L.E.A.P.
Workshops & Classes
Join us for our In Person Learn, Explore, Apply & Play series.
Participants will leave these workshops with a better sense of self, a better connection with their partner and a wider perspective of Japanese inspired rope bondage or other BDSM/kink education and skills. Scroll for current class listings below.
Learn techniques related to a variety of BDSM/Kink/Fetish play. Each week classes alternate focus between Shibari/Rope & BDSM/Fetish.
Explore with your partner and other participants with consent.
Apply your skills in our supportive space.
Play You are welcome to stay and enjoy our venue after the class.
If you are trying to sign up for one of our Livestream L.E.A.P. classes/workshop, do it at www.ObligeRope.org/LEAP-Livestream
Sign Up for a Class.
Classes offered most Thursday’s 6 – 11 p.m. $25 per person. (“Special LEAP Class” will appear on other days see below)
For Shibari/Rope classes, Basics and Fundamentals Starts at 6:15pm (BDSM/Kink Workshops start with social hour at 6:00)
Formal Instruction will be 7:00 – 8:45/9:00 p.m.
9-11 p.m. will be open time to apply, hone your skills plus you can stay and play
Recordings of Past LEAP Class HERE
Up Coming Class Schedule:
April 9th: BDSM/Kink Class- “Intellectual Sadism” with Miss Vee
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Kinky Psychology: Intellectual Sadism explores how psychological insight, communication, and perception can be used to create powerful mental dynamics within consensual power exchange. This class focuses on the concept of intellectual sadism, where influence and control are expressed through words, emotional awareness, and an understanding of another person’s mind rather than through physical intensity.
You will learn how to identify a partner’s desires, fears, and psychological triggers, and how these elements can shape a dynamic. This class examines how language, tone, and perception can impact a submissive’s mental and emotional state, and how these tools can be used responsibly within consensual kink.
We also cover important topics such as recognizing and responding to sub-drop, different types of aftercare that support psychological play, and ways to maintain emotional safety when engaging in mentally intense dynamics. The goal is to help you better understand the psychological aspects of power exchange while emphasizing consent, communication, and care for all partners involved.
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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April 16th: Rope/Shibari Workshop - “Pretty Patterns and Wearable Shibari” with Flynn & emmie
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Pretty Patterns and Wearable Shibari
All experience levels welcome
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Doors 6:00
Basics & Fundementials 6:15-6:55
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Flynn (He/Him)
(@Flynn_Racer on Fet Life | @flynn_racer on IG)
Flynn Racer is a seasoned kink educator with over fifteen years of shibari experience, beginning his journey through the lens of artistic photography. As the co-owner and co-operator of Oblige Rope Boutique, he blends creative expression with technical precision, offering students a thoughtful, intentional approach to rope and connection.
Beyond rope, Flynn is deeply passionate about pipe and mechanical bondage, a love directly inspired by his career in structural engineering. His engineering background fuels his fascination with innovative restraint design, shaping the uniquely hands-on, problem-solving nature of his classes. A dominant, a daddy, and an ever-curious kinkster, he has taught a wide array of shibari, bondage, and BDSM classes across the community. Whether instructing newcomers or seasoned practitioners, Flynn brings a genuine desire to keep learning and to help others grow alongside him.
April 23rd: BDSM/Kink Class- “A Point Of No Return”: Exploring Edge Play - with Paul and Courtney
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It’s about time. After years of negotiation and heavy edge play Paul & Courtney are ready to bring their experience and insight to you.
Staring into the dark abyss of our desires, how do we navigate those waters and bring to life our darker fantasies and edgier play? Or should we?
In this class we will discuss how to identify those taboo desires and urges in ourselves, how we get comfortable talking about them, and potentially bringing them to light as we step over the threshold to “a point of no return”
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Paul (Serene_X on Fetlife) He/him Rope Enthusiast, Sadist, Toppy Top, Uncle
Paul has been playing with Japanese inspired erotic rope bondage for over 17 years and a BDSM/Kink/Rope educator for the past 5 years. Paul and his partner @GoldenCourtney regularly teach on BDSM/Kink subjects related to Water Sports, Floggers, Fire Play, Squirting, and dozen of rope bondage related classes.
Paul finds fulfillment in providing space for others to explore and grow. He seeks joy in every opportunity with his partner, creating fun everywhere they go. Though a heavy edge player, consent modeling, risk awareness and accessibility are the core of all his classes.
Courtney (GoldenCourtney on Fet Life) She/her, Rope Bottom, Masochist, Submissive, Service Submissive, Edge Player
“In world filled with suffering we can’t control, it is exquisite to play with suffering we can.”
The psychological, emotional, mental, and physical challenges directly inform Courtney’s experience and the place she speaks from. Vulnerability is at the forefront of her intention and “whys” in BDSM/Kink education with a deep understanding of human fallibility. Being vulnerable in the simplest of terms is honesty and willingness to share that honesty. It’s been her vehicle to live a life that is in alignment and cohesive. It has afforded her the most change, growth and authentic experiences, fostering profound connections to herself, her partner, and the community. She strongly believes we all desire to feel connection, to be seen and acknowledged, and to know love. That these internal feelings and desires are universally shared.
Having enjoyed many different incarnations in this life, it’s her current place that she has found her propose, her calling, and her peace as venue operator at Oblige. BDSM/Kink offers an arena to explore facets of ourselves and others that is unmatched, helping facilitate that is a huge gift. It is with great honor that she has been given the privilege to teach and perform alongside her partner @serene_x since 2021. She does so in service to the Rope/BDSM/Kink community that has given back to her tenfold.
April 30th: Fifth Thursday Bonus BDSM Play Party - with you and a eightythree other kinksters
No Class this week. Just a good old fashion pizza and play party
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Looks like there’s an extra Thursday in January, so why not celebrate with a bit of kinky fun?
No class this week. No formal performances. Instead, we’re bringing in some pizza, dragging all the furniture out, and having a good old-fashioned play party. Play as you wish within the rules until midnight, this week.
Come as you are or dress as kinky as you like.
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Doors at 7 (not 6:00 this week!)
Pizza to follow shortly after
Stay and play until MIDNIGHT
Special LEAP
June 27th:Special LEAP Class - “Kinbakuartistmiki” style 101:
This is a special class presented Miki and Mirmirr from Baltimore, Maryland. They are in town for a unique shibari performance the same night as this class. Plus their Neo-ipponnawa Workshop
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Very rarely do we see shibari/kinbaku artists that have taken their passion to the point of creating their own unique style.
Neo-ipponawa by Miki (FetLife: @young_miki or IG: @kinbakuartistmiki) come from his years of experience studying in Japan with kinbaku greats Murasaki Haruan (Yukimura Ryu) & Tenma Haru (Tenma Ryu) and more.
Neo-ipponawa derived from Japanese Ipponnawa and Newaza techniques. This style is a living medium that fosters creativity, collaboration, and the development of a unique rope connection between different partners.Kinbakuartistmiki and MirMirrr approach rope by prioritizing safety, care, and connection.
In this introductory course, we will discuss our rope philosophies, Japanese style-influenced rope bundling that incorporates rope handling techniques, and learn one key pattern in Kinbakuartistmiki's style.
Prerequisites:
All student levels welcome. This class is designed for tying pairs though there is still lots of value to be had for individuals auditing the class. Attendees should bring notebooks and 2-3 hanks of 5mm-6mm natural fiber rope at 8-10 meter in length.
For all genders, body types, and experience levels!
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Schedule:
Doors at 11:00AM
Class 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Space will remain open until 3:00PM to enjoy as you like
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More about our presenter
Kinbakuartistmiki
Background: Performer & musician for 28 years. Began cultural and artist exchanges with Japan since 2008. Discovered Shibari / Kinbaku in Japan in 2013-2014. Began studying Shibari / Kinbaku in 2016. Studied in Japan with Murasaki Haruan (Yukimura Ryu), Kasumi Hourai, Tenma Haru, Iroha Suzuki and Akane. Additional Mentor: Shodo aka way of calligraphy via Mastered Artist & Performer Setsuhi Shiraishi. Began teaching in Baltimore in 2022.In recent years, works include: Art Exhibition, Performances, Discussions Demos, Workshops, Shibari Life Drawing, Play Parties and more.
Regular touring collaboration staff:
Mirmirrr (Lead teaching assistant)
Ni Xin (Performance partner)
Hideo Rakudou (Shakuhachi)
@young_miki on fetlife
@kinbakuartistmiki on IG
Mirmirrr
Rope bottom based in the USA. When joining the kink community several years ago, they were immediately enamored by rope and have been bottoming for rope since.
Additionally, they enjoy self tying and occasionally topping for rope. They like engaging with others in the Shibari & Kinbaku community and now assist in classes taught by Kinbakuartistmiki in Baltimore and recently began performing together.
@mirmirrr on fetlife
If you are trying to sign up for one of our Livestream L.E.A.P. classes/workshop, do it at www.ObligeRope.org/LEAP-Livestream
See Past LEAP Class HERE
May 1st : Rope/Shibari Workshop- “Basics & Fundamentals” : Exploring Edge Play - with Paul and Courtney
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This is a FULL workshop dedicated to showing you the basics and helping you learn the fundamental elements of shibari. For those that are brand new to rope, with or without a tying partner, ready to get a solid foundation. People who have “some” rope experience can greatly benefit from this class as well.
Please join us as we kick off our “Intro to Shibari” with this public workshop available to everyone.Find out more about the full weekend here: https://www.obligerope.org/beginner-intensive
This class will require 1-2 hanks of 7-10m rope and you do not need a tying partner to perform all the content covered.This will be a lecture, demo, see and do workshop. Expect to leave with a new tie or two and some new ideas for spicy time.
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Paul (Serene_X on Fetlife) He/him Rope Enthusiast, Sadist, Toppy Top, Uncle
Paul has been playing with Japanese inspired erotic rope bondage for over 17 years and a BDSM/Kink/Rope educator for the past 5 years. Paul and his partner @GoldenCourtney regularly teach on BDSM/Kink subjects related to Water Sports, Floggers, Fire Play, Squirting, and dozen of rope bondage related classes.
Paul finds fulfillment in providing space for others to explore and grow. He seeks joy in every opportunity with his partner, creating fun everywhere they go. Though a heavy edge player, consent modeling, risk awareness and accessibility are the core of all his classes.
Courtney (GoldenCourtney on Fet Life) She/her, Rope Bottom, Masochist, Submissive, Service Submissive, Edge Player
“In world filled with suffering we can’t control, it is exquisite to play with suffering we can.”
The psychological, emotional, mental, and physical challenges directly inform Courtney’s experience and the place she speaks from. Vulnerability is at the forefront of her intention and “whys” in BDSM/Kink education with a deep understanding of human fallibility. Being vulnerable in the simplest of terms is honesty and willingness to share that honesty. It’s been her vehicle to live a life that is in alignment and cohesive. It has afforded her the most change, growth and authentic experiences, fostering profound connections to herself, her partner, and the community. She strongly believes we all desire to feel connection, to be seen and acknowledged, and to know love. That these internal feelings and desires are universally shared.
Having enjoyed many different incarnations in this life, it’s her current place that she has found her propose, her calling, and her peace as venue operator at Oblige. BDSM/Kink offers an arena to explore facets of ourselves and others that is unmatched, helping facilitate that is a huge gift. It is with great honor that she has been given the privilege to teach and perform alongside her partner @serene_x since 2021. She does so in service to the Rope/BDSM/Kink community that has given back to her tenfold.
May 7th: BDSM/Kink Class- Impact Play 101- “How to and Why we do” - with Paul and Courtney
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“Impact Play” is kink/BDSM play where one partner strikes another using hands or toys. The general practice of this may include spanking, flogging, caning, paddling, whipping and more. Partners do this for a virally of reasons. Mutual gratification, be it mental or sexual. Trust-building or “funishment” in committed relationships. Sometimes is just for endorphin release between friends. Impact play can involves sensations ranging from light teasing to intense pain.
In this class we touch on all these things and dive way deeper into not only the “how to” but the “why we do”. Taking into consideration negotiation, best practices, desired outcomes and the shared experience of the intimacy this play can create.
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Paul (Serene_X on Fetlife) He/him Rope Enthusiast, Sadist, Toppy Top, Uncle
Paul has been playing with Japanese inspired erotic rope bondage for over 17 years and a BDSM/Kink/Rope educator for the past 5 years. Paul and his partner @GoldenCourtney regularly teach on BDSM/Kink subjects related to Water Sports, Floggers, Fire Play, Squirting, and dozen of rope bondage related classes.
Paul finds fulfillment in providing space for others to explore and grow. He seeks joy in every opportunity with his partner, creating fun everywhere they go. Though a heavy edge player, consent modeling, risk awareness and accessibility are the core of all his classes.
Courtney (GoldenCourtney on Fet Life) She/her, Rope Bottom, Masochist, Submissive, Service Submissive, Edge Player
“In world filled with suffering we can’t control, it is exquisite to play with suffering we can.”
The psychological, emotional, mental, and physical challenges directly inform Courtney’s experience and the place she speaks from. Vulnerability is at the forefront of her intention and “whys” in BDSM/Kink education with a deep understanding of human fallibility. Being vulnerable in the simplest of terms is honesty and willingness to share that honesty. It’s been her vehicle to live a life that is in alignment and cohesive. It has afforded her the most change, growth and authentic experiences, fostering profound connections to herself, her partner, and the community. She strongly believes we all desire to feel connection, to be seen and acknowledged, and to know love. That these internal feelings and desires are universally shared.
Having enjoyed many different incarnations in this life, it’s her current place that she has found her propose, her calling, and her peace as venue operator at Oblige. BDSM/Kink offers an arena to explore facets of ourselves and others that is unmatched, helping facilitate that is a huge gift. It is with great honor that she has been given the privilege to teach and perform alongside her partner @serene_x since 2021. She does so in service to the Rope/BDSM/Kink community that has given back to her tenfold.
May 14th : Rope/Shibari Workshop- Torture Ties: “Evil Extras”- with Xeno & Serena
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Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate | Solo or Partnered
This class is not designed for mild discomfort; the techniques in this class are force-amplifiers intended to cause intense pain. If you like the thought of coconut rope or sliding bottle caps under the rope you’ve tied on your bottom, then this is the class for you – we will cover that, and more. We will incorporate several adaptations into our rope in order to make the sensations more digging, abrasive, or compressive than we would be able to using rope alone. If you have something in mind to tie into rope (think: things that would suck to step on), feel free to bring them and get creative. If you have at least one length of roughly 8m rope, please bring it to class with you. Skill level required is minimal; some basic rope knowledge would be beneficial, but is not required, and a prior understanding of general rope safety is assumed. Self-riggers are welcome.
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Xeno is your friendly neighborhood sadist. His favorite kinks include rope, knives, rough body play, and raw vulnerability – generally, with a heavy emphasis on pain. As a presenter, he values inclusivity and adaptability, and strives to make his classes work for the attendees, rather than the other way around. He has enjoyed planning, hosting, and presenting at various events since 2016, and is currently active with the Board of Education and a co-chair of the Board of Education TNG Committee. As a strong advocate of direct communication and critical thinking about risk profiles, he strives to promote responsible play at all intensity levels. (Pronouns: he/they, FetLife: @_MrNobody)
Serena is sweet as can be! So, naturally, she paired up with a sadist to strike a perfect balance. She entered the community in early 2021, and quickly discovered her home here. Since then, she's spent her time fostering friendships, serving the community, learning all the kinky things, and exploring her interests. In general, she’s drawn to bottoming and dabbles in topping, but her love for receiving mean rope remains constant and true. She currently serves as secretary on the Board of Directors for the Board of Education, as well as a member of the Board of Education TNG Committee. (Pronouns: she/they, FetLife: @ser0tonin_)
May 21st: BDSM/Kink Class- Psychology of kink- “Finding Your Why”: with Autumn
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The psychology of kink focuses on understanding some of our underlying needs BDSM, Kink, Fetish Play. Needs like safety, control, trust, or stress relief—that drive “non-normative”, sometimes sexual, sometimes not, desires. Often transforming pain, humiliation, degradation, or cake into pleasure. "Finding your why" involves exploring childhood influences, fantasies, or unmet emotional needs, and utilizing tools like self-reflection, F.A.F.O. and open communication to differentiate between healthy expression\exploration, and compulsion, self destructive behaviors.
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Autumn (FerventLight on FetLife)
SoPoRA(solo-poly relationship anarchist)
Non-Binary Trans Femme of Center, accepted pronouns are They/She.
Reiki Master, Tantrika, Path of the Quadishti level I graduate.
I realized I haven't posted many pictures here since Jan 2022...So many good memories, I may have to start catching up.
For those into this:
Scorpio Sun
Capricorn Moon
Libra Rising
ENFP and Enneagram 4W5.
June 18th: BDSM/Kink Class- Relationship Anarchy & Power Exchange - with Rhapsody
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Relationship Anarchy fits a lot of different kinds of relating under its umbrella. But what about power and authority exchange? Can you be a Dom or a sub and also a Relationship Anarchist? Absolutely! Let's talk about how!
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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Rhapsody_In_Blue has been an active part of MI fetish and kink culture for the last 9 years. She is a venue owner, educator, community builder, advocate, and semi professional pain in the ass. She enjoys clever conversation, solving complicated problems with creative people, and craft cocktails. She is constantly practicing her communication skills and karaoke performances. Accepts bribes in the form of stickers, coffee, and donations to her Lansing based kink venue The Gallery.
June 4th: BDSM/Kink Class- Hypnokink 101- with H-ST
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Do you like to play mind games with someone? Don’t you wish that you could play with someone’s mind to make them do all sorts of fun things? Want to know what Hypnokink is all about? Learn all the basics in this class, from negotiating pre-scene and the importance of safety, to mythbusting misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnokink, to some fun demonstrations. You can also be sure to get your questions answered as well in this 101 class!
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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H-ST has had a fascination with psychology for as long as they could remember. So much so that they joined the kink community (online initially) in October of 2021. Joining the irl community in May of 2022, H-ST’s interest in hypnokink/erotic hypnosis was their main drive. They have helped out with A2TNG and at the end of January 2024 they became a board member for the group. They also run the Wandering Mindgazers currently, the local hypnokink group. When H-ST went to Charmed!2024 , they had a desire to teach locally in their community. H-ST has been a subject for since January of 2022, and has been a hypnotist (becoming an hypnoswitch also) since January of 2024. Meeting many different people to learn, grow, and evolve has been such a blessing, and teaching is a way that they would like to give back.
June 11th : Rope/Shibari Workshop- “Torture Through Constraint” with Peach & anyette
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Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate | Solo or Partnered
What happens when one rope is enough? This class examines torture through constraint, fatigue, and intentional denial using a single continuous rope. By limiting materials, we sharpen awareness of the body, breath, and the slow accumulation of discomfort over time.
Participants will explore how posture, stillness, and micro-adjustments can transform simple structures into intense experiences. The focus is not on elaborate ties, but on how presence, pacing, and choice shape sensation.
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Doors/Social Hour at 6:00
Basics Mini Class 6:15
Formal Class at 7:00
“Stay & Play” 9-11:00
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@PersuasivePeach is a rope switch, edge player, and collared submissive (MDD’s the lucky one) based in Northwest Ohio. With a little over four years in the scene, she’s taught or supported classes on breath play, cold branding, caning, sensory deprivation, cigar play, and- of course- rope.
She leads the monthly Toledo Area Tied Up rope class, where she helps participants build skill, confidence, and connection through hands-on learning and thoughtful challenge. Peach enjoys exploring the edges of comfort and control, and she’s passionate about helping others find their own rhythm in rope, whether they’re flying or staying grounded.
@Anyette (she/they) is a submissive rope bottom from the Detroit area with an affinity for play that evokes discomfort and distress, and she believes that the best way to explore those thoroughly and safely is through transparent and efficient communication.
Anyette’s will be covering concepts like active bottoming in rope, embracing intentional discomfort, and how to establish efficient communication with your rope top so you both feel safe and connected (even when things get a little uncomfy – intentionally, of course)