Shibari Workshop Cape Town: Rope Bondage Fundamentals | FEB 2025

A partner is required for the last part of the workshop, but if you're not attending with a partner, you can pair with someone over the course of the day. Please bring something for the snack table to share, but if you need any food specific to your dietary requirements, please bring that for yourself. There is no lunch, but the shared table is always packed with a variety of food to munch on.

This is a technical rope and shibari workshop for people serious about nailing the basics. This class (or equivalent private tuition) is a pre-requisite for our other intermediate classes and non-beginner rope jams. Whether you want to kickstart deepening your technical skills or just want to find your feet while you're getting started, this is the workshop for you.

Embodiment Rope Space is a welcoming and safe(r) space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We practice rope communally and host occasional workshops for upskilling the community. Rope is never safe, there are only ways to do it more safely.

Please study the FAQ and Ethos of our space on our website, www.embodimentropespace.co.za, before attending.

Important Information:

• - Please wear something you can comfortably sit in / move around in. Leggings > sweatpants > jeans.
• - If you have rope, bring it along. Otherwise, you are welcome to use our class rope.
• - Please adhere to the ethos of our space.
• - ROAR
• - Please note this is an alcohol-free space

Ropey things for sale:

We have limited treated rope from Sudo Jute (variable prices: R400 - R500 per 8m hank) and safety shears for sale.

This is a full-day intensive, and during the whole day we will cover the following topics to get you started on your Shibari journey:

1: Fundamentals of Safety:

- Physical Safety

- Emotional Safety

- Relational Safety

- Introduction to Communication in Ropes

- Navigating Uncertainty

- Intention in rope

- Basics of Rope Handling

2: Fundamentals of Tying:

- The single-column tie

- Single column variations

- Single column placement

- Creative single-column application

- The Inline cuff

- Wraps and Frictions

- Yuki Knot (quick release)

3: Fundamentals of Body Handling:

- Transitioning the body on the floor

- Moving with the breath

- Ichinawa (one rope ties) with intention

RopeFu (@rope.fu) has loved knots since being a kid making bows and arrows, snares, and natural rope from plants. The sensations and emotions that rope creates are just as important to him as the beauty and artistry of the tie. He seeks to create the feeling of being bound and held at the same time.

Kay (@faeriebunnyrope) 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.

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)

@gr_en.trapa (they/them)

@charliefrench_za (she/her)

@creaturale (they/them)

@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute (he/they) 

@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)

@bugartstuff (they/them)

@newyork.creations (they/them) 

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.