Shibari Workshop Cape Town: Everything Tengu | MARCH 2025

Why should you tie the Tengu harness? Many upper-body harnesses can give you a headstart to your more advanced tying journey, but some are more intricate or demanding than others. We offer the Tengu as a means to give you an upper-body harness in your toolbox which you can practice with confidence, alongside instructors who can help you trouble-shoot in person. Why do we recommend it for beginners?

- The Tengu is one of a handful of classical upper-body harnesses available that works well for floor-based tying, partial and full suspensions. 

- The tie creates a real sense of opening the chest and the heart and creates a feeling of real intimacy within the rich feelings of vulnerability it supports. 

- It is tender but can be tough, playful, or humbling and it is adaptable to your intentions in tying your partner.

- A particular benefit of the Tengu is that it avoids many of the vulnerable nerve pathways in the arms that can be a larger risk in some of the other upper-body ties. 

- Another benefit is that in many people it tends to be a fairly sustainable position that allows for a longer exploration.

We will start off with a short introduction, followed by touching on the principles and safety concerns before a deep dive into the structure and reasoning for the pattern. After a break, we will learn the main pattern in detail and tie following along before tying solo with input from your instructors. Expect to have a second break before learning a variation on the Tengu and cementing the pattern. The full workshop duration will be ±5 hours.

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 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. 

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS

Jess loves everything to do with rope – Giving and receiving. She is an artist of intimacy, using assorted mediums to explore the connection between the ‘self’ and ‘other(s)’. Her curiosities include anatomy, intimacy, and the complexity of the human relationship with pain and pleasure, craving and avoidance. She aspires to write, teach, share and thoroughly experience all things Shibari. Instagram: @never_ending_jess

Kay 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. Instagram: @faeriebunnyrope

This workshop is open to rope tops who have attended our Beginner Basics workshop or equivalent workshops, attended private tuition with us, or are at least comfortable with tying stable and secure single-column ties and inline (Hojo) cuffs. 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, or 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 longday, so the more comfortable the better. The rule of thumb is generally leggings > sweatpants > jeans.

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.

What do I need to attend this workshop?

For rope tops, we require that you have either attended our Beginners Basics workshop (or an equivalent workshop), attended private tuition with us to cover the contents of the Beginners Basics workshop, or are at least comfortable with tying stable and secure single-column ties and inline (Hojo) cuffs. No refunds will be issued if you purchase a ticket to this workshop without meeting these minimum requirements. 

Do I need a partner?

We recommend all participants to come in pairs. Please note tickets are sold per PAIR. 1 ticket grants entry to one tying pair: 1 top and 1 bottom. If you do NOT have a tying partner - please let us know. We can not guarantee a partner for this workshop, however. Remember, we will not permit any switching on the day.  

I do not have the minimum skills requirement down, now what?

As a collective at Embodiment, we also offer private lessons. If you are interested in this workshop but do not meet the minimum requirements of this workshop, please send us an email at [email protected] to book a private lesson, if there are any available spots.