Frequently asked questions about Aijō, Shibari, workshops and the dojo

No. Aijō is a private offering from Shana and Jack The Rigger.

No, the minimum age for participation in the offers is 18 years. We do not make any exceptions.

No. We only tie up people we have known for a long time and can assess.

Registration is required for workshops, training sessions and jams so that we can plan reliably. After registering, you will receive a confirmation and a place assignment from us—without these, participation is not possible.

We do not provide rope partners. It is your responsibility to find a suitable person. We recommend searching within your own community or through relevant platforms such as Joyclub, Fetlife or others.

As a general rule, photography and filming are strictly prohibited at our events. Exceptions are only possible if all parties involved have given their express consent. It should be noted that individuals who are recognizable in pictures or videos must give their additional and separate consent.

The Aijō Dojo is located at Niederlenzerstrasse 29, 5600 Lenzburg, Switzerland. Workshops, training sessions, jams and private lessons usually take place there. The location for each event is shown with the current dates.

The dojo has a tatami area, a large timber frame with eight suspension points, a seating area and an entrance area for clothing, drinks and snacks. Outside training hours, the space is also used as a photo studio. You can find more details on the dojo page.

Consent, communication and respect for personal boundaries are the foundation of every activity at Aijō Dojo. Agreements apply before, during and after tying, and boundaries can be communicated again at any time. At jams and other open formats, other people or sessions must never be involved without being asked.

The Shibari Beginner Workshop is specifically designed for people with no previous experience. It covers materials, anatomy, safety, communication and initial practical ties. You can also begin the Osada-Ryū Kyu System without prior experience.

Workshops teach a defined topic in a group. Private lessons are tailored to the participants' level, goals and pace. Kyu training offers a systematic path from Kyu 9 to Kyu 1. At Aijō Keiko, the group explores a predefined topic together, while jams mainly provide space for independent practice and exchange.

You can find an overview on the dates page. Each detail page lists the price, duration, required experience and further information. When an offer is available to book, the event or date leads to its registration.

The Rope Jam is an open gathering for practice, exchange and meeting others. Individuals may attend, but a rope partner cannot be guaranteed. The Spicy Rope Jam is for couples or groups only and focuses on a calm atmosphere, your own play, consent and consideration.

Unless otherwise stated in the workshop description, these are designed for couples.

In general, the workshops are designed so that role swapping is not intended. However, depending on the situation, we can make an exception if both partners agree and the situation is safe.

The active partner can wear whatever they feel most comfortable in. For the passive partner, we recommend close-fitting clothing, as this makes it easier to guide the rope along the body. For female partners, we also recommend not wearing a bra with underwire. A sports bra or no bra at all is best in this case.

In general, you do not need to bring your own materials. We will provide you with everything you need to participate in the workshop. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For advanced workshops, we recommend working with your own ropes. If it is a suspension workshop, the ropes should be made of hemp, jute, or another material that ensures safety.

Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. They must ensure that they have adequate coverage for any damage that may occur.

The training is structured around specific topics. Each session focuses on a clearly defined subject that is explained at the beginning. We then demonstrate the corresponding tie—sometimes with variations—and practise it together with the participants.

The required level depends on the offer. Each date specifies the knowledge you should have. If in doubt, just write to us—we'll take a look at it together.

The word Ryū is derived from ryūha (流派), which means school, style or manner. In martial arts, it is customary to name the founder first and use Ryū as a suffix (-流, -ryū).

The structure is strongly influenced by Japanese martial arts. This means starting at Kyu 9 and progressing to Kyu 1.

Those who decide to take kyu training and then the corresponding exams want to focus specifically on kinbaku/shibari, particularly Osada ryu. The kyu training is designed to provide a solid foundation in the basics of kinbaku/shibari.

It is a clearly defined path, divided into nine levels (3 basic levels, 3 intermediate levels, and 3 advanced levels). These are dedicated to different topics and thus show a clear path for learners to acquire, improve, and develop their Shibari skills. The basic level is for beginners who have no prior knowledge of Shibari. The intermediate level is for those who have already acquired basic knowledge and skills in Shibari. The advanced level is for those who have already acquired advanced knowledge and skills in Shibari.

Through testing and intensive repetition, the Kyu also offer experienced riggers the opportunity to test their own level. In the process, carelessness in detail is corrected, thus consolidating and improving one's own style.

Both beginners and experienced practitioners can start Kyu training. Everyone begins at the same level.

Admission to an examination requires focused work on the content of the respective Kyu. The necessary knowledge is taught in practical lessons through exploring, experiencing and learning each focus topic rather than through books or videos. Watching and discussing are just as important as active tying. The duration and scope of preparation vary according to experience. However, the desired level cannot be reached without additional practice outside the training sessions.

Kyu training is based on a clearly structured curriculum tailored to the respective level. Learners work intensively with the defined topics for the Kyu they are pursuing. While the curriculum provides the overall direction, the specific exercises and learning content remain flexible and can be adapted individually.

The number of training hours depends on the rigger's level of knowledge and their individual learning speed. As the kyu level increases, so does the intensity of the preparation in order to meet the requirements. As a rough guideline, approximately 10 hours of training can be planned for the lower kyu levels. However, the focus is not on the speed at which the exams are taken, but rather on intensive study of the restraints and topics of each kyu level. The journey is the destination.

Yes. How closely someone wishes to follow the path of Osada-Ryū is a personal choice. Other styles and individual development remain possible. Regardless of style, safety, consent and responsible rope practice must always be respected.

Only an officially licensed instructor may conduct the examinations. We therefore collaborate with Vinciens from Kinbaku Dojo Vienna and Secret56. Vinciens is the highest-ranking instructor in Osada-Ryū and leads the major examination event, which takes place once a year.

Aijō believes that learners should not be examined by their own teacher. The examination is therefore conducted by another instructor, while Jack attends in his role as teacher.

In general, there is no obligation to take the exam. However, without passing the exam, the student may not claim to have achieved a kyu level. This is only possible after passing the exam.

Yes. The content and pace are based on experience, goals, wishes, boundaries and physical conditions. Private lessons are suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners as well as couples, riggers and models who want to focus on technique, safety, communication or collaboration. Find out more on the private lessons page.

Private lessons preferably take place at Aijō Dojo in Lenzburg. Lessons at your own location are also possible by arrangement, provided the space and safety conditions are suitable. You can send your request through the private lessons page or by email.

Yes. Rope sessions alone are not offered as a service, but photographic or video projects can be requested. Possibilities include documenting an authentic session, planned posing shoots or video recordings. The concept, publication rights and any fee are agreed individually and transparently. Please use the shooting projects page.