Strappado with Neya - Class I: The Armbinder (improver+)

Doors open: 6:30 PM

There's something about a strappado that gets under your skin.

Arms pulled back. Shoulders open. The body offered in a position that is equal parts surrender and architecture.
And yet — it remains one of shibari's most underexplored harnesses.

Many models shy away from it, worried about circulation. Many riggers try it too early, then struggle with the precise and demanding technique it requires and give up. Which means one of the most emotionally powerful and visually compelling harnesses in the repertoire doesn't get the attention it deserves.

Nëya is here to change that.

Nëya loves this harness a lot and therefore put a lot of effort into designing a way to teach stappado step by step while including many options for different body types and rigger vs. model size differences.You will learn about various wrist, elbow and shoulder positions as well as many tips and tricks to do precise and delicate rope handling that this harness requires. An important part of the workshop will be also covering safety of this harness from all perspectives - nerves, blood restriction and shoulder joints health. Last but not least we will look at the different aesthetics. Unlike Takate Kote this harness offers a lot of freedom for improvisation and therefore can achieve many different visual approaches.We will cover the harness itself and its safety standards for suspension but suspension will be covered in the following class the next day.

In this workshop you will learn how to tie a sustainable arm binder and on the way you'll explore:

🖤 Wrist, elbow and shoulder positions — and how to read the body in front of you
🖤 Precise, delicate rope handling — the technique that makes or breaks this tie
🖤 Safety in full depth — nerve care, blood flow, and shoulder joint health, covered with rigour and care
🖤 Aesthetics and improvisation — unlike Takate Kote, the arm binder invites creative freedom, we'll explore the many visual worlds it can open
🖤 Suspension-ready standards — the harness will be covered in full; suspension itself continues in the following workshop

Prerequisites

Models:

• understanding the difference between blood restriction and nerve issue
• no need to be able to reach wrist to wrist behind the back, every body is welcome

Riggers:

• flawless single column tie
• very good rope handling and understanding frictions

Bring:

• 3-4 jute ropes 5-6mm (strappado is easier to tie with 5mm)

About the teacher:

Nëya is a Prague-based rigger and model with a strong presence across the European rope community. She began teaching in 2018 at Subspace Studio, a home-based space for rope practice and learning. Since then, she has expanded her reach, regularly traveling and teaching workshops throughout Europe—most often alongside her primary rope partner, Kameko.

A lifelong learner at heart, Nëya continues to explore new techniques and perspectives from a wide range of teachers, always seeking to deepen her understanding of rope and connection.

Her work is rooted in a strong belief in the individuality and uniqueness of both riggers and models. Nëya focuses on offering practical tools for exploring rope, body, and mind, with every class tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of each group. Her style spans from precise, traditional techniques with many ropes to playful, minimalistic explorations.

Above all, Nëya’s approach to tying is about authenticity: staying true to herself and the moment.

If in doubt whether you meet the requirements for this class, please contact Studio Ma at events@studioma.org.uk and we are happy to help and guide you.

Tickets are non-refundable, as once they’re sold we often have a waiting list and are happy to help contact those guests to assist with reselling where possible🎟️💛. For our regularly occurring classes, we’re also very happy to rebook your ticket for a different date when needed 📅✨