Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shibari ?
Shibari is the art of tying people up using ropes. It is a practice which has its origins in Japan and which has experienced great expansion and real popularity among the European public in recent years.
Why the ropes ?
The question is vast and complex. We would tend to say that we would have to practice Shibari to try to answer it (perhaps one day). But above all, and to cite the main reasons that we commonly encounter: for fun, for aesthetics, for the pleasure of relating to others, for building emotional intimacy, trust, surpassing oneself, or to explore one's own relationship with the body, with time, and with the feeling of emotions experienced through the prism of the present moment.
Does practicing Shibari hurt ?
It can, but it is never an obligation. By practicing Shibari, you will gradually discover what you are looking for: perhaps you would like to explore emotional intimacy with your partner? Perhaps you would like to lose control and/or let go? Perhaps you want to feel constraint, softness, movement? All of these answers are possible, and there is as much diversity of practices as there are people!
Is Shibari BDSM ?
It would be hypocritical to deny the obvious connection between Shibari, bondage and sexuality. The practice of Shibari is obviously linked in a certain way to sexuality and sensuality, just as it remains intrinsically linked to the concept of exchange and power plays. However, Shibari doesn't have to be experienced through the prism of BDSM if you don't feel like it. As for Atelier Mae, which we hope to see evolve as a place for learning the ropes, we have chosen to exclude all sexuality, all nudity and all BDSM dynamics from our practice and our events. You will not find in our play events around domination/submission but rather under the prism of the exchange between two partners both evolving in a rope path taken together, and where everyone can take part in the dialogue which will then nourish the practice of the two protagonists.
Is Shibari a dangerous practice ?
Yes, and we will never hide it.
Tying a person remains a strong act, and one that can have serious physical and psychological consequences (both positive and harmful). Learning the ropes then makes it possible to become aware of the dangers to which one exposes oneself while practicing and to secure one's practice so that the two protagonists of the dialogue, rigger and model, can evolve together in a safe framework and where the informed consent of each makes sense. On our site, in the resources section, you will find some documentation relating to anatomical reminders ( in construction ), consent and communication, our vision of an anti-abuse policy, but also the charter and the rules which govern the activities of the Workshop.
Finally, in the event of an injury occurring during one of our events, a first aid kit will be made available. As one of the managers is also a professional caregiver, we will also be able to help you if necessary for light care or the management of vagal discomfort, for example.
Can Shibari be linked to sexual activity ?
It can, but we do not explore this dimension here at Atelier Maé
If I get tied up, what does that imply as a relationship with the one who ties me up ?
Sharing a ropes session should ideally take place with the systematism of an informed negotiation of the wishes and physical/psychic limits of the two individuals. Being tied up or tying up someone NEVER implies a quid pro quo for sexual favours, ownership, or any dues whatsoever.
When will your next events take place ?
Consult our future dates on our website in the “Events” tab then “Agenda”. Our events are also relayed on the social networks to which we are registered.
In what language are classes given at the Workshop ?
Classes are given mainly in French. However, there is no problem communicating in English to facilitate understanding for non-French speakers.
Can I come to a class alone ?
The courses given at Atelier Mae are aimed at a pair. The switch between rigger and model will sometimes be possible during certain lessons, depending on the overall dynamic of the group. However, the fact that you do not have a model should not be a limitation to your desire to explore ropes: do not hesitate to contact us if you are looking for a partner for the course, and we may be able (without guarantee) to put you in contact with a person so that you can attend the course in pairs.
Where is Atelier Mae located ?
We are located in the city of Namur, in the city center, 10 minutes walk from the train station. Parking spaces are easily accessible nearby on weekends. For the sake of discretion for neighbouring activities, the exact address of the location is only communicated after purchasing an event ticket, and will remain the same for the next few months.
I am an artist, a teacher, working on a theme that could perfectly match your structure !
Perfect ! Let's discuss it :) You can contact us at the following email address: atelier.mae.shibari@gmail.com
What outfit (clothes, shoes) do you recommend we wear for your events ?
We encourage casual clothing that you feel comfortable in. If possible, avoid clothing that is too restrictive for tying ropes (“net” outfit, too tight, visible straps, delicate fabric, etc.). For shoes, we will ask you in any case to remove them when entering Atelier Mae and to place them in a space provided for this purpose: access to the tatami mats is only possible with bare feet or wearing socks/tights.
Can we eat and drink at your events ?
For each event, snacks and drinks will be made available to participants. These are also included in the ticket price. However, if you are feeling generous and indulgent, never hesitate to bring a little something to share with the whole group. This will always be appreciated, but never mandatory.
Is the practice of Shibari compatible with the consumption of alcohol or drugs ?
Practicing ropes implies having a real discernment about your overall physical condition and your physical condition of the day (fatigue, chronic pain, flexibility, etc.). Due to the risks involved in the practice, each participant must be lucid about the somatic and/or psychological reactions that will occur during the session. To this end, NO consumption of alcohol, drugs, or medications capable of altering proprioceptive and painful sensations will be tolerated. In the event of flagrante delicto consuming a substance of this order during our events, Atelier Mae reserves the right to exclude the person concerned.
Can I come with my pet ?
We are unable to accommodate your little furry, feathered or scaly companion at Atelier Mae.
Is the Atelier Mae workshop accessible to people with reduced mobility ?
Our space is located on the ground floor at the rear of a building. PMR access is therefore relatively easy, with the nuance of two small steps which allow you to go from the backyard to the Atelier Mae space. We will obviously be there to support you and help you if you need it.
What equipment should I bring to come to your events ?
The list of required equipment will always be indicated in the description of the event you access. Be careful to always favour hemp or jute ropes: avoid at all costs nylon ropes sold for example in sex shops. While the latter may be for recreational purposes, they are not suitable for the practice of Shibari.
Generally speaking, suspension points (reserved for people able to suspend safely) and tatami mats will always be made available to participants. In addition, we always have a few sets of ropes on site to help out if necessary, as well as straps and carabiners. Even if we have several copies, it is your responsibility, if you are or become regular rope ppractitioners, to always have scissors or a suitable tool with you to cut your ropes if necessary.
Can I take photos during classes or jams ?
No, because we are convinced that learning happens from the inside, thanks to our procedural memory or even our physical and muscular memory. Join us and live this experience in the moment! Drawings and note-taking are, however, permitted and even recommended.
Do you have to have a special health condition to practice Shibari ?
Yes. And no ! It all depends of course on the level of intensity you introduce into your practice. But to get started, no particular physical condition is required. You don't have to be particularly sporty or flexible to be able to start ropes... but practice will perhaps make you want to explore these areas further. On the other hand, for anything that concerns medical/surgical pathologies or conditions, we can only advise you to talk about it and mention it before the start of a session or ropes exercise, simply in order to be able to adapt the practice to your body and its limits.
Is Shibari designed to be practiced when you are thin and flexible? Is the role of rigger or model reserved for a particular gender ?
No, no and no ! :) All body types are welcome in ropes, despite a fairly systematic representation of slim and athletic bodies when it comes to those attached. A rope session, a suspension will not be less adapted to a body type, and the weight ratio between rigger and model actually has no importance. There are learnings and techniques that make these differences completely obsolete.
As for gender, and despite the fact that we are in a more traditional gender framework, at Atelier Mae we encourage the diversity of people, genders and tying styles. The role of attached person has nothing to do with the feminine, nor with the notion of submission for that matter (as far as the style we practice in any case is concerned), and of course, you will get it understood, the opposite is just as true.
I lost my scarf, jewelry etc. How can I get it back ?
Send us an email to:atelier.mae.shibari@gmail.com and we will tell you if we have found your property. If so, it will be made available in a box dedicated to lost objects.