Chicago Rope knows its bondage. It’s been educating kinksters about the art of Japanese rope since 2015. The organization’s multidisciplinary approach focuses on empowering its students to make safe and fulfilling choices, which, crucially, allow them to connect to their bodies and others.
Kinbaku is the traditional name for Japanese rope bondage. And it literally means “the beauty of tight binding.” The focus is on tying people up in intricate patterns – and Chicago Rope is committed to exploring the many traditions of this practice, illuminating the beauty of this ancient art form.
Building a strong community is of vital importance to Chicago Rope. And this community, the website stresses, is above all things diverse and inclusive. Crucially, it is also affordable, meaning that everyone has access to the practitioners’ expertise. Moreover, the organization shares its findings and practice in published written material.
Chicago Ropes classes draw on a wide range of teaching and intellectual traditions – and these are have evolved over the years.
According to the website, the teachers approach every piece of rope differently. This means that no one class is the same, and students can expect to be engaged in exciting, unexpected ways.
Through thoughtful discussion, feedback, and an exploration of personal and social contexts, students can adapt their existing skills and learn new ones.
The founders of Chicago Rope are Daniel Apikoros and Jon Kedi. Their classes reflect their extensive experience and interests.
Daniel’s (they/them) classes often have an emphasis on physical theatre and movement culture. The sessions also draw on Daniel’s background in queer theory and disability studies.
Jon (he/him) has over 20 years of expertise working within movement arts and is fascinated with how touch can improve the ways we communicate with one another.
Additionally, dance and martial arts influence the work of both founders.
A positive learning environment is at the center of Chicago Rope’s work – and all teachers uphold a code of conduct that is available on the website.
Chicago Rope remains the foremost organization offering structured instruction in Japanese rope in Chicago. It is also, of course, the perfect setting in which to link up with a vibrant kink community.
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