Shibari Workshop Cape Town: Uplines for Partial Suspensions Deep-dive | May 2025

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Geeking out over Uplines

An interesting and important element of shibari is lifting some or all of your partners body from the floor. The rope that runs from the body to the overhead point - be it bamboo, a ring or other secure hardpoint - is called a suspension line or upline.

In suspension there is often a main line which bears most of the person’s weight, connected to a robust suspension harness with a suspension hanger, in combination with several other ropes that support the body to create safety and the desired body position.

Uplines are not only used in full suspension, but also to create partial suspensions, where some of the body is still on the ground. Here uplines are used as a support for a partner who may be unbalanced and has reduced mobility due to being tied. Even something as simple as lifting an arm or leg with rope: a safely tied and secure upline is what you need.

There is much to consider. We will practice and learn locking off on carabiners, rings, and bamboo. We will also try the most common suspension line attachments on harnesses. You will get some tips on efficient lifting techniques. In this hands-on class, you will practice locking lines both under light and heavy tension and we will practice some partial suspensions to put some of this (newly) harnessed skills and techniques into effect. A full day!

The full workshop duration will be ±6 hours. Learning sessions will be offset with short body breaks and a longer break over lunch time. (Lunch is not provided)

There is space for a maximum of 12 people. The workshop is for tying pairs or people attending by themselves.

For those attending by themselves (as a single person) you will be tying an object that the Space will provide.

You will need to bring the following on the day:

- Your rope kit: at least three 8m lengths (class rope is available to use and rope is available for sale before the class)

- Comfortable clothes (like you would for yoga class)

- A learning attitude, this is an educational space

- Notebook and pen; this will be your primary means of capturing any information to practice after the workshop - no recordings. 

To participate, you need to have confidence with rope, understand the basics and importance of tension, know about friction and have an understanding of the body, nerves and safety. You need to be able to tie suspension-safe harnesses and you need to have already attended one of our upper body harness workshops (TK, Tengu, etc) and several of our beginner classes or workshops.

If you do not yet have all these skills, but you have some experience and confidence with rope it is possible to attend after confirming your skill level with one of our teachers (please reach out to arrange this) but with the firm understanding that uplines are strictly only used for simple partial suspensions on safer parts of the body or to only suspend an object.

If you’re uncertain, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

This workshop is open to rope tops who have attended our Beginner Basics workshop and Upper Body Harness Workshop, attended private tuition with us. If in doubt reach out. Please attend in pairs. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, no switching will be allowed. Do not buy a ticket if you do not meet the requirements. We will not refund tickets to those who purchase, or arrive on the day of the workshop, not meeting the above outlined minimum requirements. 

Otherwise, our regular event rules apply:

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 longday, so the more comfortable the better. The rule of thumb is generally leggings > sweatpants > jeans.

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.

What do I need to attend this workshop?

For rope tops, we require that you have either attended our Beginners Basics workshop (or an equivalent workshop), attended private tuition with us to cover the contents of the Beginners Basics workshop, or are at least comfortable with tying stable and secure single-column ties and inline (Hojo) cuffs. No refunds will be issued if you purchase a ticket to this workshop without meeting these minimum requirements. 

Do I need a partner?

We recommend all participants to come in pairs. Please note tickets are sold per PAIR. 1 ticket grants entry to one tying pair: 1 top and 1 bottom. If you do NOT have a tying partner - please let us know. We can not guarantee a partner for this workshop, however. Remember, we will not permit any switching on the day.  

I do not have the minimum skills requirement down, now what?

As a collective at Embodiment, we also offer private lessons. If you are interested in this workshop but do not meet the minimum requirements of this workshop, please send us an email at embodimentropespace@gmail.com to book a private lesson, if there are any available spots.