Introduction to Suspension

 
 

Introduction to Suspension

Level 3

Shibari or Kinbaku is the art of erotic Japanese Rope Bondage – beautiful and engaging, it has a rich history and deep roots in Japanese culture.

Content

When well executed the beauty and power of Shibari suspension enables the rigger to form an intense connection with the bottom which allows the bottom to surrender fully into their subspace. It is a form of edgeplay because of the significant risks that are presented. Not only does the rigger have to be able to engineer a rope pattern that will physically stand up to the safety requirements of suspension, they also have to be able to communicate well in play, “read” the bottom’s state of being during play and be accountable for holding space, playing ethically within the limits of consent given. The rigger also needs to be accountable for their rig, the state of their rope, and be able to assess the advisability of the rigging point. Thats a lot to think about and it is why suspension is considered an advanced skill.

This program has been designed based on the extensive teaching experience of the Studio Kink Team. It will take you through a number of patterns and exercises to cover a large skill set which is focussed on bondage for suspension.

Students will need to be proficient in the content of our Shibari Fundamentals Course content, and you will also require an instructor's approval in order to attempt the practical components of these Shibari Suspension courses.


2023 Schedule

February
May
August
November

Requirements

  • Rope: 10 or more pieces of jute rope

  • Required Knowledge: an in depth understanding of our Shibari Fundamentals course. If you are unsure then please ask a Studio Kink Instructor.

  • Hardware: 1 large Shibari Suspension Ring or 4+ appropriate carabiners. If you are unsure then please ask a Studio Kink Instructor about appropriate hardware.

  • We recommend having a partner to tie for the courses in order to practice hands on and receive feedback.

Classes

This course is offered in the following formats.

  • Tuesday Night Classes 7pm to 9pm (held quarterly).

The Studio Kink Team can also arrange private one on one tuition to cover the same content. For more information about this option please contact a Studio Kink Team member or email sydney@studiokink.com

Tickets

Shibari Suspension FAQ

What do I need to wear?

We recommend comfortable, casual clothing that allows you freedom of movement. What you would wear to the gym or yoga would be fine.

Do I need to come with a partner?

We strongly recommend bringing someone to practice with for these Suspension Intensives . In order to learn how to tie with the correct tension and adapt the tie to individuals, practicing in class and receiving feedback from an instructor is invaluable.

What if I don't have a partner to bring?

If you don’t have a friend to bring you might want to arrange to partner with another student and share class time as rigger/bottom.  We recommend you get to know other students in your Introduction to Shibari class, speak to the teacher or put a message on our fetlife group or facebook event page.

Do I need any previous experience?

Yes. You must be proficient with out Shibari Fundamentals content.

Do I need to bring rope?

Yes. Each person intending to tie needs to bring at least 10 pieces of 7 to 8 m long jute. If you are unsure if your rope is suitable then please show it to a Studio Kink Team member and ask.

Do I need to bring a suspension ring?

You will need your own suspension ring (or appropriate carabiners) to practice the hands on component of the course. If you would like to purchase a suspension ring please contact a Studio Kink Team Member for a recommendation.

Where can I purchase rope?

Studio Kink stocks DV8 natural Jute which the entire team recommend. Alternatively this can be purchased from the online shop here.

What if I want to be tied up?

We recommend that people who want to be tied attend this course too, it will give you a better understanding of Japanese Rope allowing you to make better informed decisions about safety and the skill of potential rope tops

What if I can’t make it to one of the classes. Do you run them again?

Please speak to one of our Instructors. If you miss one then you can speak to a Studio Kink Team Instructor about a private class (at additional cost) to cover the same content.

How do I find Studio Kink?

Check out the location page. Studio Kink is located in an access controlled building. Doors open 15 minutes before classes are scheduled to start. If you have not been to the Studio before we recommend coming 10 minutes before class starts so that you have plenty of time to find the entrance and so that a team member can show you around the Studio before class starts.

Do I need to buy a ticket for my practice partner even if they are not tying?

For all Studio Kink events unless explicitly stated otherwise, tickets are per person. This has been factored into the cost of tickets. We believe in doing this for a few reasons:

  • sometimes people don’t want to come as couples, they can come as onesomes, twoesomes or moresomes

  • when people do come with a partner we don’t assume that one partner is covering the full cost. We encourage people to work this out between themselves but believe by not bundling tickets this makes it easier

  • we believe that top, bottom, rigger, model, bunny, switch or anything in between are of equal importance we are an equal opportunity teaching studio and everybody learns something from whichever role they assume.