This weekend Tamandua is visiting to share his personal approach to Kinbaku, using some of his used ties and techniques.
During the workshop Tamandua will introduced some ties that when done correctly, allow the top to easily control how intense they are for the bottom.
A primary focus is learning to execute ties in such a way that it does not bother the bottom unintentionally.
The idea is to develop more confidence to play, including in the realm of semenawa – tormenting rope.
Guidance on how to tiee and get tied more fluently, in a more natural feeling way, using body/rope management and communicative cues, will be a big part of the learning material for both tops/riggers and bottoms/models.
We will reflect on how these factors play into the “soft skills” of rope bondage, and into the power exchange principles of erotically tormenting rope.
Technically, each tie is introduced through getting familiar with the basic building blocks which it is made up of. By learning the technical details of the harnesses used, and exploring how they feel and function under load of suspension, and simpler applications.
As the final exercise each day, this collected knowledge gets put to the test when we enjoy a longer and (for top and bottom) more challenging tie.
This workshop involves using suspension lines on a bamboo.
Tamandua (He, him)
Swedish kinbaku instructor and rope switch based in Berlin, Germany. He has been working with rope professionally since 2016, offering intimate sessions, and travelling the world to teach his perspective on tying and being tied.
He is a queer person, who appreciates tying with people of various gender. As a switch, he draws inspiration both from the models/bottoms he has tied with, and the riggers/tops he has modelled for, which has let him experience various styles from the inside the ropes.
‘I consider kinbaku to be a complex erotic art, which is empathetically sadomasochistic at it's core.
Often tying in a way that can be challenging both for the one tying and the one in the ropes, my shibari usually demands a lot of technical clarity when in the role of a teacher. At the same time, the student’s individuality is a priority when it comes to learning methods and intention.
I view kinbaku as a practice of continuous exploration – where new doors open as your go deeper and further with a partner, over the course of a session, or over the course of a long partnership. Sometimes though, the magic that defines inbaku can be just that one alluring image that sticks with you, a moment suspended in time.
For me, the essence of kinbaku lies in the meeting between the aesthetic expression and the emotional and sensual intention of the practice. And the more ones tying develop, the more seamlessly the parts can intermingle.’
Requirements:
Both tops/riggers AND bottoms/models need to have prior experience with suspension.
Riggers need to know well how to make and lock suspension lines safely, and know these techniques by heart.
This knowledge must have been acquired from learning with an instructor. Video or self taught is not enough.Part of the class content includes learning and using TK. To be able to follow all of the content, being able to be in such an arm posi/on is necessary. Other harnesses will be taught as well.
This workshop is designed for one person to learn on their model. Switching rolls is not allowed.
For couples, no solo participants.
Please review your skills before applying.
What to bring?
A kit of ropes suitable for shibari specifically: single ply jute ropes around 6mm thick.
Minimum 7 ropes cut to be around 8 meters long each + 2 random shorter lengths for when you need to add a little extra to finish a patern. Sex shop or hardware store ropes are not suited for the type of tying taught this weekend. Ignoring this advice WILL disadvantage you in the workshop.Cloth strips of a good size to be used as a gag tied around the head. For example tenugui type towel.
We will be tying on the floor, and we have yoga matts and pillows but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
If you like to take notes: a notebook and pen.
Comfortable clothes in which you can move freely, tank tops or shorts are ideal, or any yoga/sport clothes.
A bottle of water (leak proof) and some snacks.
A pair of sandals/flip flops to get to the toilet, since they are not directly inside the studio.
Important
Iridescent Studio is a queer organisation and in our events we do not tolerate racism, discrimination, sexism, homophobia or transphobia.
Please note that if your skills do not meet the requirements for certain workshop exercises, our facilitator may ask you not to participate in those activities for safety reasons. It is your responsibility to ensure your skill level is suitable, and we encourage you to contact us in advance if you have any doubts or concerns.
During the entire workshop we do not allow the use of any mobile or electronic devices to record the content of the workshops.
You are allowed to take pictures of your partner as long as none of the participants or teachers are in your pictures.
No solo participants, please reach us your partner can not make it last minute in order to reschedule.
Times
Saturday, November 1st 11:00 to 18:00 hrs.
Sunday, November 2nd 13:00 to 20:00.
To respect the flow of the event we do not allow late entry after the door is closed, even if you message us via social media or email.
Doors open half an hour before the event starts and we will close the door of the studio each day, 5 minutes before the event starts, so please make sure you are there, at least 10 minutes before.
Tickets
Price per couple:
Early bird tickets 480€
Regular tickets 550€
Location
The studio is located in Amsterdam west, Doctor Jan van Breemenstraat 1.
You can get here by bike, or from Central Station by Tram 13, the stop is Adm. Helfrichstraat.
If you decide to drive to us, here is a link for a parking space just besides the studio.
In our experience the Mobypark platform gives better rates and has several options in the neighbourhood.
Language:
All our workshops and events are taught/guided in English.
Need Ropes?
We sometimes have treated and ready to use ropes for sale, check with us ahead. If we don’t have, you can find Shibari Ropes at Mail & Female, this link gives you a 10% discount on your first purchase.
We advise to get both ropes and rope butter and treat them before the workshop for them to be softer and easy to use.
Questions?
We understand that this kind of event can be a bit overwhelming for some, and we are more than willing to help you if you need any support to make your workshop experience nicer. Please do not hesitate to mail us if you have any physical limitations, mental health issues or special wishes.
Or if you have any other questions regarding this event, do not hesitate to drop us an e-mail, we are more than glad to help!