Kirigami & Tenshiko | Kinbaku Stars

Kirigami and Tenshiko are partners both in rope and in life. They have been teaching and performing across Europe since 2012. In 2016, they founded School of Rope Milano, where they host weekly classes in traditional Japanese rope bondage for local students as well as international guests.

Their style is deeply rooted in classical Japanese Kinbaku, refined over the years through stage performances, private sessions, and photographic work. Alongside rope, their artistic path has been strongly influenced by the study of traditional Japanese arts — particularly the tea ceremony — which they continue to explore as part of their personal and creative development.

In recent years, their work has expanded beyond Europe. In 2023, they were invited to teach in Latin America and Australia, and began collaborating with Sugiura Norio Sensei on international workshops held in both Europe and Japan, as well as on a series of editorial projects, online and in print.

In 2025, Kirigami became the first non-resident of Japan to be invited to tie for Kinbaku Sajiki, the iconic photographic series curated by Sugiura Norio.

Workshop

We will approach traditional semenawa from a practical and theoretical point of view, understanding the iconic patterns of the style, and the philosophy behind them.

The TK

We will analyze a stemless gote, understanding its structure and historical development. The differences with an original Japanese TK will be described both from a technical and philosophical point of view.

Basic patterns

Some iconic patterns will be taught and put in use. Both floorwork and simple suspensions will be part of the schedule. Each basic pattern will be used to teach a skill that can be carried over and used in several other ties.

Variations

Depending on the level of participants, some basic ties will be variated and transformed into new shapes. Variations are didactically skill-oriented, and participants will improve rope and body handling while experimenting with new ties.

Prerequisites

Tops:
Solid TK any style
Safe and efficient upline management
Some experience with easy suspensions

Bottoms:
Feeling comfortable in a gote
Understanding the difference between comfortable and sustainable, and being willing to explore both
Nerve and circulation risk awareness and ability to self control