Technical: A Shibari Workshop Series | Part 1 | Constructing Harnesses

ABOUT

This series is only suitable for those who have completed our Bondage Basics beginner course, or who have done similar private tuition. This course is NOT suitable for absolute beginners and will require knowledge of a single column tie, yuki knot, x-friction, joining rope and body handling. This will be a rigorous technical learning environment for those who are ready to step up their practice. Part 1 is aimed at creating sustainable harnesses for the one tied and equipping the one tying with the skills and confidence to prepare for rope suspensions. Part 2 is all about preparing for suspension: managing up-lines, partial suspensions and full suspension (if ties are satisfactory). We will also deepen our understanding of negotiation, somatic consent, communication and pain processing. In this series we are investigating the WHY in addition to the HOW.

This session will include:

• Demonstration of different upper body harness styles - what is the logic behind how rope is laid? What has the evolution of structures in Shibari looked like over the last 40 years?
• Deep-dive into a sustainable hands-in-front harness suitable for suspension.
• Applying these elements to a suspendable hip harness and futomomo

Requirements:

• Minimum 4 x 8m Jute Ropes (if you have fewer ropes, let us know in advance and we can set some class rope aside for you) and safety shears / cutter.
• Rigger and bottom must have tied together before and have pre-negotiated boundaries for the duration of the workshop.
• Snacks and water. Something sugary to counter the drops/ address light-headedness. Technical deep dives can be hard on bottoms, so take care and bring what you need.

Outline:

Part 1: Harness Construction

• Session 1: Saturday 12 Nov 10AM - 2PM
• Session 2: Sunday 13 Nov 10AM - 2PM

Part 2: Suspension Fundamentals

• Session 1: Saturday 3 Dec 10AM - 2PM
• Session 2: Sunday 4 Dec 10AM - 2PM

NB: This class is only available to those who have completed our beginners course OR have equivalent private lesson experience with Astrid (@desirelinesbondage). You will have a month in between this session and the next to practice. We recommend you practice at rope jams on Thursday nights so that there is opportunity to receive feedback from our team.

Full or partial scholarship available for someone of an underrepresented group (BIPOC/disabled/WoC/GNC) in our space, inquire via email to [email protected]