Floor and Partials in Akechi-style

with Mango and Rio

price per tying pair: 

BOUND Members $30 |TIED Members $40 | WRAPPED Members $50

Friday May 29th, 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Registration will be enabled Sunday, April 12th @12 noon MST

This class is intended for people who tie and people in rope who already have some experience (see prerequisites). In this three-hour class, we will explore some of the core principles of Akechi-style rope. This style is raw and precise, combining strict structures, breath play and control to create ties that are beautiful and thrilling.

Mango is one of the two currently active authorized instructors of the style, and Rio will be his partner for this class.

Nawashi Akechi Kanna is a leading Japanese rope artist. As a successor of Akechi Denki, they have developed a semenawa style (tormenting rope) that draws inspiration from hojōjutsu. Akechi-style is restrictive and emphasizes precise control of the body, often incorporating elements that play with breath. Kanna and their partner Kagura explain their approach in these words: "We believe that rope has no gender or borders. Rope should be for everyone and can be enjoyable for both the rigger and the model". 

During the class, we will explore some floorwork ties and partial ties, and discover some of Nawashi Akechi Kanna’s signature patterns. We will focus on ties that do not require a takate kote (TK). As one of the principles of Akechi-style is adapting rope to each body, alternatives and additional options will be offered whenever necessary.

Safety and creativity will be emphasized throughout the class, and the content will be adapted to the level and needs of the group. Please note that the class may include crotch rope and light strangulation.

Things to bring

• At least seven ropes (7-8 meters/30ft, Ø 5-6mm), ideally jute rope or hemp rope
  
• 4-5 carabiners rated for climbing
  
• 1 climbing sling to attach a carabiner to a hard point
  

Prerequisites:

This class is LEVEL 1 based on our experience level matrix 

If you are unsure if your skill level is suitable for this class, please reach out to nate@studiofriction.com

For people who tie:

People-who-tie must know basic frictions (hitch, x-friction) as well as single and double column ties and basic upline management

For people in rope:

People-in-rope should be familiar with the differences in sensation between nerve and blood circulation impingement and how those feel for their bodies 

People-in-rope should be able to communicate effectively about their experience, needs, and desires in ropes

About the Instructors:

Mango (He/Him)

Originally from Europe and currently residing in Ottawa, Canada, mango (he/him) started his rope journey in 2015 as a rigger. He enjoys challenging and tormenting ropes, the playful art of semenawa. His main interest lies in simple ties and in the classics of kinbaku. He equally enjoys exploring floorwork and suspensions as they allow a vast array of play possibilities. In January 2022, Nawashi Akechi Kanna, one of Japan's leading and most influential rope artists and teachers, named him an official instructor of their style (Akechi-ryu, from the Kanna lineage). Mango has assisted Kanna in their teaching in Japan, Singapore, Canada and the US. He has performed and shared his knowledge about semenawa in over a dozen countries across the world (Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa) and closer to home. He is the co-founder of CORE, a rope education collective in Ottawa. @mangoties on Instagram

Rio (They/Them)

Originally from Brazil and now residing in Montréal, Canada, Rio (they/them) has been practicing rope since 2017 as both a top and bottom. While they have experience in different rope styles, they hold a special interest in the Kanna-ryū philosophy. Their practice values connecting through torment in play, emphasizing body awareness and its impact on choices and movement. They focus on sharing experiences to foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and developing meaningful rope partnerships. @rio_rope on Instagram

Important Registration Information: