Netherland : “Pathways in Rope—From Foundations to Flow”

This workshop invites you on a journey through the essentials of rope practice, focusing on the fluid and transformative aspects of movement, simplicity, and connection. Designed to offer a balance between structure and improvisation, this experience is suited for those looking to deepen their understanding of how the art of rope emerges from both the fundamentals and the unexplored.

Level needed :

• Good communication level with your partner
• Body awareness (and will to improve it)
• The will to tie (and to be tied up) very differently if you have never studied with me.
• Experimental and adventurous mind.

Material needed

• Minimum 8 ropes (Have a set that you are okay to sacrifice for some creation on the floor is a plus)
• Blinfold, tenugui or strong pieces of tissue.
• At least 4 carabiners.
• Cutting tool.
  tickets and more info see down below

I will present more concepts and principles than step by step recipes.

The workshop is full of little exercises to make you feel and integrate this principle, with some very challenging, more complex ties to illustrate what we can do.

Based on a few questions at the beginning of the workshop, our exchange through the tuition and my observation : I will pick up in my tool box some exercises and create a unique workshop adapted to the group.

My workshops are always based on research and depends on the group’s level and maybe desire.

The workshops will be organized around this plan : (But you know in life nothing goes according to the plan)

One Rope and Movement

Begin with the Basics: This session focuses on breathing, balance, and the subtle art of movement within the simplicity of a single rope. Each exercise encourages awareness of space, energy, and connection.
Discover Essential Flow: Minimal yet profound, these techniques foster an awareness of fluid connection, creating a foundation for both playful and meditative tying.
Classic Forms and Foundational Aesthetics

Incorporate Tradition: Guided by the Japanese aesthetic principles found in Geidō, learn how to embrace the art of process. Each movement is purposeful, grounded in restraint and intentional posture.

Refine Your Practice: This is where technique meets form, and the intentional interplay of breath, control, and elegance guides you toward a more structured practice.
Simplicity and Depth

Minimalism in Motion: Reduce the elements to reveal what is essential in your tying, exploring how simplicity frees space for genuine body connection and communication.

Connect Through Subtlety: The emphasis here is on clear, focused tying, allowing each movement and sensation to resonate deeply without distraction.
Returning to Movement and Embodied Posture

Reconnect with Flow: Building on foundational techniques, this segment focuses on continuous, mindful movement, with influences from Thai massage, Aikido, and Systema.

Expressive Transitions: Learn to integrate physicality with flow, engaging in postures and movements that echo the principles of meditation and dance.
Organic Tying: Drawing from Nature

A Natural State of Being: Inspired by Ikebana and Bonsai, this segment teaches organic tying techniques, working with unbalanced designs and natural shapes that challenge traditional boundaries.

Human and Nature in Harmony: As you tie, let each pattern emerge like a form in nature, exploring both fluid spirals and internal stillness.
Free Mind Exercise

Let Go of Form: This closing exercise invites participants to release structured techniques and work from intuition. With the principles of balance, flow, and organic movement now internalized, allow for unplanned expression in the moment.

Celebrate Connection: This final session honors the journey, allowing the freedom to explore creativity and presence in the shared experience of rope.

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Biography
Since his twenties, A-Nicolas has immersed himself in the art of ropes, and since his thirties, in the art of photography. His work draws from Japanese kinbaku/shibari, blending influences from diverse body practices, including Aikido, Thai massage, Tango, Contact Improvisation, and System A.

During four formative years in Japan, he trained under the esteemed master Arisue Go, focusing also on Aikido, Japanese culture, and kinbaku. Upon his return to Europe, he developed his unique tying style, Yoroi-ryu, under the name Nicolas Yoroï.

As a key figure in European rope communities, A-Nicolas has collaborated and performed across Europe and North America, studying with renowned artists like Tessin Doyama, Kinoko, Ottonawa, Kazami Ranki, and Pedro, among others. Over the years, he has contributed through workshops, public events, performances, and the establishment of multiple dojos, most recently in Brussels.

Practical info
Tickets couple prizes

Workshop will be in English
Free parking
18 min walk from trainstation Roermond
Location: Weerstand – aerial gym
Bredestraat 10, Roermond