Like many rope artists, I love the material for its texture, its aesthetic, and its “flexible rigidity.” My research and practice use it as an element of movement, disruption, and dialogue. We will explore how bamboo can become an extension of the body, a tool for exchange, and a “disturbing element” that forces us to find new solutions in motion. What I call part of the flow.
This workshop is an invitation into my way of tying, and perhaps to rethink your relationship with bamboo.
The Spirit of the Gathering
I do not teach dogmas or step-by-step formulas. I share tools, concepts, and observations that you can integrate into your own style. The goal is not to create recipes, but to be part of a process—the shared journey toward a new sensation.
We will investigate how the “flexible rigidity” of bamboo teaches the same presence as rope, while bringing its own unique challenges. How can bamboo become an extension of the body? How can it disrupt our habitual systems to force us into new states of flow?
We will also explore some of my “basic” techniques to facilitate the relationship between my way of manipulating body ropes and other materials (like bamboo).
What We Will Explore
Bamboo as a Disruptive Element: We will work on leverage, pressure, and how this hard object can create fluidity and impact our flow.- Posture & Movement (One Rope & Flow): Many of the principles I use will be presented through short techniques and exercises. Tension, moving with the partner, body manipulation… much will be introduced through brief exercises.
- Creativity & Integration: This will be a space for freeform creativity where we let go of structure to explore intuition. While some exercises will be strongly directed to discover sensations and concepts, they will always conclude with creative exercises designed to invite creativity and personal comprehension.
- Power Exchange & Martial Dance: To me, power exchange is created by physical action, subtle or primal, but built with an understanding of basic principles found in many bodily activities.
Format & Approach
As always, this workshop is organized around short exercises to approach concepts, followed by creative phases to integrate them.
- No Recipes: Every session evolves organically based on the group’s energy.
- Focus on Process: Beauty lies in the search, not just the final result.
- Adaptability: Newcomers to my style are welcome; we will find ways to integrate everyone into the flow without leaving anyone behind.
There will be also a performance on Friday evening – you can register to Shibari Night – A-Nicolas & Joan.
Requirements
Level: This workshop is NOT for beginners. Excellent body awareness and the ability to communicate clearly are essential. Building and un-building will take time and will be demanding.
Suspension: Depending on the group and the day, we will work on suspension or semi-suspension.
Attendace to series of Nicolas ryu mini-ws & study groups on Thursdays or the completion of Workshop Nicolas ryu: Enzo, flow a dialog is required for local participants.
Registrations are approved according to level of participants.
About A-Nicolas
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.
Key Milestones:
- 1997: Began Aïkido practice
- 1999: Discovered rope art
- 2004-2010: Lived and trained in Japan, studying under Arisue Go
- 2008: First performance in Tokyo, launched photography, and adopted the artist name Yoroï Nicolas
- 2013: Began teaching internationally
- 2015: Opened a dojo in Brussels
- 2022: Began using his family name(Or A-Nicolas) as his artist name
- 2023: Battling leukemia
- 2024: Established a fifth dojo in Brussels
Bring with you
- As much rope as you can bring.
- Tissues (a nice addition).
- A good cutting tool.
- Rings and carabiners (I will work with these, but you are welcome to adapt any exercise to your type of suspension anchor).
Other instructions
Workshop will be held in English.
Recording: Photos during creative exercises are welcome only if they capture just you and your partner. No recording during the presentation.
Location
Workshop is taking place in Prague near Anděl in Subspace studio. Exact address will be sent to you by mail after confirmation of your registration. We open the space 15 minutes before the workshop starts.
Registration
It is necessary to register in advance, places are limited. You can find a registration form below. Price is per person. Please register exact number of places (i.e. for a couple choose 2 places). The workshop is only for pairs, if you register one place, please state registration name of your partner.
Subspace member’s tickets are accessible to couples where at least one person is a Subspace member.
International participants can also register directly by contacting us.
