This was an immense weekend of bondage, performances, shooting and being with great people. We visited Rome for the second time this year but this time it was to teach and perform ourselves. We were invited to collaborate with Wildties and put together a rope intensive, which resulted in 10 hours of teaching and 3 intense performances.

We arrived after Wildties had completed three classes, I wish we could have been there or them as the images from Wildties freestyle class look intense and a lot of fun. I started after the lunch break with my rope bottoming class. I love and hate to teach this class, I love teaching it because it is something I am very passionate about but I also hate teaching it because I worry about students expectations for hard and fast rules. This class, like the RBG, is continually evolving and developing and hopefully gives students information to use and adapt to their experiences. What I loved about teaching this class in Rome was the rope tops were also present in the class; this class is not only for bottoms, there is plenty rope tops can learn here too. Information was absorbed and questions were asked and discussion flowing, it was a lovely relaxed atmosphere in this beautiful bondage retreat. The feedback from this class has been wonderful.

WykD Dave went on to teach two classes, Tension and Ichinawa. These classes have had some amazing feedback over the years, often changing how people tie with their partners. One class primarily focusing on technique and the other on communication,  but both overlapping and merging into the other, as communication and technique are not exclusive of one another. Tension can highlight where a riggers weaknesses are and demonstrates the importance of tension to any successful bondage and mastering ones skill. Ichinawa particularly, can be a very emotionally intense class, we love to teach it and I love bottoming in this class.

After this full on day of bondage lessons we witnessed two beautiful shows before our own, first was Kirigami with his delightful model Tenshiko. Kirigami is an up and coming young rigger from Milan, we had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time this weekend. Putting Tenshiko into a series of transitions and some tortuous moves, her beauty shone through in his ropes. What impressed me most about their show was their expression of intense emotions together, both model and rigger, which is not common.  I look forward to seeing them perform again.

Next up was Wildties, always full of surprises, intensity and always leaving me lost for words, it was a very tough show to follow. Redsabbath is amazing in rope, giving everything she is to her suffering, stunningly beautiful as she bends with the ropes becoming part of something beautiful. They scream a song of suffering and beauty as their show unfolds, with intense emotion that is intoxicating. I don’t think there are words that can be written to do justice to what they create in rope together. I can write and I can take pictures and they will suck you in so you believe you are there but you need to see Wildties and Redsabbath live to really taste the atmosphere, hear the whimpers and see the tears.

We were listed to headline this amazing day, my anxiety was certainly building as I did not know what Dave had in mind for our show, and after two amazing shows, how can we follow them? I am grateful for the wonderful images we received from this performance because without them I would not have any idea what we did. Completely gone and consumed by Dave’s rope, his energy taking me over, I was gone to a world of wonderful, stirring, enduring pain, adrenaline and endorphins. We had a really fantastic time.

After this amazing day, three consuming shows we were exhausted, happy but we still had more energy, here is a preview of what came next….

We began with some partial suspensions, which were more challenging than they appear to be with a test of balance and endurance. This developed into several suspension positions and ties. Increasing the atmosphere of the image we added some Kimono underskirt and tenugui which developed from a partial suspension to an elaborate and beautiful floor tie.

Blu was great to work with and I hope you like the images we created. We happened to get chatting about doing a supergirl shot for a joke and Blu mentioned she had a superman t-shirt in the car, so we could not resist this final shot.

Enjoy

Clover

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It is shocking the amount of people who take nerve injury as a standard norm, as part and parcel of their rope bondage experience. Sure, accidents happen, we are all only human, but these accidents should be few and far between. There is information out there and people who can teach how to avoid and reduce these unfortunate accidents.

To often, the bottom is blamed for these unfortunate accidents, for being susceptible, for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, for not warming up, or just being unlucky. If you are repeatedly hit with nerve injuries, it is very likely that that cause is not you. You might want to examine why and how they are occurring, and you might want to look at the people who you allow to tie you.

It is a kindness to speak up and let riggers know if they have hurt you, awareness and enlightenment are key to improving. I think the best learning tool a rigger can have is a self aware bottom that communicates well. Nerve injury is not something to be endured, you are not a bad bottom if you have repeated hits, it is up to your rigger to know how to tie you without hitting your nerves and you certainly are not a bad bottom if you inform them of this mistake. It is your responsibility to yourself and them, to inform them and it is their responsibility to learn, improve and adapt. It is unacceptable to be tied by someone who repeatedly hits your nerves, you do not have to accept this.

Even when starting out with someone learning it is no excuse, they should be researching vulnerable areas and doing their best to avoid them *before* they indulge in something like partials or suspension which increases risk of nerve damage occurring. A good rigger should listen to their bottom and accept feedback. Like I said, accidents happen but it should not be a regular occurrence and this is true of those new to rigging also.

If every bottom spoke up and refused to be tied by those who repeatedly hit nerves, are unwilling to learn, and do not tie well, think how much the standard of rope would raise. Incompetent riggers would be eliminated or they would learn and improve. I am not suggesting to be over picky, just to give feedback and if met with an unwillingness to learn and improve, I would recommend that you be unwilling to let them tie you.

Hopefully the end result will help make the person tying you improve, keeping you less at risk and have happier bondage.

Clover
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The_Link met us at the airport, where he took us to stay in Stone haven, a beautiful seaside town reminding me very much of home in Ireland, its been a long time since I woke up to the sound of seagulls outside the window. We were made to feel very welcome and treated to some of Sam’s amazing cooking and stayed up chatting to the small hours. After a great night sleep we set off for the ‘Tunnels’ where the peer rope workshop would be taking place.

As the class had varied abilities, Dave began with a safety talk encouraging questions, and some reassurance to the group from myself that Dave is not actually as intimidating as he can come across (honest). Wanting to allow everyone the opportunity to tie that day Dave took some people who were new to rope aside and taught them some single column ties. It was lovely to see so many people tying and enjoying themselves. There was a relaxed atmosphere which left me feeling very chilled, which is always good before a performance.

Dave set up a suspension point from two central beams on the stage area with the help of some enthusiastic organisers. We were good to go. A deep breath after a false start with the music, a reassuring glance and then we began our dance of expression, emotion, torture and love. Fahrenheit451 and Ardyniss very kindly took some pictures, I always wonder after a performance what it looked like, sometimes how things feel can be very different to how they are visually, and its lovely to have that keepsake and reference to bring back those feelings again. I loved that Fahrenheit451 got some pictures after the show, the relief, happiness and embrace.

Full of adrenaline and feeling very good, it was lovely chatting to people I have wanted to meet for some time and even bumping into a friend I knew from Dublin. Dave did a lovely yoko-tsuri with one of the workshop attendees, Ruberhuuded, which transitioned into a very low, almost inverted suspension. Leaving the workshop on a great high and looking forward to the evenings event, were turned back to The_Link and KinkyxSam’s for a freshen up and some food.

We arrived back at the ‘Tunnels’, to the friendly atmosphere with everyone socialising, outfits that would make TG envious, and lots of play. I was feeling a bit cold so asked Dave would he tie me as this always warms me up. We did a series of yoko-tsui transitions, a little light bondage to warm us both up and get the night started for us. A few people had gathered to watch, which was a surprise afterwards, as it was really just a bit of circus fun. We got chatting to some interesting people and decided to play again later in the night. I guess over time our scenes together and performances having become more and more alike, we no longer plan out a routine to perform, preferring the flow and feel of what develops organically in the moment. We started tying, as it happened the ring was still set up on the stage, so this is where we scened. The lights are quite bright so it is difficult to see beyond them when on the stage.

We began, got lost together and had fun, when Dave was untying me I began becoming aware of things around me and when Dave helped me up off the floor there was a thundering round of applause. I couldn’t help but feel very embarrassed, it was wonderful that people appreciated and enjoyed watching. I felt shy. we had some really wonderful comments afterwards and I am delighted we could reach out and speak to people in the way we did. We had a celebratory glass of wine but did not last much longer, we were all shattered so headed back to The_Link and KinkyxSam’s.

Sunday was a perfect end with some rope tuition in the morning and then onto Slane Castle Pub with some great company, conversation and food at the Sunday Swallow, a great note to end on. I am writing this while flying back to the Midlands, great memories and an amazing weekend.

A gallery of this performance will be following shortly.

Clover

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Please enjoy this interview with Blondie and Shibarick.

Can you tell me a little about your background, how you met and when rope bondage began for you?
We both met as vanillas at a rock concert. The moment we had sex for the first time we both knew that we were into kink and started talking about what we liked and not. In fact, we are “soft” BDSM-people, just playing with cuffs and a bit of spanking etc. After a while we attended a workshop for shibari and from that moment we stepped on the ropey-roller-coaster.

What is it about Shibari that you are both attracted to?
The thing about rope bondage we like most is that the possibilities seem endless. The fact it can be both aesthetic and humiliating, caressing and torturing. It’s so very versatile, challenging and we both keep learning and discovering every day.

Where did you learn your skill?
First we did a workshop with Bob RopeMarks. We knew nothing about bondage and had no experience at all. We were just curious because we had seen some images of Japanese bondage and decided to do the workshop to see how it was done, but from that moment on we knew this was “our kink”. After that we practiced a lot at home and after a while we went to RopeZensations, a friendly gathering of rope minded people at that time organised by Marc and Jesss from BeShibari. Personally, we both think that the best way to improve your skills is practicing with likeminded people, giving and receiving honest feedback. This feedback can be about everything, the technique, the pace, the ropes, the clothes, whatever, and last but not least it has to be fun. In our opinion some people take bondage way too seriously. No offense but it’s just ropes…

What kind of resources would you recommend to others, wanting to learn Shibari?
We would advise to learn it hands on. Try to find out if there is a good teacher in the area, even better a rope peer group or rope dojo, whatever, but practicing while your “teacher” watches you is the best way to improve your skills (in our opinion). Looking at other riggers/models doing bondage can be a great help in developing as well. We’re not saying you have to go copy the style, just look, enjoy, breathe it in and get inspired…

Who are you inspired by and why?
In general we are inspired by other couples. Seeing how they play and connect. Marc and Jesss from BeShibari were the first couple we met in the bondage scene. Seeing them playing together was a great inspiration to us. Is it corny if we mention Dave and Clover as well?! Seriously, having met you two a couple of times in private, having shared some terrific times together, watching how you guys play and create, needless to say that’s a huge inspiration to us.

You both really shine when you tie together; there is emotion, fun and love in your images. What in your opinion makes a good rigger and model combination?
First of all thank you for the compliment haha! We are not really aware of how it looks when we play. But emotion, love and fun is indeed what we feel, so it’s good to hear it shows haha! But to answer the question, it depends what kind of rigger/model combi you mean, for example, for private play, it’s obvious the best combi is a couple living 24/7 together..

Do you think you would like to perform or teach rope bondage?
Ha! We’ve heard that question a couple of times, and to be honest, we really have no idea what we could teach or how interesting a performance of the two of us should be. No false modesty, but to teach we just think we don’t have enough knowledge, simple. We’re sometimes surprised when we see what kind of people are giving workshops or teach ropes. Not talking about their intentions, which hopefully are good, but they just fail the skills to teach in a decent manner. Plus they fail the knowledge of what they are teaching.
And to perform, well, in fact it’s the same, we honestly think we’re not interesting enough to captivate audience during a performance. And again, sometimes we are surprised by seeing certain names in line ups of festivals/rope meetings/parties. Meaning people who perform who are simply not good enough, have lack of technique, pace, connection, or even are dangerous in what they do without being aware of it, or who are just plain boring…

Bondage seems to becoming more popular, with the increase of rope bondage images being shared in the internet. There seems to be a huge increase of not only bondage, but high risk suspensions too. What are your thoughts on this?
First of all, all bondage is dangerous, simple. But as long as you are aware of the dangers and you know what risks are involved it reduces the risk of accidents with a great amount.
But indeed, with the increase of rope bondage images being shared in the internet, there is a risk that people are pushing themselves beyond their limits/skills, which eventually could end in accidents.
However, I think it is not my responsibility to warn people not to try things they see on images without any experience. I mean, people have to use their common sense. And there always will be people who don’t care about risks, no matter if they are “inspired” by pictures or whatever…

Bondage comes with a risk. How do you decide what risks you are prepared to take together and who do you feel holds responsibility when taking a risk?
We both are aware that bondage can be dangerous. But as long as we are aware of the risks we are doing it safe, I hope this makes sense. We both feel responsible for what we do, so we share the responsibility. Rick as a rigger, Diske as a model. And in case we want to explore something new we always discuss the possible dangers.

If you had to give up rope or sex for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Rope

The only downside to travelling is that when I shoot I can not bring everything I would like,  and cannot bring my lights as I do not yet have a good set of portable lights. For this shoot with Luna, I had no light, no strobes, no natural light, nothing but the ambient light of a few lamps in the room. We were not going to let this stop us and I decided to go for a gritty feel and embrace what I had to work with.

Dave tied and I photographed, Luna was stunning, and had a body and soul made for rope or rope was made for her body and soul. Either way it’s a win situation with Luna bound. Tying on the bed and progressing each tie slowly, to create a good atmosphere and mood for the type of images I was looking to capture. Some predicaments and then Luna added a crisp white shirt and black tie for a dishevelled secretarial look. Luna looked sublime in this free form bondage, and with hair long enough for Dave to choke her with it, finally ending surrounded by the aftermath of rope.

Here are a few images from our shoot, I hope you enjoy them.

Dave and I spent a beautiful evening with Wildties and RedSabbath, playing with rope until we realised it was 4am and decided we needed some sleep before Otonawa’s workshop in a few hours time.

We all got up, a little worse for wear, had some fabulous Italian coffee like no other country on earth can serve. Feeling quite a bit more human we headed off to the venue to set up.

It was lovely to meet Otonawa san once more and meet his lovely wife, tsubasa. We learned some new information, ties and techniques, bought some lovely 4mm rope, saw an intense torture scene with Wildties and Redsabbath and then Otanawa’s show with tsubasa san.

Otanawa combines his skills with ropes and his talent for expression in theatre which come to life on stage. His show took me on a rollercoaster of emotions from laughter, to feeling strange, to creepy and disturbing and finally sweet beauty, love, happiness and tears. A very sweet and endearing story. If you ever have the opportunity to watch one of Otonawa’s performance pieces, please take this opportunity, you won’t be disappointed.

I am really very exited about returning to Rome for the Easter weekend, where will will give a workshop class with Wildties and Redsabbath and some performance on 30th March. Come and join us for this wonderful weekend.

Clover
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We were staying with some friends at Rope Central, Baltimore, who very kindly allowed us to shoot in their home. With no suspension point, I was delighted to have the opportunity to focus on some floor bondage and just how powerful it can be.

WykD Dave tied Bella in some beautiful and intricate floor ties, beginning with Bella in an adorable dress, fully clothed, and slowly becoming more beautifully dishevelled and free from the restrictions of her clothing.

The next set went onto a tie along the lines of ‘there will never be too much rope’, a full body restrictive and versatile tie.

We finished with Devil playing the mean sadist, putting poor Bella through her paces with pressure points, tight futumomo, pinches, hair pulling and rough man handling. This was quite a scene to witness but somehow I managed to concentrate on the job at hand and direct my focus towards composition, lighting and capturing Bella’s stunning emotions and tears.

These images bring back very find memories of a great day, wonderful friends and powerful interactions.

I hope you enjoy what we created.

Clover
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The club is hosted by Kamanth who has been extremely considerate and responsive to what people want in an event and done his best for the community to put this in place.

There were a few minor problems, as there are with any new club openings, which have all been addressed, including the opening of a delightful dungeon play space kitted by the Nemesis Team, a Hot Tub and (I may be a little biased here) one of the few clubs in the area with over head beam suspension points. The team have been very open to ideas and suggestions but came through on each account. The result of this has been a friendly, clean, fun and kinky play space for people in the Nottingham and Derby areas.

The club runs every month on the first Friday of the month in a beautiful new venue Xotix Xtreme in Heanor, Derbyshire. The clubnight has very friendly hospitality staff, which I am proud to say I am a part of, so the club is very newbie friendly, with separate areas for socialising and play.

The next event is on 1st March, WykD Dave and I will be performing a kinbaku show for everyone. Our first local suspension show in years, so we are very excited about this and after having to cancel our show last month due to ill-health we will definitely make this a show not to miss. For more details on location and dates for 2013 please see the sinsations website link below.

Sinsations Website

WykD Dave and I are off to Rome twice next month, the first for Otonawa’s class on the 2nd and 3rd of March and then again at the end of the month. We will be teaching rope bondage on the 30th March for a full day workshop, with one of Europe’s top riggers, Wildties. A huge inspiration, Wildties has taken the rope world by storm with his beautiful model, Redsabbath, their daring moves, intense and intimate performances.

What a wonderful team to teach alongside in such a rich and beautiful city. Redsabbath and I will be teaching a rope bottom class together, something we have wanted to do for a long time, a rare opportunity. A day of rope tuition with WykD Dave and Wildties. I can not think of a better way to spend the Easter weekend.

I look forward to seeing you all in Rome with this fantastic team.

Clover

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