Semenawa with Subay

[Recurring event]

Explore and experience the beauty of suffering through rope.

Date: 1 November 2023 (Wednesday)

Time: 1900-2200 (door opens at 1845, closes at 1915)

Venue: Studio Yukari, London E1 4BG

Pre-requisites: Intermediate or above. Partnered. 

What is Semenawa?

Semenawa is a concept that is easily lost in translation. There is no accurate literal translation - some translate it into “torment rope”, “reprimand rope” or “blame rope”. Semenawa involves two people exploring, experiencing or reliving emotional suffering which is distinct from physical pain. While most people associate semenawa with heavy, challenging suspensions, semenawa can also be achieved by one simple rope.

What will you learn?

In this monthly-recurring class, there will be discussions, demonstrations, meaningful exercise and guided practice on the techniques and principles of semenawa. Each month we will work on one tie / sequence. We will explore different approaches to semenawa, how to explore limits and vulnerabilities safely, how to build and progress in your scene, as well as different expressions and dynamics in semenawa. Every detail, every step, every movement is mindfully designed in view of enriching the semenawa experience.

There will be options to tie on the ground and in full/partial suspension. Please tie within your experience and comfort level.

How long is the class?

Each class is 3 hours long with the following timetable (subject to changes on the day):

1845 Door opens

1900-1930 Introduction and discussion

1930-2130 Class & guided practice

2130-2200 Q&A, feedback & free practice

Any prerequisites for this class?

Semenawa class series is suitable for people with some background / experience with Shibari:

For the one tying, you must have prior knowledge of:

• Single column tie and double column tie (compulsory)
• Frictions and hitches (compulsory)
• Gote / chest harness (optional but recommended)
• Shibari safety (compulsory)

For the one being tied, you must:

• Have basic understanding of safety in Shibari, especially the difference between nerve compression and blood circulation loss (compulsory)

Can I come alone?

We suggest that you come with a familiar, trusted partner since this class involves exploring physical and emotional limits.

What do I need to bring?

• Jute ropes (10-12 lengths of ropes if you do full suspension, 6-8 ropes if you do floor ties / partial suspension)
• Safety shears or any other suitable cutting tools
• Notepad and a pen
• Clothing to be tied in
• Snacks and drinks
• Aftercare items

What should I wear?

Please wear something that you feel comfortable tying in / getting tied in (in terms of movement and temperature).

We advise against tight or restrictive clothing such as corsets, underwire bra, jeans etc.

Please remove your accessories such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

You are welcome to get changed at the studio.

About Subay (she/her)

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Subay is a Shibari artist, performer and educator based in London. She is the founder of Studio Yukari in London and Kokoro Studio in Hong Kong.

In 2011, Subay was introduced to Shibari as a Shibari model. Deeply fascinated by its aesthetics, eroticism and emotions, she began studying the art of Japanese rope bondage in Japan. Being drawn to the raw expression of vulnerability in semenawa 責め縄 (i.e. torment rope), Subay found her teacher Naka Akira 奈加あきらand has been a formal student under Naka Ryu 奈加流 since 2015.

Subay’s style of semenawa is described to be “feminine and inclusive”. She draws great inspirations from her short encounter with Yukimura Haruki in 2014. Using rope to engage in an empathic conversation forms the heart of her style in Shibari. With her vast exposure to techniques and knowledge across various Japanese styles, she has developed a unique, adaptive and evolving approach in tying and teaching.

Subay has taught and performed in over 20 cities. Notably, she had the honour of performing at Onna Matsuri おんあ祭りand Naka sensei’s satsuei-kai 縄奈加會緊縛撮影会 in Tokyo in 2018. In 2019, she assisted Naka sensei in his workshops in San Francisco. She has also been part of Queerope hosted by Karada House since 2020.

Enquiries: contact@studioyukari.com

Tickets: First-come-first-served.