KINBAKU WORKSHOPS & TUITION
RopeMarks Ryū
Learn Japanese rope bondage through technique, understanding and connection.
RopeMarks Ryū combines a strong technical foundation with an emphasis on understanding what you do and why, giving you the tools to develop your own way of tying.
Teaching since 1999 · Studied in Japan · Workshops in Amsterdam and internationally
THE ROPEMARKS RYŪ
A progressive way of learning kinbaku
A ryū is a school or style for passing on knowledge, principles and practice. RopeMarks Ryū turns that idea into a progressive curriculum, with each level building on the technical and conceptual foundations of the one before it.
The core curriculum is organised in four levels, from first contact with rope through to suspended transitions.
RYŪ #0
Introduction
Start with fundamental rope handling, basic principles and the vocabulary needed to continue.
RYŪ #1
Strong Beginner
Build a dependable technical base and learn to apply structure, positioning and tension with greater confidence.
RYŪ #2
Static Suspensions
Move into low, static suspension work while developing control, load awareness and a stronger understanding of the body in rope.
RYŪ #3
Transitions
Use the technical foundation to work with movement, rotation and transitions between suspended positions.
Kinbaku is a means, not a goal.
Know your history, understand your choices, and use what you learn to create something of your own.
HOW I TEACH
Learn how to tie, not just what to tie
The teaching is built around understanding. You learn techniques, patterns and positions, but also why they work, where choices matter, and how to adapt what you learn to the person you are tying.
Technique
Build reliable rope handling, structure and body awareness so the technical foundation supports what you want to create.
Understanding
Know what you are doing and why, rather than simply reproducing a pattern.
Expression
Use those foundations to make informed choices and develop your own approach to kinbaku.
Be a voice, not an echo.
ROPEMARKS RYŪ TUITION
Ways to learn
Choose the form of tuition that best fits your experience, goals and pace.
LEARN IN PERSON
Upcoming workshops
These are the next opportunities to learn with RopeMarks in person.
Playful & Dirty is a full-day kinbaku masterclass about what happens when technique stops being the goal and becomes a tool for play. By popular demand, I am bringing Playful & Dirty to Amsterdam for the first time. This first edition brings the material together in one focused and complete day. We start with floor-based [...]
BACKGROUND & STUDY
Built on long-term study
RopeMarks Ryū grew from decades of study, practice and teaching. Bob Roos began specialising professionally in Japanese rope bondage in 1999 and later studied in Japan, including with teachers from the Akechi Denki lineage and with Naka Akira.
That foundation has been refined through decades of teaching students internationally, while the curriculum continues to develop with experience and new insights.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Learning RopeMarks Ryū
Students arrive with different levels, goals and ways of learning. Their experiences offer the clearest sense of what the tuition is like in practice.
kinkyneurosci
The energy in the dojo was really warm and friendly and that made it lovely and safe to be vulnerable in this.
„Why are you doing that?“
Lena Penumbra
Not too long ago (red: March 2024), we had visitors from the Netherlands, RopeMarks and the Shady Lady. I immensely enjoyed their (red: bamboo) weekend workshop and Kinbaku Talks 🥰.
Since I attended the workshop as a model, I decided to go for some private lessons to up my rigging game as well. Before we started, I was terribly nervous. I think it’s very VERY hard to judge your own skill level, but I was somewhat confident I could have done the workshop exercises as a rigger as well. Still, there was the chance Bob would see that differently 🫣
However, after getting over the first nervous tremors, I had a wonderful time. Bob’s instructions were very clear and still left so much room to explore „my thing“ – whatever that is XD. Sora was a fantastic, patient model, and I had a lot of fun.
What really made me think, and I still have Bob’s voice in my head now, are two things:
„Why did you tie that way?“
I have to admit, I was very proud that I could give an answer to that every time he asked. Most times, it was not even a technical answer, just my reason for choosing one option over another.
„What would you do if you wanted to make it pretty?“
I’m very guilty of (safe) lazy decisions. Like not tucking away rope ends prettily. Bob made me aware – several times – that it only takes a few seconds more to do that. And now, I can’t un-hear him when I want to take the lazy path again 🙉
Overall, the private lessons gave me more confidence in my skills and new input to think about. Plus, a little Mr. RopeMarks in my head that scolds me for not tidying up a tie 😜
If you ever get the chance, taking a lesson with RopeMarks and The Shady Lady is for sure a good investment of time and money ☺️
cilie, 2015
Bob is a fantastic teacher […] every time we meet him he takes it up another notch […] the participants not only gained technical knowledge, but also a deeper understanding of the concept of kinbaku […]
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Common questions before joining a RopeMarks workshop or tuition.
Most RopeMarks workshops are designed for two people working together, one tying and one being tied. The event description will state whether a partner is required. If you want to attend but do not have a partner, you can try finding one through relevant rope-community groups on FetLife. Any gender combination is welcome.
The practical requirements are listed with each workshop. Depending on the workshop, this includes your own rope and clothing that allows comfortable movement and access for tying. Always check the individual event description before attending.
Group workshops are normally held in a dedicated 135 m² space near Sloterdijk Station in Amsterdam. Private and small-group tuition usually takes place at RopeMarks HQ in Amsterdam. Tuition at another location may also be possible by arrangement.
RopeMarks Ryū is a progression:
Ryū #0 · Introduction
Your first contact with RopeMarks Ryū, covering fundamental rope handling, basic principles and the vocabulary needed to continue.
Ryū #1 · Strong Beginner
Build a dependable technical base and greater control of structure, positioning and tension.
Ryū #2 · Static Suspensions
Move into low, static suspension work with more emphasis on load awareness and body positioning.
Ryū #3 · Transitions
Work with movement, rotation and transitions between suspended positions.
Each event description states the expected experience. If you are unsure which level is right for you, contact RopeMarks before booking.
Choose your next step
Find your next workshop, hear about new dates, or ask about tuition tailored to you.
Upcoming workshops
See the next dates, choose the right workshop for your level, and register for an available place.
Keep me updated
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Private Tuition
Prefer focused tuition for yourself, a partner, or a small group? Tell me what you would like to work on.
