Shibari 301: Preparing for Suspension
Progressive Rope Classes in Downtown Los Angeles
Shibari 301 is the suspension preparation track of our Studio Series – held twice a month at Devil Mask Studio in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles. These classes are designed for tying pairs who are actively preparing for partial or full suspension: building the technical fluency, safer habits, and the in-the-moment decision-making that suspension requires.
Topics rotate on a six-month cycle and each session stands alone, so you can drop in without having attended a specific one before. You don’t need to have done suspension work yet, but you should be confident tying harnesses on the body before attending.
The Studio Series also runs Shibari 102 for foundational skills, Shibari 201 for harnesses and patterns, and Shibari 401 for advanced suspension work.
Schedule & Pricing
📅 Second Saturday of the month · 10:00 AM-Noon
📅 Third Sunday of the month · 4:00-6:00 PM (includes access to Open Studio)
📍 Devil Mask Studio · 529 Lindley Pl #305 · Downtown Los Angeles
🎟 $100/tying pair · $35 to audit · Memberships Accepted
Prerequisites: Confident tying harnesses on the body; come to class with harnesses you know well. If you missed our Uplines & Lockoffs class, we have free video tutorials available.
What to bring: At least six 8m/30ft lengths of rope. These should be either a synthetic (like POSH) or a natural fiber rope in excellent condition with no breaks or high-stranding.
Loaner rope is not suitable for suspension work and cannot be used during 301 classes. We provide climbing straps, carabiners, and bamboo for use during class; if you’ve got gear that you prefer, you’re welcome to bring your own.
301 Class Topics:
Uplines, Attachments, and Lockoffs
What’s uplines? Not much – what’s up with you?
You can’t get into the air without uplines: the rope that connects your partner to the suspension point. This class focuses on three core components of rope suspension: tying and attaching uplines, managing them in the air, and locking them off safely and efficiently. A foundational session for any pair approaching suspension work.
Partial Predicaments
What if practice time was also play time?
This hands-on workshop explores the world of predicaments with partial suspension – using uplines and lock-offs to create scene-ready ties that offer a partner a choice (or the illusion of one) between two challenging outcomes. Emphasizes frontloading communication and scene-building so your rope flows with more ease and intention in the moment.
Physics for Suspension
The body in suspension is a physics problem.
This class unpacks what’s really happening when we put bodies in the air: force vectors, tension, how harness placement affects load distribution, and the ergonomics of rigging for both the top and bottom. Learn how to tie smarter, not haul harder, and take care of your own body as you lift someone else’s.
The Leftovers: Nawajiri for Play
Make gravity your ally.
This class focuses on using balance and leverage to create dynamic, responsive positioning in partial suspensions. You’ll learn to work with the nawajiri – the running ends of your uplines – to fine-tune placement, redistribute weight, and trap unbound limbs with ease. Whether your goal is elegance, efficiency, or adaptability, this class makes control feel natural.
Under Tension: Testing Harnesses for Suspension
A deep dive into the process for testing whether a harness is really ready for suspension – maximizing ‘finding out’ while minimizing ‘fucking around.’ We’ll break down what “suspendable” really means, how to test your tie on the ground, and how to make in-the-moment decisions about whether it’s a go, a no-go, or brief detour with backup plans.
Body Bamboo
Bamboo is more than just a suspension point – it can become part of the body itself.
This class explores the unique possibilities that emerge when bamboo is attached directly to the body: foundational techniques for securing it safely and effectively, pressure distribution, movement, and creative applications for both floor play and partial suspension. Striking visuals, new body mechanics, and inventive sensory play.
F.A.Q.
Students tying should be confident with harnesses on the body and ready to work with uplines. You don’t need to have done full suspension yet – 301 is specifically designed to prepare you for taking that step. If you’re still building harness confidence, Shibari 201 is the right next step.
Yes. Our loaner rope is not suitable for suspension work and cannot be used during 301 classes. Bring at least six 8m/30ft lengths, at least two of which are ready to be used as uplines. Your rope should be either a load-rated synthetic rope like POSH or natural fiber rope in excellent condition with no breaks or high-stranding.
Need to upgrade your kit? We’ve got you covered, just order & pick it up at class.
Yes. Devil Mask Studio has a suspension frame with climbing straps and carabiners available for use during class. You’re welcome to bring your own hardware if you prefer to work with familiar equipment.
Yes. Audit tickets are $35 and allow you to observe without participating. A good option if you’re approaching this level and want to see the class before committing to a pair ticket.
Yes – 301 classes are designed for tying pairs. If you’re looking for a practice partner at this level, our Discord and monthly Rope Social are great places to connect with potential class partners.