Workshop

Workshop: Semenawa, Introduction - Basics Pain

Course description, not a bookable occasion. See upcoming events for dates and booking. See upcoming events

This is an introductory workshop about rope that causes pain. Instruction with simple ties, where we focus on what happens when you tighten a little more. You do not need any prior rope experience, but you need a willingness to experiment with pain, both as a rigger and as a model. Semenawa (責め縄) roughly translates to "torture rope". It is a style where the rope is meant to be challenging, and where discomfort, endurance, and intensity are part of the experience. Pressure, tension, and time do the work, and the body's physical responses are the whole point. This workshop is about pain. We do not cover predicaments or positions that become difficult over time; instead, we focus on the direct: how the rope is placed, tightened, and used to cause pain in a way that both partners desire. We work on techniques for how to dose the intensity, which body parts can tolerate what, how much force is required, the difference between pain that builds up and pain that shuts you down, as well as how to read your partner when they can no longer speak very much. The ties are simple. You do not need any prior knowledge, nor do you need experience handling rope. We demonstrate everything from scratch, and what you learn can be used straight away at home. However, both of you need to want this. As a rigger, you should have a sadistic curiosity, a desire to see what happens when you tighten just a bit more. As a model, you should have a masochistic inclination and enjoy being challenged and receiving pain. If you join without this mindset, the experience will likely just feel uncomfortable for both of you, rather than feeling close, intimate, and beautifully vulnerable. Be aware that semenawa often evokes strong emotions. Some participants cry, some find a headspace they cannot reach any other way, and others conclude that it simply hurts, which is also a valid response. Hopefully, you will learn something about yourselves and your relationship with giving and receiving consensual pain, in addition to the techniques and tips you will get to observe and try out. Curious to try, or are you already converted? Sign up. We hope to see you there.