Shibari Workshop Cape Town: TK I (Takate Kote) | June 2025
Share event with friends
Enter your email to get a reminder about this event
Save event
Share event with friends
Enter your email to get a reminder about this event
Save event
Sat Jun 14, 09:45 - Sat Jun 14, 16:00
Unit G19, Embodiment Rope Space
ABOUT
The Takate Kote or 'TK', sometimes also called Gote or box-tie, is beautiful, elegant and iconic. At this workshop you will learn this fundamental hands-behind-the-back tie, a cornerstone of Japanese rope bondage. The simple design betrays the technical details required to tie it well. When incorporating the TK, every part of this tie is essential to the success and safety of your bondage experience.
Learning this fundamental tie opens your Shibari practice up to a world of possibility - it has most of the technical components of common ties (frictions, correct tension, lock-offs) allowing for translation of the skills you gain here into other areas of your practice. If tied without precise attention to rope tension and placement it can be a high risk tie. Learning the correct method for this tie and also understanding the upper arm nerve locations will give you the competence to practice with more safety and accuracy.
NOTE: Please note that the partner who will receive the tie (the model or rope bottom) for the TK Workshop will need to be able to hold their arms behind their backs, bent at the elbow, for long periods of time. Please consider this and any shoulder injuries, issues or mobility impairments when booking. If you have any questions we ask that you please DM us on Instagram or email us at embodimentropespace@gmail.com
Do not buy a ticket if you do not meet the requirements set out under "Rules". We will not refund tickets to those who purchase, or arrive on the day of the workshop, not meeting the outlined minimum requirements.
ON THE DAY
We will start off with a short introduction, followed by touching on the principles and safety concerns before a deep dive into the structure of the TK (Gote) and reasoning for the pattern. After a break, we will learn the main pattern in detail and tie following along before tying solo with input from your instructors.
There is space for a maximum of 6 pairs. The workshop is for tying pairs, and roles will not be switched during the workshop. If you want to attend but do not have a tying partner, please reach out ASAP and specify your preferred role, top (tying) or bottom (being tied) so that we can match where possible.
You will need to bring the following on the day:
- Your rope kit: a minium of 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.
YOUR EDUCATORS
Sudo (he/they) has been a student of Kinbaku for many years, and practices mainly semenawa for the last five years. He has studied extensively at Copenhagen Shibari Dojo with Yukinaga Max and in Berlin with Tamandua. He is part of Akechi Kanna’s study group and is a student of Naka Akira.
Fire_Lily (she/her) is a rope bottom with deep experience in different styles of bondage and a rich insight into the psychology of rope. She has been tying with Sudo from the start.
RULES
This workshop is open to rope tops who have attended our Beginner Basics workshop or equivalent workshops, attended private tuition with us, or demonstrate before attending the workshop with an Embodiment Space Holder that you are at least comfortable with tying stable and secure single-column ties, half hitch, munter hitch (Nodome) and inline (Hojo) cuffs.
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.
Please do not purchase tickets for someone else without their knowledge or consent. Shibari is a practice that involves physical and emotional vulnerability, and it’s important that people make an informed choice to attend. Surprising someone with a ticket, even with good intentions, can lead to discomfort or distress. We encourage open communication and informed decision-making to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.
Embodiment Space Rules - Click Here
Embodiment Code Of Conduct - Click Here
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.
EMBODIMENT & TEAM
Embodiment Rope Space is a welcoming and safe(r) space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We practice rope communally and host occasional workshops for upskilling the community. Rope is never safe, there are only ways to do it more safely.
Please study the FAQ and Ethos of our space on our website, www.embodimentropespace.co.za, before attending.
Embodiment Rope Space is the love child of a group of volunteers from different walks of life coming together to actualize something we think the world needs: a queer safe(r) space for exploring kink as a healing, connective force.
You can follow us on Instagram here:
Rope Team: (who you will be seeing on the night)
@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)
@rope.fu (he/him)
@creaturelie (they/them)
@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute_v2 (he/they)
@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)
@hotsqueak (they/them)
FAQ
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 long day, 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.
Note on accessibility:
We believe rope is for every body. At the same time the building we are currently occupying does not allow for wheelchair access to ground floor ablution facilities. This is an ongoing negotiation with the current landlords. However the space itself allows for wheelchair access :)