Yukimura Shibari Workshop by international guests HenRigger and A-typeSub

Sat Feb 7, 11:00 - Sat Feb 7, 16:00

Unit G19, Embodiment Rope Space

ABOUT

HenRigger (he/him) and A-typeSub (she/her) are returning to our corner of the world from Copenhagen and we are thrilled that they have agreed to be offering a workshop at Embodiment!


Their previous workshop held in December 2024 was incredible and it gave our community so much insight into what rope and Shibari can be.


This time their workshop will be focusing on Yukimura-style of Shibari, a deeply emotional and minimalist approach that prioritises connection, intention, and the internal experience of the person being tied rather than complex rope patterns. Originating with Yukimura Haruki, the style uses simple rope placements to create a strong sense of vulnerability, trust, and presence. The emphasis is on feeling, breath, and psychological exchange, where the rope becomes a quiet but powerful tool for communication rather than visual display.


WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

In this workshop spanning 5 hours HenRigger (he/him) and A-typeSub (she/her) will explore and share their understanding of the principles of the Yukimura-style of sensual rope play. 


Haruki Yukimura (1984-2016) is considered one of the four Grandmasters of shibari and was foundational in the development of what we know today as Japanese rope bondage. His style is sensual, connective and invites deep surrender of the partner through vulnerability and trust. The emphasis in not on physically demanding or acrobatic suspension, and most of this style happens on the floor. It can be intense if you want it to be, but the pace is deliberate and slow.


Come to learn the ties, but take home the invaluable insights that only learning in person from practitioners with deep experience can bring. 


A full day promising an amazing shared time together. Make sure to not miss this rare opportunity to develop your tying experience and skills. 


Please Note: There will be emotional intimacy in this workshop, and participants are expected to contribute to a space which is as safe and open as possible.


You must have an awareness of your own and your partner’s limitations, boundaries and preferences. An ability to communicate safely and clearly is critical.


Please Note: This workshop is aimed at tying pairs


We discourage switching roles during a workshop as it can be disruptive to the flow of the teaching, and you will have limited time to practice. Therefore please be clear on your role: the one tying, or being tied. 


ABOUT YOUR EDUCATORS

HenRigger and A-typeSub


With over 15 years of dedicated learning and experience between them, HenRigger (he/him) and A-typeSub (she/her) have been rope, kink and BDSM partners together for over 6 years.


Through this journey of deep connection and adventure, they have explored a wide variety of kinks and BDSM practices, always maintaining a focus on their love of rope at the core.


They have developed their own non-dogmatic approach to tying, built on years of classical shibari and kinbaku education as a foundation, and a deep trust of each other. Their personal style ranges from intense semenawa, shame and kink play through to extreme shapes and artistic-athletic endurance. 


From weekly classes at the Copenhagen Shibari Dojo under Yukinaga Max, workshops and classes by incredible experts such as Naka Akira, Kinoko, Gorgone, Akechi Kanna, Anatomie, RopuNawa, Tori, Alexander Ma & Natasha Nawataneko, Scot Kinbaku and more - they are now educating others. Until recently they were advanced-level teachers at the Kinbaku Lounge, Copenhagen. 


Since 2025, they run their own new rope education and play venue: RopeSpace Copenhagen. They offer a range of workshops with deep-dives into shibari / kinbaku themes and techniques, plus specific topics such as impact play, needles, medical play, water and breath play, electrical play, pet play and hot wax play.


They love to share the joy of rope, kink and BDSM with others and have performed together countless times. Stages have ranged from large exhibitions such as Erotic World and Manifest, through to showcases at the Kinbaku Lounge and intimate private events. They adapt their style to the wishes of the audience, and feel great joy from sharing these moments with others - actively involving the onlookers in the moments and emotions.


Find them on Instagram: @nawashashin @theboundrose, or ropesandriggers.dk

REQUIREMENT FOR PARTICIPATION

In order to get the most from this workshop you need to have at least a basic understanding of the techniques we use. We suggest at minimum a solid understanding of single and double-column ties, preferably also patterns like upper leg/futomomo, hojo-cuffs etc. By having attended our beginners workshop or a few of our teaching jams, you should be ready. If you are uncertain whether you meet the requisite skill, please get in touch. 


If you would like to participate only as a practice model, receiving the ties, no technical skills are required.

WHAT TO BRING

Come with a learning mindset


This is a workshop environment, not a sexual one, so bottom underwear are to remain on. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. Comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish - as long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here. We will be seated and moving for extended periods so comfort is advisable.


Bring a notebook and pen.


Photos of your own work is completely permissible, but keep in mind our photo policy of complete discretion and anonymity of other participants.


Please bring light snacks to contribute to a shared lunch.


Bring your own rope if you have any, preferably jute or hemp ropes, as these work best for this kind of tying. If not, we have jute class rope that is free to use, and have a small selection of Sudo Jute ropes available for sale. Or visit sudojute.com well in advance to get your own ropes before the workshop.

OUR TEAM

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 

@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)

@rope.fu (he/him)

@creaturale (they/them)

@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)

@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute (he/they)



RULES

1. Be on time.

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. Please do not use any recreational drugs before coming or while on site. 


FAQ

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 workshop environment, not a sexual one, so bottom underwear are to remain on. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. Comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish - as long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here. 


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 to ground floor ablution facilities. This is an ongoing negotiation with the current landlords. However the space itself allows for wheelchair access :) 

DIRECTIONS

Yukimura Shibari Workshop by international guests HenRigger and A-typeSub
Unit G19, Embodiment Rope Space
100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925
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