Escola de Shibari

Escola de Shibari is the school of the São Paulo rope teacher and performer Akira Nawa, and its about page says it grew out of years of teaching, research and practice. According to the school, Akira Nawa began tying in 2011, started studying shibari seriously in 2013 and made it a full-time profession in 2016, opened Estúdio Karada in 2017, and also founded, produces and directs Shibari Night at Love Cabaret.

Method

The school describes its teaching as technically precise while contemporary and inclusive, built on practice, listening and care for the learner, with deliberately small classes and attention to each student’s needs. Its method is centered on understanding what each rope does rather than memorizing patterns, together with safety and presence.

Courses

At Espaço Shibari, the school’s studio in the Saúde district opened in 2024, the entry point is a 4.5-hour beginners’ workshop held on Saturday afternoons (from R$250 as listed in November 2026; the next date was November 21, 2026). The Fundamentos course runs eight two-hour Sunday lessons covering core concepts, first knots and ties, and safety; its second group began on October 18, 2026. The three-year Formação program follows, each year with 36 lessons (72 hours): Formação I builds a technical repertoire, body reading and a personal style; Formação II deepens technique, the repertoire of ties and scene dynamics; and Formação III covers suspensions and more demanding progressions. Formação I for 2027 starts in February, with four weekday or Saturday class options.

Beyond classes

The school sells recorded online courses, keeps a free study center of texts and safety research, runs an access and scholarship program, and offers private lessons, sessions and photo shoots booked by message. Its studio, with a main hall, a hashira frame and a suspension structure, also hosts the monthly Entre Nós jam.