Who we are
A small, peer-led community built on consent, care, and craft. No instructors. No classes. Just people who share rope, share knowledge, and look out for one another.
About the practice
Kinbaku — also called shibari — is the Japanese art of rope tying. It blends connection, movement, and communication, using rope to create form, sensation, and an experience that can be playful, intimate, or expressive.
At its heart it is a collaborative practice built on consent, care, and trust. People come for many reasons: to explore craft and aesthetics, deepen partnered connection, or learn a mindful, body-led practice.
The venue
Our events take place at The Nest in Cardiff city centre — a high-ceilinged, colourful space split into a chill-out area and a tying space. Learn more at cardiffnest.com.
"Clwb" is Welsh for "club" and "Nawa" is Japanese for "rope" — so Clwb Nawa is "Rope Club", reflecting our focus on shibari and kinbaku while celebrating our Welsh home.
Clwb Nawa is invitation-only. You can express your interest by creating an account and completing an application.
We aim to create a safe and comfortable environment for all participants. By keeping events invitation-only, we can better manage the dynamics of the group and ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.
We're not a public event or a space for complete beginners. Participants must have some experience with shibari. Our focus is on skill, respect, and community — and we welcome all gender identities, orientations, bodies, and backgrounds.
Our peer events aren't structured classes. Everyone is still on their own learning journey, and we foster a community environment that allows people to learn from each other. Occasionally we invite guests to offer workshops or demonstrations.
The people behind it
he/him
Founder
Oz has been practising shibari for several years with a devotion to learning and sharing openly. A photographer, he comes to rope not for its aesthetics but for what it is as a practice — connective, intense, and grounded in presence. He founded Clwb Nawa to build a space rooted in collaborative learning and genuine connection. ozthorn.co.uk
she/her
Host
Red (a.k.a. The Siren) is a professional dominatrix and founder of The Nest, Cardiff's BDSM studio. Her rope practice blends technical foundations with a focus on connection, communication, and psychological depth. She co-hosts Clwb Nawa and brings that same attention to genuine exchange into every session.
Our community
We're committed to creating a space where trans+, queer, and gender-diverse people feel genuinely welcome, safe, and able to belong.
Membership is by application. Create a profile and tell us a little about yourself.
Apply to join