FAQs

This FAQ is an evolving document. Should you still have questions that aren’t yet addressed here, please get in contact.

The Basics

Daruma is a Berlin-based shibari space that offers classes and community events, and aims to foster a high level of technical skill in an approachable learning atmosphere.
The space is owned by a queer person, but is not exclusively a queer space. We welcome and celebrate individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We want to create an inclusive environment where people feel respected and valued. We do not tolerate any misogynistic, racist, queerphobic, ableist or classist language or behaviours in this space.
Rope jams are open time for rope practice, play, and socialising, without formal instruction or program. At rope jams, people might be practising or working out ties (“labbing”), having more structured scenes, self-tying or self-suspending, chatting and socialising, meeting new people to tie with, or just watching.
To accommodate these different kinds of participation, it’s appreciated to keep noise levels relatively low. Other forms of play (ex. other BDSM elements beyond rope, sexual behavior, nudity) do sometimes come up in this context, but this space is, first and foremost, a place for practising rope in all its forms.
It’s possible to come alone or with a partner. Beginners and newcomers are warmly welcomed. More details about Daruma’s Rope Jam can be found here.
For many classes and the rope jam, it’s possible to come alone, but some classes do require participants to come with a partner. See the specific class page for detailed information.
The Daruma Discussion Telegram group is intended for anything related to Daruma events, including looking for tying partners, but please note this isn’t a general meetup group, but rather limited to those who are looking for people to partner up with for events at Daruma. If you are meeting a new person for the first time within the space and you would like someone to periodically “check in” with you to make sure everything is going ok and that you are feeling safe, please get in contact to let us know.
For classes and workshops, wear comfortable and flexible clothing suitable for movement and sitting on the floor. Jeans, belts and underwired bras aren’t recommended, and very loose or bulky clothes can sometimes be difficult to tie over. Something to keep warm can be nice to have before and after tying. The studio is a shoe-free space—so bringing some cosy socks could be nice, especially during winter months.
Clothing for jams and parties can be more of a mix. Some people may choose to dress simply and comfortably, others might prefer to dress up a bit, whilst there are some who prefer lingerie or very minimal clothing. All of these are welcome; none are expected or required. Please check the details relating to the specific event you are coming to.
Some people like to bring a notebook to take notes during classes; this is optional. It’s okay to have waterbottles or beverages in the studio space, and tea / teacups are available; please be careful to avoid spills.
If you don’t have your own rope, studio rope can be borrowed for beginner classes or jams (for floor tying only). Participants must bring their own rope and other equipment for more advanced classes or any type of suspension. Rope is also available at Daruma for purchase. A couple pairs of rope shears are available as backups, but in general, shears are an important part of your rope kit as you build it.
Yoga mats are available. Should you want something extra such as a blanket or cushion, please bring one.
Natural jute Shibari rope, hand treated by Gestalta, is available in the rope shop: https://gestalta.co.uk/shop/natural-jute-shibari-rope. It’s also possible to purchase onsite and pay with cash. If you are hoping to buy rope for use on the same day, please contact Gestalta in advance to ensure rope is available.

Accessibility & Getting Here

The space is accessible by public transport: it is 100m from U Grenzallee (U7), and 600m from S + U Neukolln (S2 / S41 / S42 / S45 / S46 / S47 / U7; station has elevators).
Bike parking is available in the courtyard.
Daruma is up one flight of stairs (13 steps). The building does not have an elevator.
There is one small step inside the space.
An all-gender toilet has two standard-width stalls and one shower (shower stall one step up from the floor level). This also doubles as the changing area as needed. Tap water is available in the kitchen; hot water and tea are also available.
Classes often include sitting on the floor. Yoga mats are available; should you want something extra such as a blanket or cushion, please bring one.
Please note that the studio has a small dog that is often onsite—she is friendly, loves cuddles, and generally very good at staying in the corner during classes.
If you have questions or accessibility needs that aren’t covered here, or need support to access the space, please send us a message via the Contact form
In the spirit of taking care of one another, please don’t come to the studio if you are sick, have symptoms, or know you’ve had a Covid exposure in the last few days. (Please see below for further information on refunds.) We don’t require masks or testing at this time, though you are more than welcome to wear a mask. In the event you test positive after an event, please do contact us, so that we can notify other participants to self-test.
Please check the specific class or workshop page for details. It is generally not possible to arrive more than 15 minutes early for any event unless you have made a prior arrangement to do so.
If you are running late, please contact us to let us know so we can tell you how to arrive without disturbing the event.

Tickets

Daruma uses sliding scale pricing to reduce barriers to participation.
Low income tickets are priced a bit lower than regular tickets, and are intended for those who experience financial barriers to participation. A limited number of these spots are available, so please do use this option mindfully. We don’t ask for proof of low income.
Supporter tickets are priced a bit higher than regular tickets. The more supporter tickets are booked for a specific event, the more low income tickets can then be made available. If this option works for your budget, know that you are helping to enable wider participation in classes and events.
(Not sure if one of these ticket types makes sense for you? One resource on sliding scale examples is here.)
5-class passes are available in regular, low income, and supporter levels. Valid anytime in a three-month window, passes provide a small savings over individual class tickets for those who are attending classes regularly.
Specific event pages will note other possible methods of payment, like via bank transfer or with cash onsite.
Please register through the website, even if it’s only shortly before the class or jam.
People who are not registered may be turned away if the event is full.
Yes! Every event page has the option to add yourself to the waitlist as soon as the event sells out. If a ticket becomes available, everyone on the waitlist will get an automated email (so move quickly, if you’re still interested). For special events that are repeated, people on the waitlist will receive an email about the next event before tickets go on sale.
Tickets to the regular weekly classes can be refunded up to two weeks before the start of the class. After that, the ticket can usually be transferred to a new date providing you contact us by latest 10am on the morning of your class. In some exceptional circumstances, transfers may not be possible.
Tickets for weekend workshops (particularly those taught by guest teachers), full refunds and transfers may be impossible; we’ll work with you to try and sell your ticket to someone else if there is a waiting list though.

Class & Session Content

Most class or workshop pages will have a specific list of prerequisites that you should feel comfortable with in order to engage with the session material. If you are unsure whether or not you have the right level, please contact us to discuss.
If you don’t yet have the relevant skills for that class, consider a beginner-level class to work on the fundamentals (Elements, for beginners; Floorwork, for advanced beginners to intermediate). Or join us for a Rope Jam—beginners and curious newcomers are warmly welcomed.
No. Gestalta draws on a fusion of different styles, and has a strong focus on developing body awareness (of your own body/the body you are tying), understanding the mechanics of the body in rope, and adapting your ties to fit your partner in order to create the best possible experience.
Guest teachers may have a particular style or focus of their own.
The Regular Program consists of a set of classes that build on one another, plus the regular Rope Jam. Whether your interest lies in floorwork, suspension or both, the curriculum is designed to support participants as they progress from beginner to intermediate and more advanced levels.
The Elements (Step 1) class is intended for absolute beginners. Each class session focuses on one element (e.g. nodomes, hojo cuffs, etc.), and topics rotate in sequence every 8 to 10 weeks. It’s possible to join at any time. It’s not necessary to come with a partner if you’re willing to switch with others in the class.
The Floorwork class serves as a Step 2 following Elements, for beginner to intermediate learners. Each class session has a focus (selected by Gestalta, or sometimes with the participation of the group), and may include patterns (e.g. specific harnesses), body movement and handling, positions for floor tying, etc. Floorwork is not necessarily considered a progression into suspension, but rather a practice in and of itself. It’s not necessary to come with a partner if you’re willing to switch with others in the class.
For those interested in suspension, the Introduction to Suspension weekend workshop, taught several times per year, offers a foundation. This intensive format gives participants a solid overview of essential topics (uplines, line management, safety, communication) before they move to the drop-in suspension classes, which assume this prior knowledge. This workshop, or equivalent experience, is considered the prerequisite for Suspension Fundamentals. This workshop is taught for pairs.
Suspension Fundamentals: Study Group meets twice monthly to work on specific suspension positions in depth. Each month retains the same focus (e.g. side suspensions, or variations on a classic shape). While it is possible to join for the second session of the month without having attended the first, it’s strongly suggested to join the first session as the two will often build on one another. It’s not necessary to come with a partner if you’re willing to switch with others in the class.
Gestalta’s Study Group meets twice monthly, for intermediate to advanced learners focused on suspension. Each session will have a focus—a specific tie, element, or principle—for deep exploration. This study group must be attended in pairs.
The Rope Jam is open time for practice, tying, and socialising, without a formal instruction or program, suitable for participants of all levels.
In addition to the regular program, additional workshops and intensives are offered by Gestalta and visiting instructors on special topics such as self-suspension, hashira and more. Please see individual event pages for specific details and prerequisites.
To create the most conducive learning environment, we ask that participants silence their phones and generally keep them tucked away during classes, workshops and jams. If necessary, calls are best taken out in the stairwell in front of the studio space, or outside.
Photos are only possible with the explicit permission of the person/people being photographed. Explicit permission also includes how the photo will be used (e.g. posted on social media, shared via chats, etc). Keep other people completely out of the frame.
Bottoming in rope (being tied) is in itself a skill and requires learning and practice. All class offerings discuss both roles, and also are often designed to be suitable for switching, as this enables participants to understand both ‘sides’ of the experience. The communication skills developed in classes are important for both roles.

Rentals & Guest Workshops

Check out our space rentals page. Fill out the contact form, including as much detail as possible, such as preferred rental dates and event information, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Fill out the contact form and we will get right back to you.