The Japanese art of tying people with rope is often called shibari, both in Japan and outside of it, but this is not a formal name. It is the Japanese word for “tying.” Because shibari refers to any kind of tying, including tying one’s shoes, some are attempting to standardize the neological formal name kinbaku (“tight binding”) for the tying of people, but this term has not been universally adopted.

I started learning this art in the kitchen of a cramped apartment in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village in 2014. The following year, I co-founded Chicago Rope, the first initiative in that city offering ongoing, structured education in tying. Over the next several years, I taught and performed at rope conventions and festivals around the US and internationally.

Over time, my group developed an innovative and original curriculum focusing on movement, connection, and intimacy. A significant event in our evolution was hosting Osada Steve on his first ever US tour in 2017. Steve opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about what can be done with rope. He showed me that there was far more depth to the art of tying than I had ever imagined possible.

During the pandemic, my co-founder and I decided to disband our group to pursue other individual projects. I teach public classes very infrequently now, although I still perform a few times a year. The best way to study rope with me is through private lessons. I also offer paid tying sessions for those who like the experience of being tied.