Shibari Workshop Cape Town: Chest Harness | Aug 2024

We will start off with a short introduction, followed by touching on the principles and safety concerns before a deep dive into the structure of a hands in front chest harness. After a break, we will learn the main pattern in detail and tie following along before tying solo with input from your instructors.  

There is space for a maximum of 6 pairs. The workshop is for tying pairs, and roles will not be switched during the workshop. If you want to attend but do not have a tying partner, please reach out ASAP and specify your preferred role, top (tying) or bottom (being tied) so that we can match where possible.

You will need to bring the following on the day:
- Your rope kit: at least three to six 8m lengths (class rope is available to use and rope is available for sale before the class)
- Comfortable clothes (like you would for yoga class)
- A learning attitude, this is an educational space
- Notebook and pen; this will be your primary means of capturing any information to practice after the workshop - no recordings. 

Kay (@faeriebunnyrope she/her) enjoys free-flowing with rope to see the journey it will take her on. She will hold space for anyone around her.  Her approach to life is to treat everyone with care & mindfulness.

@creaturale (they/them)

Embodiment Rope Space is the love child of a group of volunteers from different walks of life coming together to actualize something we think the world needs: a queer safe(r) space for exploring kink as a healing, connective force. 

You can follow us on Instagram here: 
@embodiment_ct 
@desirelinesbondage (she/they)
@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)
@rope.fu (he/him)
@wavybeanbaby (she/her)
@gr_en.trapa (they/them)
@charliefrench_za (she/her)
@creaturale (they/them)
@_bykye (she/they) 
@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute (he/they) 
@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)
@bugartstuff (they/them)
@newyork.creations (they/them) 

This workshop is open to rope tops who have attended our Beginner Basics workshop or equivalent workshops, attended private tuition with us. If in doubt reach out. Please attend in pairs. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, no switching will be allowed. Do not buy a ticket if you do not meet the requirements. We will not refund tickets to those who purchase, and arrive on the day of the workshop, not meeting the above outlined minimum requirements. 

Otherwise, our regular event rules apply:
1. Don’t be late.
2. Respect the space. Leave no trace - whatever you bring, take it back with you. 
3. Ego has no place here. Learn and share with humility. 
4. Ask for people’s pronouns and use the ones you are given. 
5. No shoes. Keep underwear on at public events. Nipples may be free. 
6. Do not make unsolicited comments about anyone else's body.
7. Do not take any photos of anyone in attendance without consent. 
8. Do not post photos without the consent of EVERYONE in the photo. 
9. Do not reveal the identity of anyone you meet in the space once you leave. Many people prefer anonymity. 
10. Be mindful of making noise in the space when others are tying around you, this includes loud talking and laughing. 
11. Be discrete when moving through other parts of the premises. Clothes are optional in the space but not outside the door.
12. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
13. This is a sober space. Please do not use any recreational drugs or alcohol before coming or while on site. 
14. Acknowledge and accept that you are participating in high-risk behavior at your own risk.
15. No suspension is allowed unless you have been given permission, please message us beforehand via Instagram DM to tell us about the suspension you would like to do.

What is Shibari/Kinbaku/Bondage? 
The art of binding the body of a consenting adult. 

Is rope/Shibari always sexual?
Rope/Shibari has many benefits and practitioners outside of the sexual paradigm. For some, it is about pushing their bodies not unlike engaging in strenuous exercise or extreme sports. For others, it is a way to reclaim their agency after trauma. It can also be a way to experience a connection with others without the scripts and expectations associated with genital contact. As long as what you are doing is consensual and intentional, we consider it healthy and valid.

What should I wear?
This is a friendly learning environment, not a sexual one, so crotches are to remain covered. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. We find that it is easier to tie with minimal clothing or clothing that you can move in easily (leggings, shorts, etc.). Comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish - as long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here. Just remember it will be a long day, so the more comfortable the better.

Should I bring my own rope?
We encourage all participants to bring their own rope if they have any. For those who do not have rope, we have quality rope from SudoJute on sale at our rope kiosk. Additionally, we have class rope for use during the course of this workshop as well. All our class rope is quality 6mm Tokyo Asanawa rope from SudoJute which has already been pre-treated and pre-used. We do not permit any fluids or crotch rope/face rope/mouth rope with our class rope.

Do I need a partner?
We recommend all participants to come in pairs. Please note tickets are sold per individual and both individuals require a ticket. If you do not have someone to tie during this workshop, you can learn the majority of the content through self-tying, however, the last exercise in this workshop will require a partner. You may also find someone on the day who will be willing to partner with you after walking through some pre-tying negotiation, but this is not a guarantee. 

Note on accessibility:
We believe rope is for every body. At the same time the building we are currently occupying does not allow for wheelchair access or has accessibility to ground floor ablution facilities. This is an ongoing negotiation with the current landlords.