WORKSHOP PRACTICALS
Workshop FAQ
Answers to the questions that most often come up before joining a RopeMarks workshop or tuition.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Planning your workshop
Practical questions about booking, partners, roles, location and cancellation.
Most RopeMarks workshops are designed for two people working together, one tying and one being tied. The event description will state whether a partner is required. If you want to attend but do not have a partner, you can try finding one through relevant rope-community groups on FetLife. Any gender combination is welcome.
The practical requirements are listed with each workshop. Depending on the workshop, this includes your own rope and clothing that allows comfortable movement and access for tying. Always check the individual event description before attending.
Group workshops are normally held in a dedicated 135 m² space near Sloterdijk Station in Amsterdam. Private and small-group tuition usually takes place at RopeMarks HQ in Amsterdam. Tuition at another location may also be possible by arrangement.
Switching is not prohibited, but it is usually not recommended. Most workshops do not allow enough time to repeat each exercise in both roles. If a workshop is suitable for switching, this will be mentioned in the event description.
A workshop registration is normally for two people attending together. The pair can be any combination of genders. If an event uses a different registration format, this will be stated in the event description.
If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible at workshop@ropemarks.com.
If we can replace your booking with another couple, you will receive a full refund.
If we cannot replace your booking, the following refund schedule applies:
- within 2 weeks of the workshop: 50% refund
- within 1 week of the workshop: 25% refund
- within 3 days of the workshop: no refund
ROPE & EQUIPMENT
What to bring
Rope length, quantities, buying rope and what you need to bring with you.
Rope suitable for RopeMarks workshops is available from the RopeMarks rope shop.
Please order at least one week before the workshop. I need a few days to prepare the rope, so last-minute orders may not be possible.
No. You need to bring your own rope to the workshop.
If you need rope, you can order it from the RopeMarks rope shop. Please order at least one week in advance so there is enough time to prepare it.
The number of ropes you need depends on the workshop, so always check the event description first.
Some numbers that I found that work are:
4 ropes = beginners set
8 ropes = intermediate set
12 ropes = advanced set
15 ropes = you have elevated to the supreme level 🙂
Having a few shorter pieces rope in your rope-kit can come in handy, ie. 2m and 4m.
Suspension work generally requires more rope than floor work.
For Japanese style bondage the general consensus is to use rope that is approximately 8m long. This is not a hard number and you can vary as needed. If you tie a bigger body you might have benefit to use a slightly longer rope (8-10m) and if you tie a small body you might benefit from a shorter rope (7-8m). My personal set has ropes of 8.5m.
SKILL LEVELS
Finding the right level
Use the Ryū progression and workshop skill descriptions to choose a level that matches your experience.
RopeMarks Ryū is a progression:
Ryū #0 · Introduction
Your first contact with RopeMarks Ryū, covering fundamental rope handling, basic principles and the vocabulary needed to continue.
Ryū #1 · Strong Beginner
Build a dependable technical base and greater control of structure, positioning and tension.
Ryū #2 · Static Suspensions
Move into low, static suspension work with more emphasis on load awareness and body positioning.
Ryū #3 · Transitions
Work with movement, rotation and transitions between suspended positions.
Each event description states the expected experience. If you are unsure which level is right for you, contact RopeMarks before booking.
Each RopeMarks workshop is designed for a specific level of experience. The descriptions below apply to both the rigger and the model. Choosing the right level helps keep the workshop safe, focused and enjoyable. If you are unsure, selecting the lower level is usually the better choice.
BEGINNER
Rigger requirements
Can tie SCT and DCT safely and maintain even tension.
Model requirements
Comfortable with basic restraints and able to communicate discomfort.
STRONG BEGINNER
Rigger requirements
Comfortable tying basic harnesses and futomomo, with an understanding of rope placement and basic nerve safety.
Model requirements
Comfortable in leg ties and moderate restriction, able to stay relaxed and communicate body feedback.
INTERMEDIATE
Rigger requirements
Can tie a stable TK and basic uplines, and understands suspension fundamentals and load direction.
Model requirements
Comfortable in a TK and short suspensions, understands body positioning and can communicate limits early.
UPPER INTERMEDIATE
Rigger requirements
Confident with multiple uplines, load sharing and static suspension positions, and able to troubleshoot rope structure.
Model requirements
Comfortable in static suspensions with moderate endurance, able to maintain posture and communicate fatigue.
ADVANCED
Rigger requirements
Experienced with dynamic transitions, load management and adapting ties during suspension.
Model requirements
Experienced with dynamic suspensions and transitions, able to manage endurance and communicate subtle body feedback.
