Explore the "Same Journey" style of Shibari with Laodai
Overview
Shibari.PH is excited to announce the return of one of our favorite international instructors, Davide (Laodai), to teach and perform in the Philippines from August 21st-25th, 2025.
We’d love for you to join us!
About Laodai
Davide (@laodai_shibari) is a Shibari artist inspired by Japanese style rope bondage and the co-founder of Studio K Shanghai (@studiokshanghai).
Davide practices his own style of tying called Same Journey (“Onaji Michinori“) from his personal views based on Japanese styles.
“It is an emotional style focused on the exploration of connections and deep emotions. There, the model is the central and most important element, and the untying part serves as the climax. Every aspect of the experience holds meaning and answers a question.”
-Davide
About: The Emotional Side
“I was very fortunate to meet Ayame as my first model in Shanghai. At the beginning, I had no knowledge of Kinbaku or any Japanese masters, aside from seeing some pictures of Kinoko’s artistic works and a few images of Araki work.
My initial goal was to learn techniques for artistic purposes, but I ended up discovering something much deeper and personally meaningful.
Ayame, a former model for Yukimura Sensei in Japan, immediately
captivated me with her energy and her rich shibari heritage from the very start of my shibari journey.
Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet Yukimura Sensei in person. However, I believe I was fortunate to learn his ideas about shibari from the best teachers possible—his models.
Throughout my rope journey, I also learned Yukimura ryu techniques from Murasaki-san and integrated some elements from Yukimura Sensei into my own style.
I want to be clear that I do not claim to be tying or teaching Yukimura-ryu. I have developed my approach over the years.”
About: The Technical Side
“I consider myself an aesthete, so aesthetics hold significant importance for me. I am particularly passionate about techniques and have developed a clean, minimalistic approach to using ropes. Every
element in my ties must serve a purpose, and I enjoy deconstructing classical ties to create new versions that align more closely with my vision of shibari.
A common question I often encounter is, “Who is your teacher?” I’ve previously mentioned my teachers and inspirations for the emotional aspect of my work.
Technically, I have learned from and have been most influenced by Kinoko-san, Yagami Ren-san, and Jyubei Kamui-san. As a result, many elements I use and adapt comes from the Akechi Denki – Miura Takumi lineage.
Additionally, I draw daily inspiration from esteemed riggers from Japan and around the world.
Never end to learn.”
What's in it for you?
Watching and learning Davide’s style is helpful for both casual kinksters (i.e. bedroom players/just curious) and professional kinksters (i.e. professional dominatrices, rope artists, and rope models—including those who want to work in these fields).
Exploring the Emotional side of tying can help you:
- Be more present in the moment by listening to and communicating with your partners more effectively
- Create captivating and memorable sessions by engaging your partner mentally and emotionally
- Explore a world of possibilities beyond copying and wearing patterns from pictures & videos
Exploring the Technical side of tying can help you:
- Improve the overall safety of your partner in ropes
- Learn when best to use which ties or techniques
- Deconstruct and reconstruct ties by studying the What, How, and Why behind them
- Prepare for and explore rope bondage suspensions and transitions
Event Overview
Davide will be staying in the country for about a week and will spend that time offering:
1-6pm (5 hours)
Day 1 of Davide’s “Same Journey” workshop for emotional tying focuses on the conceptual and theoretical aspects plus the technical elements to achieve them.
We will focus on the WHY rather than the HOW, discovering a personal approach to deconstructing and redesigning elements for your goals (finger lock, hanging lines, basic elements…).
- Concept: 1 heart = 1 style
- Priorities: Safety → Pleasure → Beauty
- Technical focus: Minimalist mental approach, minimalist floor ties
- Phases: Encounter → Tying → Suspension → Untying → Aftercare
- Bonus: Different ways to tie hair
1-6pm (5 hours)
Day 2 of Davide’s “Same Journey” workshop will focus on the technical aspects via shibari suspensions.
He will share how he ties his gote shibari (aka takatekote or TK) but participants are free to use the body harness they prefer.
- Davide’s gote shibari (aka takatekote or TK)
- Focus: V shape vs T shape
- Davide’s Basket Tie
- Helping structural rope
- Focus on hanging lines and bamboo
You are not required to have attended Day 1, although doing so will set you up with the ideal foundation for what he will teach.
Day 2 ideally involves aerial suspensions, but if you are not at suspension-level yet, floor-based options will be provided by Davide.
If you intend to suspend, you and your partner must both have:
- a good understanding of shibari fundamentals
- a good understanding of rope safety
- the ability to distinguish nerve- from circulation-impingement
- the ability to communicate in a calm, clear, and timely manner
- a good understanding of suspension line management
- experience doing and/or being in shibari suspensions
You don’t want to miss this performance because…
- Davide’s Same Journey style isn’t focused on just patterns. Most amateur rope bondage artists treat their models like mannequins that simply wear rope. In Davide’s style, the rope tying is like a wordless language for communicating feelings with his model.
- Every action in Davide’s style is meaningful. Ordinary players see untying as a boring conclusion, but in Davide’s style, the untying is the climax for a challenging and emotional journey with rope.
- This is a great introduction for newbies. The true essence of shibari and kinbaku lies in the depth of the interaction between the people tying together. A good rope artist can tie patterns. A great rope artist can speak without words and draw out their partner’s hidden desires.
In Japan, rope meetings are called “salon” or “kinbaku salon” and they are organized by a teacher in his study or in an equipped space… you can use this word too when you want to highlight the fact that the meeting is organized by a specific shibari teacher or that a Japanese dress code is encouraged.
-Laquartacorda
This rope salon at SPH will be hosted by Davide. You are invited to share in the space to tie with us, but most importantly, to observe Davide and his style of tying up close.
Davide welcomes questions and some more interactions between him and attendees is possible.
Davide’s offers private classes in 2-hour slots that can be customized around your skill level, interests, and more.
You may request instruction on the following aspects of tying:
- Emotional
(i.e. Communicating with the Body, Mental and Power Dynamics, pursuing Total Connection, etc.) and - Technical
(i.e. Floorwork, Suspensions, Transitions, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of Ties/Elements, etc.)
Available Dates:
- August 20th, Wednesday
- August 22nd, Friday
- August 25th, Monday (Holiday)
This beginner class will cover Davide’s five (5) basic structural elements:
- single column tie
- double column tie
- half hitch
- hojo cuff
- nodome
You’ll learn how to use them and start to enjoy ropes with your partner. You’ll also pick up basic nerve anatomy, safety, and consent.
Note: There are two available schedules for this workshop on August 21st:
- 1-4pm
- 6-10pm
Spectator and Participant Tickets are available.
Davide’s intermediate class focuses on the practical application of ties like the futomomo shibari, the versatile finger lock (and how to play around it), as well as different ways to incorporate hair into your rope bondage sessions.
Davide is flexible and able to adjust the curriculum topics to adapt to the students’ skill levels.
Note: There are two available schedules for this workshop:
- 1-4pm
- 6-10pm
Spectator and Participant Tickets are available.
You don’t want to miss this performance because…
- Davide’s Same Journey style isn’t focused on just patterns. Most amateur rope bondage artists treat their models like mannequins that simply wear rope. In Davide’s style, the rope tying is like a wordless language for communicating feelings with his model.
- Every action in Davide’s style is meaningful. Ordinary players see untying as a boring conclusion, but in Davide’s style, the untying is the climax for a challenging and emotional journey with rope.
- This is a great introduction for newbies. The true essence of shibari and kinbaku lies in the depth of the interaction between the people tying together. A good rope artist can tie patterns. A great rope artist can speak without words and draw out their partner’s hidden desires.
In Japan, rope meetings are called “salon” or “kinbaku salon” and they are organized by a teacher in his study or in an equipped space… you can use this word too when you want to highlight the fact that the meeting is organized by a specific shibari teacher or that a Japanese dress code is encouraged.
-Laquartacorda
This rope salon at SPH will be hosted by Davide. You are invited to share in the space to tie with us, but most importantly, to observe Davide and his style of tying up close.
Davide welcomes questions and some more interactions between him and attendees is possible.
Davide’s offers private classes in 2-hour slots that can be customized around your skill level, interests, and more.
You may request instruction on the following aspects of tying:
- Emotional
(i.e. Communicating with the Body, Mental and Power Dynamics, pursuing Total Connection, etc.) and - Technical
(i.e. Floorwork, Suspensions, Transitions, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of Ties/Elements, etc.)
Available Dates:
- August 20th, Wednesday
- August 22nd, Friday
- August 25th, Monday (Holiday)
This beginner class will cover Davide’s five (5) basic structural elements:
- single column tie
- double column tie
- half hitch
- hojo cuff
- nodome
You’ll learn how to use them and start to enjoy ropes with your partner. You’ll also pick up basic nerve anatomy, safety, and consent.
Davide’s intermediate class focuses on the practical application of ties like the futomomo shibari, the versatile finger lock (and how to play around it), as well as different ways to incorporate hair into your rope bondage sessions.
Davide is flexible and able to adjust the curriculum topics to adapt to the students’ skill levels.
In Japan, rope meetings are called “salon” or “kinbaku salon” and they are organized by a teacher in his study or in an equipped space… you can use this word too when you want to highlight the fact that the meeting is organized by a specific shibari teacher or that a Japanese dress code is encouraged.
-Laquartacorda
This rope salon at SPH will be hosted by Davide. You are invited to share in the space to tie with us, but most importantly, to observe Davide and his style of tying up close. Questions are welcome and some more interactions between him and attendees is possible.
Davide’s Private Classes can be customized around your skill level, interests, and more. You may request instruction on the following aspects of tying:
Emotional
(i.e. Communicating with the Body, Mental and Power Dynamics, pursuing Total Connection, etc.) and
Technical
(i.e. Floorwork, Suspensions, Transitions, Deconstruction & Reconstruction of Ties/Elements, etc.)
Don't miss your chance.
Events taught by international practitioners have always been sold out and Davide’s specific style is not easy to come across. We expect slots to fill up fast.
Don’t miss your chance to get tickets for yourself and your partner (or you might need to wait until Davide returns)!
Good luck!
Event FAQs
By default, all our events will be held at our private rope studio in Makati, near Ayala Malls-Circuit.
If the demand exceeds our capacity for a given event, we’ll explore hosting multiple events or renting out bigger spaces that can accommodate all the participants.
For private workshops or sessions, you may negotiate this with Davide directly via his Instagram account (@laodai_shibari).
Yes, a partner is necessary in order to participate during the workshop and maximize your experience. Please note: Each event ticket is only valid for one person. You must purchase two (2) tickets or your partner must purchase their own.
Join our Discord server and post in our #looking-for-partners channel to find people who may be interested in attending with you!
House ropes (hand-treated jute) are available for borrowing but cannot be used for mouth- nor crotch-based bondage.
You may purchase ropes at the venue (if available).
The exact quantity depends on the class but 4-6 ropes is generally enough for floor-based play while 10-12 ropes is enough for suspension related sessions.
Spectators have no prerequisite skills or experience. You may spectate freely.
For Same Journey Day 1, the curriculum is suitable for all levels. Complete newbies are welcome and no prior experience is needed. Advanced learners will learn new ways that challenge their present understanding of how they tie.
For Same Journey Day 2, you are not required to have attended Day 1, although doing so will set you up with the ideal foundation for what he will teach.
Day 2 ideally involves aerial suspensions, but if you are not at suspension-level yet, floor-based options will be provided by Davide.
If you intend to suspend, you and your partner must both have:
- a good understanding of shibari fundamentals
- a good understanding of rope safety
- the ability to distinguish nerve- from circulation-impingement
- the ability to communicate in a calm, clear, and timely manner
- a good understanding of suspension line management
- experience doing and/or being in shibari suspensions
Contact [email protected] or message Davide directly on Instagram if you have questions or need support.
People generally wear solid black colored clothes for visual and comfort reasons (yoga or sports attire, bodysuits, etc.) but we don’t impose strict dress codes.
However: Please make sure your attire is street-legal and vanilla when arriving at and exiting the venue. You may only change into your preferred workshop/kink attire after you have entered the venue. We have a bathroom where you may change in private.
Comfortable, non-baggy clothes are recommended to avoid snagging on the ropes. Bras with underwires are discouraged due to the risk of accidental piercing/stabbing during bondage.
There are no parking spaces available nor allowed at the venue.
The nearest secure parking option would be at Ayala Malls Circuit, which is a ten minute walk away.
You are advised to take a tricycle from there or book a car via a ridesharing app for your convenience.
Please refrain from imbibing alcohol or other intoxicating substances that affect your judgment and motor function before and during events and appointments.
This is for your safety and that of the other participants!
If permitted by the instructor or facilitator, taking photos is okay but please make sure nobody else is captured in the shot.
If you have more questions, kindly email [email protected]
