Semenawa (責め縄 Tormenting rope): The gentle art of inflicting ‘beautiful suffering’

Semenawa (責め縄): Tormenting rope, the gentle art of inflicting ‘beautiful suffering’, is latest tutorial on ShibariClasses. Semenawa means different things to different people. In it’s most literal sense, it seems to be translated as ‘torture rope’ or ‘tormenting rope’ but that’s to over-simplify a deeper and multi-faceted subject. For the purpose of this tutorial, I’m taking it to simply mean the more sadistic side of using rope. In other words, a way of doing SM where your main tool is the rope. Of course, as with any other area of SM play, it is far more nuanced than mere brutality. The main focus of this tutorial is the hands-on side of creating physical or mental discomfort and predicaments. The core tutorial runs to over 80 minutes are covers a variety of simple, yet effective,floor and suspension ties. In addition, you’ll learn an arsenal of new tricks to add a deliciously sadistic flavour to your play:

• Tension
• Using sticks
• Knot placement
• Mind-fuck, timing and psychology
• Twine, coconut and palm hemp
• Everything from rice to an evil electro-play dilemma  

For those interested in the different approaches and more in-depth study of semenawa, I have provided quotes, links, interviews and performance video with some of the best known proponents of this art.