ROPUNAWA & FREYA HELLESDÎM
RopuNawa first encountered shibari/kinbaku in 2008 during a performance in Australia. This experience stayed with him all the way to Switzerland, where he began his journey with rope. He laid the foundation for his bondage art at that time based on the style of Osada Steve, which was taught in Switzerland. However, he did not limit himself to this one style but drew inspiration from many other teachers. For him, there is no single way to tie; what matters most to RopuNawa is the needs of his partner. These needs can be as varied as people’s individuality itself, and the diversity of his style allows him to best respond to his partners. He values the nonverbal connection he is able to create with each person in this way.
RopuNawa discovered this aesthetic along the way with Akira Naka, who influenced him early on in his journey. While Naka continues to accompany him today, he has also been inspired by Tifereth on this path for the past two years.
Yoroï was one of his first major influences, allowing him to give free rein to his preference for “less is more.” Yagami Ren also had a significant influence on him in this regard later on.
Today, RopuNawa incorporates elements of all these styles into his personal rope art, which he practices and teaches at his dojo in Basel, while continuing to travel the world, lead workshops, and draw inspiration from his former teachers and new encounters.
— & —
Freya Hellesdîm:
make what's broken look beautiful
and make what's strong look invincible
walk with the universe
on your shoulders and make it
feel like a pair of wings
UPCOMING EVENTS WITH ROPUNAWA & FREYA
PAST EVENTS WITH ROPUNAWA & FREYA
– Check out some examples of Ropunawa’s work below –
