VALENTINE'S DAY 2025 - Group Intro to Shibari Rope Bondage - SHAG'd at The Moxy Hotel

Join us for an unforgettable experience - Shibari Rope Bondage at The Moxy Hotel in Brooklyn, NY. Dive into the world of sensual rope play and connect with like-minded individuals in a safe and inclusive environment.

SHAG's Group Intro Shibari Workshops are held at the MOXY Brooklyn Williamsburg Hotel and are open to hotel guests & non-guests as well, but all attendees must purchase admission tickets in advance. Please note that each participant must have a partner & there is a maximum of 30 people per session. Each class lasts 2-2.5 hours.

ABOUT this CLASS: “Intro to Shibari” is an intensive workshop, approximately two hours long, designed for people who are interested in exploring the concept of power exchange with rope and how this plays out physically in the bedroom. The lessons are designed for couples to learn how to tie one another, in order that both participants receive a well-rounded understanding and experience of this ancient art form.

The class will consist of a tutorial of three basic ties and how they can be used singularly or in conjunction with each other to create an erotically charged rope scene. You’ll learn how to tie elegantly, with a controlled and measured technique. Prior Shibari experience is not required.

ROPE & SAFETY SHEAR REQUIREMENT: All couples must have an approved rope kit AND a pair safety shears - you can either bring your own (as long as the rope meets our guidelines of 2x15ft pieces and 2x30ft pieces) or you can purchase online at SHAG. Another nice addition to this class is Midori’s Art of Japanese Bondage book or Chanta Rose’s Bondage for Sex.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Payment is requested in advance, and is non-refundable. There is one reschedule allowed, but must be made within a week's notice of the date of the class and will incur a 20% Rescheduling Fee. Please note that our classes are intentionally kept small and intimate, so we count on our attendees to arrive on time. No-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.

ABOUT SHIBARI: Shibari is a Japanese term that means “to tie.” It was originally known as Hojo-jutsu, the Japanese martial art of restraining that was used by Samurai in Japan during the 1400s-1700s. Techniques & form evolved and by the late 1800s and early 1900s, the erotic Kinbaku practice emerged, taking on more artistic and spiritual dimensions to become what is now known as Shibari.

The aesthetics of Shibari involve the creation of geometric patterns and shapes with rope, to form sensual contrasts with skin and the natural curves of the human form. The relationship between the person who ties the rope (the “rigger”), and the one being restrained is akin to that of an artist and the canvas -- the rope is both paint and brush. The arrangement of the ropes and knots explores and accentuates the sensuality of both vulnerability as well as strength. More skilled practitioners understand the placement of knots to stimulate pressure points on the body, controlling the flow of energy to produce different states of arousal and pleasure. The complex dynamics of power exchange are capable of creating powerful physiological and psychological experiences, as a component of BDSM play and general sexual enhancement.

ABOUT VALENTINE AMARTEY (the Instructor): Valentine has been teaching SHAG's Shibari classes for over 10 years. With a background in costume and knitwear design, he began making costumes for various downtown performance artists back in the late '90's. During one of these assignments, he was asked to make costumes for a performance that called for rope looks for an underground ballet/burlesque troupe. He discovered the art of Shibari and immediately incorporated the art form into his design work.

After this initial dive into the art form, Valentine took the time to study Shibari with Tyutumi, who received his basic training from Mistress Midori. After years of practice, he was ready to share this knowledge with people of all levels.

“Shibari is a discipline that involves the control of rope, your partner, and ultimately yourself — this I find to be greatly appealing. I’m drawn to the fine balance between something that was designed for punishment and something that is visually stunning. The combination of brutality and beauty is endlessly fascinating to me."

Valentine’s credits to date include providing looks for pop stars such as Shakira, Lady Gaga and Brooke Candy, designing for the Calvin Klein Collection and teaching a BFA knitwear course at The New School.