Introduction to the Gote - 9/9

Gote shibari, also called the takate kote, TK, or box tie, is one of the most recognizable ties in rope bondage. This arms behind the back tie can create creates an immediate and powerful feeling of restriction and vulnerability in the person being tied which builds a deep foundation for intensity and connection within a rope scene. The gote, however, is infamous for the risk associated with it. From nerve injury to shoulder injury, both tying and bottoming for gote shibari requires a dedication to practice unlike no other harness.

Flower and Snake Rope Lounge is excited to be teaching our approach to the two-rope gote shibari. We believe that approaching the gote deserves practice and slowly developing understanding both from the bottom and the top. Unlike other classes that teach an approach to this tie over a few hours during a one-off class, we will be teaching the gote in a modular approach on a continuing basis that allows students to return for instruction and receive feedback as they deepen their understanding of this tie.

The second Wednesday every month we will teach our approach to the gote shibari. These are classes will cover the first and second rope, as well as an approach to testing the tie. Classes will be taught such that students gain exposure to each element of the tie, but are encouraged to work through the tie only inasmuch as they are prepared to progress to the next element. We believe this approach is a great way to teach the gote shibari because not only do the fundamentals of tying the gote require repetition and oversight, but also each person being tied in this tie will have their own needs for hand placement, shoulder setting, and tension. By offering the same classes each month, students can come in as needed and work on their gote shibari and build their understanding of this multi-faceted tie.

Starting from the Naka-lineage gote form developed for tying under a linear hard point, e.g. bamboo, we teach the gote the way we tie it, one rope at a time. We will focus in on tying a v-shaped, stemless form of the gote. These sessions are limited to up to six tying pairs so that we can explore variations that may be necessary to adapt the gote to each bottom. Our approach will include a discussion of the particular nuances of the v-shaped stemless gote, including appropriate uses of this approach to the gote shibari.

The class will focus in on understanding the shoulders, choosing an appropriate arm position, choosing the form of gote, e.g. stemless, v-shaped, top and bottom energy exchange, setting the arms and tying the wrist cuff, setting the first wrap tension, locking off and finishing the rope. Our approach to the gote includes an iterative process that connects the body knowledge of the bottom to the tying of the top involving helpful and specific communication.

The class will takes discuss and delve into the function of the second rope and understanding the vital role it plays in not only keeping the tie safer, but bringing a necessary structure to the gote. Careful attention will be paid to tensioning the 2nd rope and creating structural kannukis. We will also cover a process for load testing our gotes to understand, from both top and bottom, how the tie effects the body in a very low-stakes partial suspension.

These classes are intended for tying pairs. Attendees will need at least three hanks of rope capable of wrapping their bottoms body at least three times, generally 7 - 8m. All demonstrations will be done using jute rope and we highly recommend using 6mm jute rope for this approach to rope. Other rope materials are allowable, however modifications may be necessary or unavailable through our knowledge base. If you have any questions, please reach out and ask!

The skill level necessary for the class is the ability to tie a single column tie and manage tension through efficient rope handling. These baseline skills are taught in our 1st and 3rd Wednesday Beginners' Lounge. These classes are intended as a skill building class to supplement your growth into the style. Admission to many of our advanced classes are contingent on the students ability to tie and sustain being tied in a sufficient and safer gote shibari.

Doors open at 645p! Instruction begins at 700p. We will lock the door to newcomers at 730p, so don’t be late!

Tickets:
Non-Member: $75/person
Standard Member: $67.50/person
Premium Member: $60/person

For more information on our memberships, please visit our Patreon!
https://patreon.com/flower_and_snake

Flower and Snake Kinbaku Lounge is a space dedicated to the art of rope bondage. As such, rope related, artistic nudity is allowed. Be aware, Flower and Snake is not a sex possible space. Entrants to Flower and Snake must sign a waiver of liability and adhere to house rules while in attendance.