Mastering the visible and the invisible in Semenawa

This series of eight evening classes is an invitation to immerse yourself in our approach to Semenawa, where we challenge the body through the ropes. Rooted in more than fifteen years of practice and teaching, the course brings together our shared research and expertise of embodied rope handling, processual tying, session building, somatic opening under challenge. We cover technique, aesthetics and philosophy – intention and communication.

8 evening classes, 2.5 hrs, group workshop, max. 10 couples, in total 20 hours of instruction and practice

Wednesday’s 19:30 – 22:00: 09.09. // 30.09. // 07.10. // 28.10. // 11.11. // 25.11. // 02.12. // / 16.12.

Soma House | Mehringdamm 70, 10961 Berlin (Hinterhof)

Full class: 600 € per couple (special fee for returning students – ask us for the access code) 

What to bring: 

Wear clothing in which you feel comfortable and that suits the atmosphere of an intensive rope practice. Please bring at least twelve jute ropes, 5 or 6 mm in diameter, with lengths appropriate for the body you will be tying.

Over the course, we will explore four iconic forms through the complementary perspectives of Omote and Ura. Omote, the visible surface, focuses on the craftsmanship: harness construction, rope handling, tension and the principles that create stable and expressive positions in semi- or full suspension. Ura, what lies beneath the surface, reveals the invisible dimensions of the practice: the process of tying, somatic communication, intention and expression, philosophy and aesthetics. 

By bringing these two perspectives together, you will learn not only how to create a shape, but how to create an experience.

This workshop is for tying partners (of all age and gender constellation) who already have an intermediate foundation in Japanese inspired rope bondage. It is intended for those who wish to engage more deeply with our approach to Semenawa, as well as for experienced practitioners looking to revisit, refine and expand their practice.

– Develop a deeper understanding of the principles and philosophy that shape our approach to Semenawa.

– Move beyond memorising patterns and gain the confidence to adapt, combine and create ties in response to your partner and the moment.

– Become fluent in managing complex rope pathways and line organisation in partial and full suspension.

– Refine the invisible aspects of tying, including ma ai, timing, intention and communication through the rope, allowing you to create richer, more intimate and more meaningful experiences together

– Cultivate the quality of attention that allows you to connect more deeply with yourself and your partner at the same time 

– Deepen your ability to express yourself in ropes and engage in a rich, non verbal dialogue with your partner.

– Develop a clearer understanding of your emotional and physical boundaries and learn to communicate them with confidence and clarity.

– Explore receptivity and discover how to remain soft, present and responsive within the challenge  

– Cultivate an inner sense of safety that allows you to meet increasingly demanding ties with greater trust and resilience

This course is designed for tying partners who are already comfortable exploring more challenging ties in suspension and the use of rope for impact within their shared practice.
Bottoms should have prior experience of suspension, be able to maintain awareness of their body throughout the tie and communicate effectively with their riggers.

Riggers should be confident and fluent in tying simple static and dynamic suspensions based on a stemless Gote.

OMOTE: An upgrade on your basics * Refining the Gote * Refining strategies for 2-rope harnesses (Mermaid, Futomomo, etc.) * Gomagashi (hiding the rests) * Creating a position (that feels and looks good) * Creative applications for a 3rd/4th rope * Giri-giri position * Arm binders and strappado position * Creative applications of waist rope * Progressions * “Predicamental” strategies

URA: Creating a session: The play with distance and proximity, rhythm and pause * Communication through the rope: intimacy, suffering, shame und aesthetics * Leading with presence: inquiry vs. induction

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.