Adding Gravity

Introduction to Suspension (1-Day Workshop)

In this One-day Intensive, we will build on the already learned basics and introduce the tools for Shibari beginners to transitioning from floor to (semi)suspension. We will learn and practice the structural elements as well as the risk awareness needed to safely introduce gravity into your play. We will focus on building solid harnesses, techniques for attaching suspension lines, practice the pulley principle and efficient locks.

In this way, we lead the participants into their first semi- and full suspensions and introduce routines that help to embody the necessary tools and techniques.

For whom is it?

This workshop is for all people who already have an initial experience in Japanese-inspired rope bondage and want to develop their knowledge to approach suspensions.

For your role as rigger you should have learned the basics of Shibari, such as non-collapsing ties and solid harnesses around the upper and lower body. For your role as being tied, you should bring general awareness in ropes and being able to attend to your body and communicate potential issues in the near time.

This is a practical workshop: you will tie and/or get tied a lot. Role switching is not mandatory, but highly encouraged for this workshop. 

Bring along: comfortable clothing and at least 8 jute ropes, 6 mm, 7 – 8 m long

In your role as a rigger you learn…

  • building on the previous learned basic principles
  • understanding the concepts for sustainable suspensions
  • safely mastering semi- and full suspensions
  • understanding important aspects, such as suspension line management and effective lock-off both on ring/carabines and bamboo
  • gaining confidence in your abilities and self-confidence for rope suspensions in private or at a Jam

In your role as the person in ropes you learn…

  • bringing attention to your body, to your feelings and sensations
  • gaining safety in challenging (semi) suspensions by learning to give in to the force of gravity
  • getting familiar with a rope impact and learning to enjoy it
  • developing a feeling of your emotional and physical limits and positively communicating them
  • understanding your responsibility in ropes

Content

Basic Consent & Safety rules * Safety in suspension * Repetition of simple and solid harnesses * Attachment of suspension lines * Building a pulley * Lock-off strategies on Harness, Ring/Carabine, and Bamboo * Managing suspension lines (drill) * Fluid body manipulation

We will emphasize safety, fluid body movement, control of the suspension lines, (non-verbal) communication in ropes, as well as emotional and physical limits.

On the bottom’s side, we introduce tools to growing your stamina in challenging positions by breathing, directing the attention, keeping soft and re-grounding in your body