TAIJUTSU & ROPES
- from Earth to Sky
with Ludvig Rigger (Sofia) and This_is_Desire (Berlin)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday// April 25 - 27, 2025//
Fr 18 00 - 23 00 // Saturday & Sunday 11 00 - 18 00// Performance on Sunday
---workshop in english ---
TAIJUTSU & ROPES - from Earth to Sky
with Ludvig Rigger (Sofia) and This_is_Desire (Berlin)
FRIDAY 18 00 - 23 00
Speed, Efficiency, Flow
Unlock the next level of your Shibari practice with a workshop dedicated to mastering the art of rope handling. Whether you're a beginner who has mastered the single-column tie or an advanced practitioner seeking to refine your technique, this workshop will elevate your tying skills by focusing on the essential elements of speed, efficiency, and flow.
In this workshop, you'll learn how to enhance your rope work, overcoming the common bottleneck of inefficiency that often hinders progress. You'll develop a smoother, more fluid tying style through practical exercises and guided practice, ensuring your movements are purposeful and seamless. Join us to deepen your understanding of Shibari and transform how you connect with your partner through the ropes.
SATURDAY 11 00 - 18 00
Freestyle and Taijutsu for Floorwork
Dive into the art of freestyle tying and the principles of Yagami Ryu Taijutsu in this dynamic Shibari workshop. Freestyle tying, or "tying by feeling," emphasizes intuitive, fluid movements without premeditation. Though it may seem simple due to its lack of structured patterns, it demands a deep understanding of the human body, its movements, and the seamless flow of rope handling. In this session, you'll explore how to manipulate your partner's body with elegance and efficiency, drawing on concepts similar to those found in Aikido and Jujutsu.
We'll focus on the crucial balance between control and off-balance, teaching you how to move your partner’s body in powerful and graceful ways. We'll also delve into the importance of maintaining a relaxed mind and body, fostering a space of trust and connection between you and your partner.
While we'll build upon techniques from our previous workshop, "Speed, Efficiency, Flow," this workshop stands alone — whether you're an advanced participant or joining us for the first time, we'll ensure you gain valuable insights and skills.
SUNDAY 11 00 - 18 00
Free Forearm Suspension Techniques
Are you hesitant to tie Gote because it feels too complex or risky? Do you want to explore new options with similar functionality? This workshop is designed for you!
In traditional suspensions, pressure often rests heavily on the arms of your partner, making it challenging for them to endure. However, through my research on the combinations of Tengu, Gote, Strappado, Chest Harness, and Hip Harness, I have developed a unique approach that liberates the forearms without compromising stability.
Key Highlights:
Innovative Techniques: Learn how to integrate chest harnesses and hip harnesses to create a stable upper body structure that allows for free-moving forearms. This method opens up new possibilities for suspension that can be both fun and dynamic.
Enhanced Engagement: With the forearms free, your model can move naturally and engage more fully in the experience. They will retain a sense of control, allowing for deeper connection and interaction during your sessions. You can explore touch and responsiveness in a way that enhances the intimacy of your practice.
Load Distribution: By connecting the hip harness with the upper body, we shift the load onto the hips, making the tie more comfortable for your partner, especially in vertical or upside-down positions.
Universal Principles of Body Manipulation: Based on the principles of Yagami Ryu Taijutsu, this workshop emphasizes the importance of body manipulation, joint locking, and proper body positioning. While you will learn new shapes, the core principles of adjusting your partner's body remain the same, allowing for seamless transitions between various techniques. Understanding body positioning and control is paramount, as the ropes are secondary to the effective manipulation of the body.
Versatile Applications: This base structure allows for a variety of applications, enabling you to incorporate elements like Strappado or Tengu. You can start with Strappado and transition to a more relaxed position, or begin with Tango and modify it as needed. Focus on Gote or Chest Harness as desired, with Strappado and Tango being the most practical and effective options for fluid transitions.
Whether you're looking to refine your skills or break away from conventional ties, this workshop will provide you with the tools and techniques to innovate your practice in a safe and effective manner. Join me in this exploration of free forearm shapes for suspension!
PROGRAM
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY// April 25 - 27// Fr 18 00 - 23 00// Sat & Sun 11 00 - 18 00
Friday: SPEED, EFFICIENCY, FLOW
Saturday: FREESTYLE; TAIJUTSU AND FLOORWORK
Sunday: FREE FOREARM SUSPENSION TECHNIQUES
Sunday PLUS: Performance evening 7pm - 9pm//
COSTS
120 EUR per pair -> one day// 240 EUR per pair -> two days // 360 EUR -> three days
60 EUR single -> one day// 120 EUR single -> two days // 180 EUR -> three days
(If you register as single you will be paired up with other singles in the group / Switching is welcome!)
REGISTRATION
JANA <jana.felixruckert@gmx.de>
LUDVIG RIGGER
Ludvig is one of the three official Yagami Ryu instructors in Europe. Ludvig teaches Yagami Ryu in an undogmatic way. Through his attention to detail, technical proficiency, and seeking for deep connection and communication he gives this style an independent touch.
As the owner of the Shibari Center in Sofia – Bulgaria, he regularly teaches courses, workshops, and individual lessons for all levels – from beginners to professionals. His teaching experience in the last seven years with couples allows him to apply a personal approach to teaching students with different interests and needs. He has been teaching/ performing in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Greece, and Romania over the years.
He started learning Shibari in 2008 and studied with well-known European and Japanese shibari teachers before becoming an official student of Sensei Yagami Ren, which allowed him to get to know different approaches and styles of Shibari. Ludvig spent a lot of time with his Shibari master and studied the techniques and philosophies of Yagami Ryu in-depth. Sensei Yagami Ren recognized his devotion and skills and honored him for teaching his style as an official Yagami Ryu instructor.
Ludvig will teach this workshop together with This_is_Desire (Berlin).
More:
Website: https://www.shibari.center/
Instagram: @ludvigrigger
Fetlife: @Ludvig_Rigger