Tying the Knot: Teaching Bondage at the Bad Dog

At the Bad Dog Saloon on 17 South Vandeventer, a very special group occasionally gathers to tie the knot.

No, it’s not a mass wedding, it’s Rope University, a group dedicated to teaching people about fast, safe and effective bondage techniques in a non-sexual environment.

Joe Wright, the founder and instructor of Rope U, has been teaching the classes for the last seven years.

“What I teach here is called Shibari,” Wright said. “It’s a Japanese technique that’s been around for a very long time.”

According to Wright, Shibari is practical, effective and aesthetically appealing. Several of the techniques have their basis in Kabuki theatre, where they were used to quickly bind the actors and actresses in a way that the audience would find attractive.

“Since metal wasn’t as common there, rope is a big part of their culture,” Wright said.
Wright has several goals in his classes, including rope techniques, how to approach people who have an interest in bondage, and the effective teaching of rope safety.

“What I always say is, ‘Dead bottom equals bad bondage,’” Wright said.

Wright also teaches the class members how to set a proper scene depending on the situation they intend to use the bondage in.

“There are a lot of misconceptions out there about bondage,” Wright said. “The first major one is that it’s scary, the second one is that it takes a long time to get any good at it, and the third one is that you need a lot of rope to do it.”

It is one of Wright’s goals to use his class to change how people feel about bondage.
“I like to use my classes as an opportunity to break those misconceptions.”

Robb Lappe and Ben Shafer, Wright’s students, said that they were extremely happy with the classes.

Lappe has been attending classes since he first heard about them at a leather convention.

“I think that it is fascinating as an art form,” Lappe said. “I also think he teaches great safety.”

Shafer said that he has greatly enjoyed the classes.

“I’ve been here since the first class -- a few weeks ago,” Shafer said. “I learned about these classes from my friend, Joe Wright. He‘s been teaching them a while, and I’ve always enjoyed coming.”

For Shafer, one of the real joys of the classes was that he was able to show off his artistic flair for bondage in a safe, friendly environment.

“I consider it a new means of self-expression,” Shafer said. “These classes really make rope bondage fun.”

For more information on the next session of Rope U, visit www.ropeuniversity.com. Classes are held at the Bad Dog Saloon. The current cost for a semester is $150.