Rav's Pro Method
Testimonials
Being new to Shibari and Rope Play, it was the best decision for my partner and I to take up Ravix’s RPM Classes. Not only was his class fun and exciting, but truly focused on safety and education to expand the knowledge and curiosity helping to continue a thirst for learning and growing in this wonderful art style.Ravix’s style of teaching makes it feel easy to learn and grow a new skillset. His approach of education and safety first really made me feel confident to explore what is possible in Shibari and rope play for myself and my partner.I truly enjoy going to Ravix’s RPM Classes because I always learn something new. He also makes everyone feel the potential in themselves to really be a competent rope enthusiast. It has definitely made building communication and trust with my partner a stronger bond.
- Mari
Ravix' RPM classes are go at your own pace classes so if you happen to miss a week here or there you can pick up right where you left off. He is a very patient teacher as it usually takes me a little longer to get some of the ties and patterns but he helps every step of the way. If something doesn't work with the usual tie/pattern you can ask Ravix for help to workout what might be a better option so that the tie works. His safety first approach makes me and my rope bottom feel very safe in learning and performing the ties.
- Joe
I had admired rope work for years and finally dug into it and started reading and learning how to tie. I wanted to move into suspension but didn’t know where to look or who to speak to. Ravix came highly recommended to me from someone I ran into. I contacted him and he guided me to where I could sign up for his class. I was nervous at first but they made it very fun and comfortable. The first class was structured around safety and precautions and what to do and what not to do and I really appreciated that. When I went to progress to the next level I was informed that I would have to learn how to tie certain knots blind folded. Of course the thought in my head was “are you crazy” but he taught me the knots and I went home and practiced and the first time I did it without looking I was so excited my first reaction was to call anyone I knew and tell them. Each class is always fun and interesting and you work at your own pace. You get one on one help the entire way and the classroom is limited amount of people which I like because it enables you to ask questions and actually learn and have a few jokes and laughs while doing it. Anyone that ask me about ropes I always recommend signing up for his class.I’ve seen classes taught by a couple of other people and the specific ones I had seen simply teach you the knots and not the safety and not the little small tricks to help you along. They were proficient riggers but I didn’t appreciate seeing them teach new people without the safety in mind.
- Henry
Summary

A methodical, progressive rope method, with strong safety and performance emphasis. A world-class rope education, right here in Houston! 
Detail 
Shibari rope bondage study is a skill-based discipline, and like any other skill-based discipline, such as music, athletics, or a foreign language, it requires years of study, guided by a skilled practitioner in a well- thought-out and disciplined study environment. 

Ravix has been providing this study environment in Houston for many years, and it consists of three principle parts: 

Base Basics (a required free intro class covering safety, equipment, mental aspects and many other essential elements that are crucial to a safe beginning in rope study) Pattern and ground practice (a weekly class where the fundamentals of patterns are addressed and very basic partial suspensions and explored - all requirements for the Ravix PRO method classes) 

Ravix PRO(gressive) Method - (The core teaching consists of progressively more complex suspensions, with performance and grading, and detailed feedback on key elements; safety, pattern proficiency, flow, and others.) 

Having been a student in Ravix’s classes since 2018, I can attest that this method builds a “vocabulary” of “things to do” in rope and is grounded in safety emphasis, workability, and variety. 

In addition, there is a constant emphasis on safety. Rope bondage, particularly in suspension, but even on the ground, can be dangerous. Both partners in rope must be aware of the risks involved and the techniques used to minimize these risks. 

While the class methodology has strong Japanese shibari elements, it is not dogmatic and borrows the best of Western elements, particularly in the early patterns. 

If you are in the Houston area, and have the desire, and you understand what it takes to learn rope bondage, and you can regularly attend weekly classes, you would do yourself a service to engage in Ravix’s PRO method!
- Felix

Shibari/ Kinbaku had been something I had seen in photos, read about in books and had friends enjoy personally.

I wanted to experience this beauty. How do I find a teacher? Was I too old? (I was 49 turning 50) Was I skinny enough, was I too fat/ large to do rope? Was I too short?  Was I strong enough? Was being a female rigger supported?  These were all things that were running through my head.

After extensive searches I found Ravix RPM. Nothing but complete support, encouragement from the moment I entered class. Ravix immediately let me know that that none of these things should be nor would he allow them to be hindrances in my journey to discover and learn rope.

Ravix’s demeanor, well-spoken and clear teaching immediately put me at ease. He and Clover made me feel so welcome at the class. I enjoy the format that the RPM classes are laid out. I can work at the pace that I am comfortable with. Tips, tricks and guidance is always being shared. Exchanging ideas, asking questions and for help is encouraged…. There is no wrong question.  A sign of good teaching is when a teacher learns even from their students.

I have enjoyed the classes as a bottom, learning how to feel in rope, how to communicate with my top, ask for adjustments. Signs to look for and share with my top to help the rope be as comfortable as possibly and allow me longer time in rope. I have learned how to take care of my self physically but also mentally. Through their patience and support I have conquered great fears…I had a fear of inversions. I now love them and do them frequently.

As a top I have learned safety, connection, communication and care for my bottoms. How to support and yet guide them to new levels and positions in rope. How to offer aftercare. And yes, I have learned how to deal with disappointment when things did not go as planned or desired.  

I’ve learned that rope suspension is considered Edge Play, that there are dangers and great risk involved.  The Base Basics class was so informative. It helped me understand what was involved before I ever truly experienced rope.  I learned so much from the class. I am a very cautious person and want to know lots about something before I jump in feet first. This class was not only informative on safety, but equipment, connection, negotiations, risk, health, how to be a good bottom and a good top. I now attend the Base Basics class with any new potential bottoms that I work with.  There is always something new that I learn.

My journey started a year and a half ago. I love it as much today as I did the day I started. The beauty as Ravix says… The Sky is the limit. 

- Mishka
Pros
Class Size
These classes are very small. The Wednesday classes usually have about 4-5 couples, for instance. If you need to ask a question, you don’t need to worry about taking time away from others. You know. If you happen to be that kind of person. You know who you are.
Caters to All Skill Levels
These classes cater to a wide array of skill levels. The Base Basics class covers enough to get you started from nothing, the Tuesday classes cover everything between that and your first suspension, and Wednesday classes cover several dozen suspension positions in order of increasing difficulty. If that still isn’t enough, you can ask about the specialty classes on more advanced and incredibly risky topics such as neck rope, quick release anchor lines, and more.
Self-Suspenders Welcome
These classes are suitable for couples and self-suspenders. This is pretty rare from what I’ve observed, as many other classes ignore self-suspenders entirely, as that subject tends to be more difficult to teach, much more risky, and many advanced riggers simply aren’t interested in teaching it.
Best Value in Houston
These are the most accessible intermediate-to-advanced classes in Houston. At $10 per person, these classes are comparable to more basic classes offered elsewhere in price, but cover far more advanced ropework as well.
Learn at Your Own Pace
These classes are all self paced. Students advance when they are ready to perform a specific suspension. At that point, they then move on to a more advanced position. I am not aware of anyone who has made it all the way through the full suspension list.
They Teach More Than Just Rope
The advanced class covers both how to tie and how to perform while tying. If you happen to struggle with stage fright, these classes really will help you manage it.
Excellent Feedback
Ravix gives very good constructive feedback. In the advanced classes, the feedback covers everything from where couples can reduce risk to how they can tie that super awkward part of the harness more elegantly.
Don’t Worry About That Awkward Single Guy Hitting On You or Your Bottom
Pickup play is simply not a thing at these classes. People attend to learn, not to socialize. This creates a very safe learning environment. I have no problem sending my sub to these classes to learn self-suspension alone when I am unable to attend.
Focusses on Learning, Not Drama
It’s not totally drama-free, but it’s about as close as you can get in the kink community. Few things evoke more intense drama than kink. By-and-large, the policy of leaving this sort of stuff at the door is quite effectively enforced.
Safe for People Who Can’t be in Photos, But Photos Are Allowed
As someone who doesn’t allow photos of themselves, these classes strike a good balance between allowing photos, but ensuring that the photos only contain people who are okay with it. This is greatly eased by the small class size and the significant space available for people to spread out.
Freedom to Develop Your Own Style
All attendees perform a suspension in the advanced class to move on. This gives everyone a chance to show what they’ve learned, find their own style, and get comfortable doing rope in front of people.
Atmosphere Suitable for Learning
Sufficient lighting to see what you’re doing, and the music is kept low enough that it doesn’t interfere with talking. The music is just loud enough that you don’t hear the people around you talking unless they want you to.
Cons
People With Stage Fright May be Uncomfortable (at first)
All attendees perform a suspension for the rest of the attendees to move on in the advanced classes. This can be an issue for people who struggle with stage fright. I haven’t seen anyone have this issue personally, but some may want to consider that.
Mostly Western Style
Mostly focusses on western style rope, although this is improving. The influence of Lew Rubens, Osada Steve, and others are readily apparent for those familiar enough to recognize it. More advanced classes cover harness designs of a more eastern influence, such as Gorgone’s hip harness, but it takes some time to get there.
There are More Advanced Options, but….
The classes are not quite as advanced as some other options in Houston if you happen to be willing to pay 10 times as much for private lessons, and you’re willing to ignore some rather controversial rumors to attend them.
Venue Doesn’t Make for Good Photos
The location is not ideal for photography if you happen to be interested in that. The background is quite cluttered, and the lighting is… well… not good.
“Pretty Rope” Is Not the Point.
If all you want is “pretty rope,” then this probably isn’t the class for you. Sure, the rope taught here is intended to look clean, but the class really emphasizes building “pretty rope scenes.” If you don’t care about how smoothly you handle rope, you’ll probably lose interest.
Terrible Pickup Spot
You won’t meet your next bottom here. If someone shows up alone, they’re probably a self-suspender. If a rigger shows up alone, they will be expected to tie themselves. IMO, that’s pretty awkward if the goal is to find someone to bring home.
- Isaac