Shibari Workshop Cape Town | Partial suspensions

In partial suspensions, since the body is not entirely left to gravity on the floor, or in a time-limited and stressful full suspension, an incredible variety of options, positions and dynamics are possible. Are you playing for sensuality or fun, endurance or transcendence, eroticism, predicament or meditative states? This is the playground where all of those are possible.

Some forms may include:

Feet still touching the floor while the upper body is supported by ropes

Knees or hips taking some weight while other parts are elevated

The body leaning or angled, with ropes carrying only part of the load

It’s generally less physically demanding than full suspension, allows for more control and gradual progression and can be safer for those in the early stages of their learning when done carefully.

That said, even partial suspension carries risks. Proper knowledge of anatomy, careful rope placement, and constant communication are essential.

In this workshop spanning 6 hours, Sudo and Lily will teach various forms of partial suspension, dive into the principles and dynamics for successful ties and safer technique.

After this workshop, you will leave with a solid understanding on how to create and experience this rich field, and with enough tools to continue your explorations at home.

Fire Lily is a rope bottom with deep experience in different styles of bondage and a rich insight into the psychology of rope. She enjoys exploring the opportunity for creative expression that rope offers; from the collaborative start in learning how to tie to image making in all its forms. She enjoys creative collaboration with fellow rope enthusiasts. She dreams of publishing limited edition hand bound Kinbaku art books. Fire Lily together with her partner Sudo runs Cape Kinbaku Salon. At Embodiment she teaches as Sudo’s tying partner, in bottom education development and is involved in the development of the physical space.

Instagram: @fire_lily_kinbaku

Sudo (he/they) has been a student of kinbaku for many years, and has been practising mainly semenawa for the last five years. He has studied widely – at Copenhagen Shibari Dojo with Yukinaga Max and in Berlin with Tamandua. He is part of Akechi Kanna’s study group and is a student of Naka Akira. He runs the private Cape Kinbaku Salon together with his wife Fire Lily. At Embodiment Sudo helps with teaching, curriculum R&D and sessions, as well as developing the physical space.

Instagram: @sudo_kinbaku_ @sudojute_v2

In order to get the most from this workshop you need to have attended a number of our jams or our beginners workshop, Rope Fundamentals.

We would love to have you in the space and grow the rope community, so if you are uncertain whether you meet the requisite skill, please get in touch!

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.

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)

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. 

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 :) 

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:

https://rope365.com/communication/

https://shibaristudy.com/