with Stuart & Ena

Aibunawa, meaning "caressing rope" in Japanese, is a shibari style developed by Yukimura Haruki. It focuses on exploring the sensual and intimate aspects of shibari through floor-based practices. This style values careful attention and meaningful intention over technical complexity.  

In this workshop, we will:  

• Learn basic techniques for moving our partner, both physically and emotionally

• Explore common exercises and patterns in the aibunawa style    

• Discover how to use a single rope to connect more deeply with a partner, using aisatsunawa (greeting rope) and/or ipponnawa (one rope) techniques

By the end of the workshop, participants will gain new skills to play with ropes while seated and explore themes including sensuality, pleasure, shame, and exposure together.  

• Requirements

  • 5-6 ropes, 7-8 meters long, preferably 5mm or less

  • The person tying should be comfortable using a single-column tie, able to recognize the difference between a square knot and a granny knot, and know how to attach a suspension line.

  • Clothing that allows the person in ropes to be partially exposed can enhance the experience for both partners. However, this might not feel comfortable for everyone in a workshop setting.

• About the Teachers

  Stuart began his journey with ropes in 2014. For several years, he eagerly studied with many different teachers, learning a lot yet not finding his own voice in rope. In recent years, he has focused on Naka-style semenawa and later on aibunawa. Today he ties aibunawa with one hand and semenawa with the other, yet ties with both hands - incorporating aspects of each style into rope sessions.  

  Ena Dahl is a sensuality and conscious kink educator, bodyworker, author, and rope switch. She’s been in ropes since 2019 and started tying shortly after. Aibunawa speaks to her innate sensuality and desire for deep, erotic connection and surrender in ropes.