“RopeFusion” Intensive Weekend
with RopuNawa and Freya
December 11th-13th at Oblige
“RopeFusion”
Please join us in welcome Ropunawa & Freya to Oblige for their weekend long RopeFusion intensive
-
RopuNawa
RopuNawa first encountered Shibari/Kinbaku in 2008 at a performance in Australia. This performance stayed with him on his way back to Switzerland, where he began his own journey with the rope. He formed the foundation from Osada Steve’s style, which was taught in Switzerland at that time. However, he did not stay with this one style, but was inspired by many other teachers. For RopuNawa, there is not one way to tie, but the heart of his style lies in the need of his model. These needs can be as diverse as the individuality of the people themselves, and through the diversity of his style, he can best respond to his partners needs and wants. He appreciates the non verbal connection, that he can create with each tying partner.
The aesthetics he picked up while first getting to know Naka’s style, who influenced him early on. While Naka still accompanies him today, Tifereth has inspired him on this path for the last 2 years as well.
Yoroi was another of his great first influences, who’s style gave RopuNawa’s taste for less is more space to develop. Yagami Ren also influenced him in this direction.
Today RopuNawa unites parts of all these styles in his personal rope art, which he lives and teaches in Basel to students all over the world, as he continues to travel worldwide, giving workshops and getting inspired by his old teachers and new encounters.
Find out more about his space and offerings here https://www.tyingwithfriends.com/
Freya
Freya discovered rope in 2015. Driven by her fascination with communication through the body — beyond words and algorithms — she found herself repeatedly drawn to Shibari. Through this practice, she explored and deepened both intensity and the subtle dynamics shared with her partner.
Immersing herself in the art of rope bondage has become an essential platform for her personal expression. Within physical limitations, she experiences an unexpected sense of freedom that arises through surrender. By embracing boundaries, her mind becomes an explorer, venturing into realms of imagination and self-discovery.
As both, a model and educator, it is deeply important to her to share a balanced and authentic perspective on the development as a Shibari model. She values transparency about growth, challenges, responsibility, and the emotional depth that accompanies this path. For her, education is not only about technique, but about encouraging awareness, critical reflection, and a sustainable approach.
Since 2018, her ongoing passion has taken her across international stages as a model for workshops, photo shoots, and performances — allowing her to deepen her perspective and share her experiences.
-
Introduction to Shapeless Tying
(Friday Night’s Special LEAP)
Shapeless tying is an improvisational approach to rope that focuses on connection, movement, and responsiveness rather than predefined patterns or structures.
In this workshop, we will explore the fundamentals of shapeless tying and learn how to use rope to connect with our partners in a variety of positions and situations. Through simple exercises, we'll focus on body mechanics, rope handling, and moving efficiently with our partners while creating engaging rope experiences together.
This class is ideal for those who are newer to rope, as well as more experienced practitioners who would like to expand beyond patterned tying and develop a more intuitive approach. For rope bottoms, it offers an opportunity to experience rope in a dynamic and responsive way, with an emphasis on movement, sensation, and connection.
Participants will leave with practical tools and ideas for incorporating shapeless tying into their own rope practice and scenes.
RopeFusion
(Saturday and Sunday Daytime classes)
Combining different styles to create something new, exciting and unique.
Shibari offers a wide range of styles, schools and approaches. In RopeFusion, we explore how combining different elements can expand our repertoire and open up new creative possibilities.
To merge styles successfully and responsibly, it is essential to understand the individual components of a tie — their original intention, structure and mechanics. Throughout this workshop, we will analyse foundational shapes, examine their function, and explore when and how elements from different styles can be combined in a safe and meaningful way. We will also address potential caveats and structural considerations when blending techniques.
Throughout the workshop, we move into a deeper exploration of minimalism, body mechanics and intentional restriction. We will work with the locking of specific body parts and investigate how breath, tension and structure can influence both, floor work and suspension. Special emphasis will be placed on emotional presence, connection and the dynamic between rigger and model while tying.
The background or stylistic “school” of participants is not important. What matters is openness towards a non-normative and non-dogmatic approach to rope, as well as solid suspension experience from both rigger and model.
Please note:
We will primarily tie on bamboo.
Please bring 10-12 ropes (7–8m each).
We will begin with foundational shapes and build from there. The depth and complexity we reach will depend on the overall level of the group.
This workshop is NOT suitable for beginners.
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites
The rigger must be able to tie a safe, stable and loadable gote and suspension line that the rope model feels confident and comfortable in. Both partners should have experience with various suspensions and feel secure in body management in rope.
Content may vary from previous RopeFusion workshops.
-
As only Oblige does
Saturday Night: Shibari Performance & Play featuring RopuNawa and Freya
Join us for a rare in-person look into the connection and intimacy between these two world renowned rope practitioners.
Followed be another one of Oblige’s BDSM play parties. Check the rules HERE
Dress to Impress: If you like to be a little extra or risque Oblige is the place and this is night to do so. Dress attire is always welcome too.
If “going all out” isn’t your thing, you are welcome to attend in whatever attire makes you feel comfortable. (no forced fun)
-
Our Mission at Oblige Rope, Kink, Art Boutique is to provide a safe and inclusive, consent-focused, risk-aware environment by offering classes, events, workshops, artistic opportunities and social events related to Shibari and BDSM/kink. It is a place for individuals and couples to learn, explore, recreate and connect through Shibari, generalized kink interests and relationship enhancement. We are continually building an atmosphere to normalize kink and encourage like-minded people to find their own path and create their own experiences in BDSM/kink with respect and safety.
So much more then just rope:
Find out what HERE
Private lessons with RopuNawa & Freya at Oblige
While in Detroit for the day(s) before and following the intensive RopuNawa and Freya have made themselves available for private individual pair or small group lessons please contact them directly to discuss times and tuition
https://www.tyingwithfriends.com/en/contact
Reference “Oblige Private Lesson/Session Request”
Welcome to Detroit
This is an off-site intensive and as such travel, meals and overnight accommodations are completely in your control
We are located in the Milwaukee Junction District of Detroit just outside of Mid Town and the Wayne State University areas
Oblige is walking distance from Cafes, Bars, Restaurants and a business class hotel
Street parking is limited but we do provide monitored parking throughout our evening events
Below is a link to our “Local Guide” to help you with your planning