a performance art form like no other. For the person being tied, the closest analogy is a form of mediation that is achieved through the consensual restraint, almost an ‘assisted yoga’.

The workshop, led by PrimeOrdial from Kinbaku Dreams, teaches three basic floor based ties. These provide the person being tied with the sense of being ‘cuddled’ by rope, whilst also allowing the person tying to begin building a skill set that can be translated to more complex ties.