Gestalta's Study Group

09aug19:0021:30Gestalta's Study GroupLGBTQIA+ & FRIENDSEvent OverIn-House Event19:00 - 21:30 FacilitatorGestalta (they/them)Categoryshibari

Health Guidelines for this Event

Physical Distance Maintained
Event Area Sanitized

Time

(Wednesday) 19:00 - 21:30

language

English

Event Details

This study group is an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Gestalta’s personal rope style; their techniques, thought processes, and aesthetics, and receive feedback and coaching on both the minute details and overarching principles of shibari from a practitioner with more than 16 years of extensive experience on both sides of the rope.

Each session will have a focus—a specific tie, element, or principle—that invites a deep exploration. Gestalta will present a range of options for each theme to accommodate students at different stages and abilities. This approach ensures a thorough understanding of the chosen topic and allows participants to refine their skills and also find inspiration and insights to expand their rope journey by observing the possibilities at different levels. Space will be given at the end of each session for student-led discussions, allowing for reflection and the exchange of experiences.

Gestalta’s teaching approach goes beyond technical proficiency, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical and psychological aspects of shibari, with a focus on developing the skills of both tying partners. Gestalta’s classes are known for their rigorous yet accessible and welcoming nature. Through their guidance, you will refine your abilities, expand your knowledge, and explore new horizons in your rope journey.

To keep the study group dynamic and adaptable, the theme of each session will not be advertised online, or scheduled too far in advance. Instead, participants will be invited to join Gestalta’s Study Group telegram/mailing list, where the themes for the next classes will be discussed and announced. This flexibility allows for organic, student-driven discussions, ensuring that the direction of the classes remains open to exploration and responsive to the needs and interests of the group.

This study group is not suitable for beginners. However, it welcomes a range of students at an intermediate level and beyond. Whether you are confident with suspensions or prefer tying on the floor, Gestalta will guide and support you at your current skill level, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and guidance. If you are unsure about whether your level is suitable please contact Gestalta at mgmt@gestalta.co.uk for clarification.

Event Details

Date & Time:  every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 pm-9.30 pm

Format: hands-on workshop

Audience:  LGBTQIA+ & FRIENDS

Language: English

Minimum Knowledge Level: knowing enough frictions to tie a simple chest harness

What to Bring: comfortable clothes, ropes, safety equipment

Solo or Partnered:  partnered

Price: price is per pair

We offer flexible options for participation with 5 and 10 class passes available at reduced costs. These passes do not need to be used consecutively but must be utilized within a six-month period, allowing you to tailor your attendance to your schedule and availability.

 

Mandatory Covid-19 rules

If you would like to inform yourself about other safety measures we have in place, please consult our Covid-19 measurements here.

 

Accessibility Note

The workshop is held in spoken English. The space, KARA, is on the ground floor but has three steps to enter the house. A ramp for wheelchairs is available at all times. There is also a parking space available right in front of the door if needed. KARA has an accessible bathroom available. There are no thresholds in the entire house. The garden is only partially accessible at the moment. During the workshop, we will sit on the floor. Sitting in a chair can also be provided. Adaptations for physical needs will be shown and can also be provided upon request. If you participate in this workshop and need more assistance please message us at info@karada-house.de beforehand. 

 

Who is this event for?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity, meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid,

Friends describe people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs, and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.

When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgment to and are respectful of everyone’s self-expression and do not assume presume or project non-consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender-straight privileges.

Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all proactively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

Photo: Aleksander Stojanov

Facilitator

Gestalta (they/them)

Gestalta, Berlin: My approach to shibari has evolved as the result of over a decade of practice on both sides of the ropes and a broad range of influences that I appropriate, mix, and develop in my own practice. This has shaped my teaching style into one that seeks to reflect the experience of both tying partners on a deep level. I have a strong belief that shibari should not be prescriptive and encourage students to explore it as a flexible set of tools; adapting each tie to the body of the tied partner, and to their needs and desires within each individual situation. My teaching process aims to enable this by giving students a framework of the fundamental principles behind shibari; including safety efficiency and fluency, but also body awareness, communication, and conscious consideration of their own experiences and motivations.

I absorbed most of my technical rigging style a natural process of observation and experience from inside the ropes of the people I was tied by as a model. In this respect, I have been lucky to have had a broad range of influences to teach as Gestalta in Berlin

My technical style has naturally evolved through keen observation and firsthand experience. Previously, I had the privilege of working professionally as a Shibari model, offering me the opportunity to be tied by accomplished practitioners from Japan and Europe. These encounters have enriched my knowledge and repertoire with invaluable techniques and insights. Presently, my focus centers on the exploration of movement both with and within ropes. This ongoing research fuels my passion for pushing the boundaries of shibari and continuously expanding my understanding of its possibilities.

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