Shibari Class | Partner Tying For Play by International Guests HenRigger and A-typeSub
Thu Feb 12, 18:45 - Thu Feb 12, 22:00
Unit G19, Embodiment Rope Space
ABOUT
HenRigger (he/him) and A-typeSub (she/her) are back in South Africa from Copenhagen and are offering a structured jam at Embodiment! We are beyond excited to receive their sharing and offer this rare learning opportunity to the wider community.
Their previous workshop and performances in December 2024 was amazing and they helped push our rope community to new levels.
For this 3-Hour jam they will be focusing on floor patterns/harnesses for partner play. Together, we will be exploring a strappado upper body tie, and naka-panties/hojo cuffs or an agura lower body tie. They will make sure to leave space for participants to able to combine these in their own ways and get creative, opening the space for play and experimentation.
Learn the most essential patterns with space for play and exploration. In this class we work on both technical and emotional aspects of rope.
Working from the most basic knots we will challenge both rigger and model through predicament, exposure, sensation, connection and enjoyment.
In a stimulating and low-pressure environment, we will be guided through principles of deep connection with your partner, and learning effective patterns for play, and to tell a story through our ties - both for model & rigger.
This is very special opportunity to learn from accomplished international teachers.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE NIGHT
In this workshop spanning 3 hours HenRigger (he/him) and A-typeSub (she/her) will dive into the real art of partner tying aimed at personal play. The last hour will be open space for play and exploration of what you've learnt, with the opportunity to get personal feedback from your educators. We will have a hangout afterwards.
Based on the caressing principles of Yukimura-style tying, our guest teachers will guide us in floor-based ties with some developments. They will share their understanding and comments on this style of tying, which is uniquely aimed at connection, gradual surrender and sensuality.
Come to learn the ties, but take home the invaluable insights that only learning in person from practitioners with deep experience can bring.
PLEASE NOTE: This class is ideal for tying pairs. You are welcome to attend solo, but will gain the most if you are willing to be partnered up with other participants for the practical components. You are also welcome to attend as a single participant should you only wish to be a model for another participant to practice with. The teaching will be highly beneficial also for rope bottoms, the ones receiving the ties.
While it may be possible as a single attendee to pair up with another solo person on the night, this cannot be not guaranteed. Finding a partner to team up with is your responsibility. We will be available to help with negotiation before start to assist with shared agreements.
We generally discourage switching roles during a workshop or class as it can be disruptive to the flow of the teaching, and you will have limited time to practice.
ABOUT YOUR EDUCATORS
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.
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 learning environment, not a sexual one, so crotches are to remain covered. 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.
What should I expect on the night?
We hope to create a safe and intimate space where you will get the rare opportunity to learn from highly skilled professionals. You will also have access to our team to chat about rope and connect with the community in a low-pressure environment.
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 :)
CONSENT & NEGOTIATION
Shibari, the art of rope bondage, requires a deep understanding of both physical and emotional dynamics to ensure safety, trust, and mutual enjoyment. Consent and negotiation are essential foundations for this practice, especially for those new to rope play.
Informed Consent
Consent is more meaningful when you fully understand what you're agreeing to. Since Shibari often involves new physical and emotional experiences, starting with self-tying can be a great way to build familiarity and awareness.
Self-tying allows you to:
- Experience the sensations of rope on your own body—such as tension, pressure, and placement—without external pressure.
- Connect with your body and preferences, which helps both tops (those tying) and bottoms (those being tied) communicate needs and expectations.
- Develop technical skills, muscle memory, and patience before engaging with a partner.
- It’s important to note that self-tying offers personal insight but doesn’t translate directly to understanding another person’s experience with rope. Everyone’s sensations, preferences, and boundaries are different, making clear communication essential.
Understanding Risks
Shibari involves physical and emotional risks, and informed consent includes acknowledging and deciding to take these risks. Emotional risks, such as the "drops" after a scene, can range from mild fatigue to more intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or feelings of depression and more. This is due to hormonal changes triggered during the scene and can affect both tops and bottoms. Recognizing and managing these responses is vital to emotional well-being.
To navigate drops, aftercare is essential. Aftercare can include rest, nourishment, feedback, and honest conversations about the experience. For example:
- Tops may need reassurance that their partner felt safe and feedback about what worked or didn’t.
- Bottoms may need validation, comfort, or time to process the experience.
Self-Reflection
Understanding your motivations and emotional patterns is critical before engaging in rope play. Consider questions such as:
- Why do I want to explore rope? What draws me to this practice?
- Am I engaging with rope in a healthy and self-aware way, or am I avoiding deeper personal work or indulging in escapism?
- Is my approach to risk informed by trust and care for myself and others?
Relational Considerations
When tying with someone new—or even with regular partners—take time to negotiate and assess your shared intentions. Key questions include:
- Do I trust this person to listen and respond to my needs and feedback?
- Are there any red or orange flags in their behavior or communication?
- How am I feeling mentally before the session? Have I addressed my own needs (e.g., taking medication, ensuring self-care)?
- Clear and ongoing communication about intentions, boundaries, and emotional states ensures that both partners feel safe and connected, making the experience enriching for all involved.
Exploring Shibari is a journey of discovery, trust, and vulnerability. By prioritizing consent, self-awareness, and open dialogue, you create the foundation for safe and meaningful rope play.
Resources to explore: