Uplines Foundations: structure, load & safety
EVENT DESCRIPTION
This INTRO level workshop offers a structured, safety focused introduction to uplines for both partial and full suspensions within a shibari context. In alignment with London Kinbaku Studio standards, the class emphasizes sound technique, clear systems, and responsible practice over aesthetic shortcuts or rushed progression.
Participants will cover essential safety considerations, including risk awareness, equipment selection, rope types, load, and emergency procedures. We will explore anchoring principles, identifying appropriate attachment points, and building reliable uplines. Instruction will include both top and bottom lock-offs, with hands on practice using single carabiner and bamboo hardpoints.
The workshop will also address effective rope and carabiner management, intentional movement of bodies while in rope. Proper finish, focusing on clean line management, organization, and thoughtful clean up of uplines to support both safety and clarity in suspension work.
This class is designed to provide a strong technical foundation while reinforcing the values of communication, consent, and safety that underpin all education at London Kinbaku Studio.
REQUIREMENTS
Participants must be able to efficiently and confidently tie:
One of the following two type of chest harness:
Suspension worthy takate kote
Suspension worthy arms-free chest harness
One of the following two type of hip harness:
Suspension worthy hip harness
Suspension worthy mermaid/half mermaid tie
These skills should be executable in a timely manner without step-by-step instruction, as the focus of this workshop is uplines rather than harness construction.
INSTRUCTOR
Marc Gräfenberg began tying in 2022 and has since made rope the centre of his kink journey. He has presented workshops on impact play, negotiation, kink etiquette, and basic to intermediate rope, with a strong emphasis on communication, consent, and responsible play.
Gräfenberg maintains a balanced and ongoing commitment to education, with focused study in advanced rope techniques alongside his continued training as a Kazami Level 4 student. His approach to technical growth prioritizes safety, adaptability, and emotional presence, allowing structure and intention to support connection rather than override it.
His tying style is dynamic, sensual, and deeply intentional, characterized by fluid transitions and a conscious blending of tempo; moving between soft and rough, stillness and intensity. Gräfenberg places equal value on the emotional arc of a scene as on its technical execution, cultivating connection through attentiveness, responsiveness, and purposeful rope placement. He holds no fixed preference between single point, bamboo, hashira, or vertical bamboo, instead choosing structures that best serve the body, the moment, and the negotiated dynamic.
TIME & DATE
Sunday March 8,
10am – 2pm
Doors open 15 – 30 mins before the scheduled start of the event
Doors close 10 mins after the scheduled start of the event.
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY
VENUE & ACCESSIBILITY
• London Kinbaku Studio, London, Ontario
• Exact address sent via confirmation email
• Second floor warehouse space (stairs only, no elevator)
• Shoe free studio – shoes removed at the top of the stairs
TRANSPORTATION
• Accessible via London Transit
• Short walk from a designated bus stop
• Plenty of parking available at the front of the venue
REGISTRATION & FEE
$60 per tying pair (one designated top)
Payment via EMT to: londonkinbaku@gmail.com
Password: Lrope1
In subject/memo line please note your name, date of the event and name of the event
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY
Tickets may be transferred up to 72 hours before the event.
• Replacement attendee must complete code of conduct 72hrs prior to the event
• Transfer requests must be emailed to londonkinbakul@gmail.com 72 hrs prior to the event
• No late transfers will be accepted
• Replacement attendee must be in good standing with our organization.
DRESS CODE
Dress comfortably, think, what ever you would tie in.
Shorts, sports bras, tank tops, bikini bottoms/tops, leggings welcome.
No underwire bras
Not a play event
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
• Valid government-issued ID( waiver required)
• NOTEBOOK AND PEN
• Comfortable clothing suitable for sitting and observing
• A sealable water bottle and/or mug
• Cash if you wish to purchase soft drinks
• Your favourite after care necessities
• Curiosity, respect, and presence
##PICTURE CREDIT
M: Believes
R & P : Marc Gräfenberg
V: London Kinbaku Studio