Ask five people and you’ll get eight takes on what “traditional shibari” means. Packed into that notion of “tradition” are layers of unspoken assumptions about who rope is for, what motives for tying are ‘correct’, and what bodies are desirable. Gombé ties in conscious conversation with those tropes: drawing from an eroticized history of Japan while actively expanding what rope can look and feel like for masculine bodies, larger bodies, and those of us ‘outside the frame’ of history.
His tying philosophy – honor true self – isn’t so much a tagline as it is a mission statement: approaching rope as a practice of individual authenticity rather than imitation. Less “how do I recreate this shape on this body,” more “what shapes are made when we tie together?”
This weekend is an opportunity to work with someone whose practice asks many of the same question we do: what does it mean to tie like you?
Weekend Pass — $700
Save $80 on registering for all the workshops at their a la carte prices.
Weekend passes include access for two (one tying pair) to our entire weekend with Gombé . Purchase this if you don’t want to miss anything (and want to save a little cash in the process).
Instructor Bio:
Gombé is a skilled Shibari artist and professional cuddler in Tokyo, celebrated for his unique approach that combines Japanese rope art with emotional depth and care. Inspired by the spirit of shudō, his work centers on creating strong, respectful connections that encourage clients to explore their true selves. Through his sessions — whether in kinbaku or comforting embrace — Gombé provides a space for self-reflection, inner strength, and genuine human connection.