Sansei & Soptik SF Intensive: Semenawa #1: Surrender

Vetting Form Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyZSY1SpCNHwknaFWGAT3jDDSnCMmVf-Ilmw0xacJ_KQ8qUg/viewform

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Fri Nov 13: 7:00pm – 10:30pm Sat Nov 14: 10:00am – 6:00pm (1-hour lunch break) Sun Nov 15: 10:00am – 6:00pm (1-hour lunch break)

We are delighted that Sansei & Peter Soptik of Prague will be joining us in San Francisco to offer a delightful intermediate-level workshop exploring semenawa via a modern interpretation of Naka ryu in the form of the Kinbaku LuXuria style. This form serves as an application for the intensive, with notifications for acceptance being sent out on a rolling basis via email. We will send payment details only after your application is approved.

Cost: $800 per tying pair.

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The roots of traditional Japanese bondage go back over 100 years to Ito Seiu, the father of Kinbaku, who began tying, studying, and publishing his work focusing on the beauty of suffering. Several generations of Japanese practitioners followed him and developed the traditional style. Among them were Nureki Chimuo and his successor Naka Akira, whose Naka ryu, with its refined Japanese aesthetics and deep emotions, is currently one of the most popular and advanced styles of tying.

We present a modern interpretation of Naka ryu in the form of the Kinbaku LuXuria style, which respects the tradition and legacy of its predecessors, but has been adapted for Westerners, in particular with a greater emphasis on safety. This style was adapted from Naka ryu by Riccardo Wildties, deshi (disciple) of Naka Akira, together with his partner Red Sabbath.

At the beginning of the workshop, we will immerse ourselves in Gote (TK), not only in terms of the pattern itself, but in understanding its structure and especially its spirit. We will then learn six iconic suspensions of the traditional Japanese style. In addition to their technical execution, we will pay attention to the progressive building of our sessions and the importance of surrendering in the ropes to go through the more difficult parts of the tying and dive deeper into the beauty in the suffering.

Prerequisites: This is not a beginner's workshop. Both riggers and models should have experience with basic suspensions and have a solid foundation on the floor. You should master basic floor ties, especially single and double column ties, with an understanding of square and granny knots, lacing, futomomo, and any form of gote (Takate Kote). Models should be comfortable in a Gote. Participants will need to bring a minimum of 10 ropes.

Bios:

Peter Soptik and Sansei's approach to ropes is about a deep connection between two people. They find this connection particularly in traditional kinbaku and are passionate about the Kinbaku LuXuria style that they are both certified for up to level 1. Peter has been studying this style with Riccardo Wildties and Red Sabbath since 2013. Riccardo is a deshi of Naka Akira, and his style is an interpretation of Naka Ryu more suited to western riggers and models.

Sansei and Peter started their journey together a few years later and now not only study but also research their own interpretation of the style. Their tying and their teaching includes classical patterns, aesthetics, and also deep surrender to the core, dark emotions in semenawa and existing for each other. Through kinbaku, they pursue things they are passionate about. Among the different flavours they tie and teach are objectification and exposure, from shame to humiliation, and some niche topics such as neck rope and arm binders.

Peter has been studying Japanese bondage for a long time. He studied with Kinoko Hajime, Osada Steve, Nawashi Kanna, Arnoys Nicolas, and Naka Akira. They taught him the basics, technique, and also the movement, intimacy, and simplicity of the ropes. Today his style is shaped by his studies with Riccardo Wildties.

Sansei has been doing ropes since 2017. Her approach to tying is specific, with a deep surrender to her rigger, an almost altered state of being while tying, exploring the often dark emotions that ropes can bring and the beauty of them. Of particular importance to her is the naturalness of the experience and the effect of the rope on the human soul and body. She is not only a model, but also a rigger. She has been studying with Peter Soptik since 2019 and the Kinbaku LuXuria style with Riccardo Wildties and Red Sabbath since 2022. The experience of both roles allows her to better understand and pass on deeper insight. She is passionate about Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, which is a great inspiration in her tying.

Although Naka style is their preferred way of tying today, they are open to enjoying spontaneity and fun with ropes, and their personal practice and teaching also include lighter topics.

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ENTHUSIASTIC CONSENT is required for all touch and play at this event. It must be freely given, revocable, informed, engaged, and specific (FRIES).

Examples of enthusiastic consent:

"Can I give you a hug?" → "Yes! I'd love that!"

"Want to try (blank) together?" → "Absolutely, I've been wanting to try that!"

Examples of Non-Enthusiastic (or Absent/Unclear) Consent:

"Can I hug you?" → "...sure" or "...I guess."

"Are you okay to continue?" → "Mmm, whatever/I don't know..."

If you are uncertain whether enthusiastic consent has been given, treat that uncertainty as your answer. Consent has not been given.

It is always appropriate to pause and check in. You might say something like:

"How would you feel about taking a short break?"

"I want to make sure we're both fully on board... Can we pause for a moment?"

"I wasn't completely certain that was a full yes, so I'd like to stop and check in with you."

Pausing is never the wrong choice. It demonstrates care, self-awareness, and respect for everyone involved and creates space for an honest, comfortable conversation.

Do not assume anyone's presence implies availability.

Negotiate all scenes in advance. No up-negotiation during play.

Be mindful of those in active scenes or aftercare. Do not interrupt, crowd, or hover.

Wipe down any surfaces with disinfectant or degreaser where fluid/lube contact may have occurred. We will have Cavicide for disinfecting and isopropyl alcohol for lube degreasing.

We have on-site dungeon monitors to help maintain a safer space for everyone. If someone is lurking, hovering, or watching without actively participating in a scene, please report it to a dungeon monitor immediately. We take this seriously and will ask anyone violating this policy to leave.

Thank you for helping us protect and preserve this space for our community.

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KINK.COM CODE OF CONDUCT - By purchasing your ticket(s), you agree to comply with the entire CoC:

Golden Rules

Treat one another with kindness and respect.

Leave the space better than you found it.

Consent

Consent is required for all touch and play at this event. It must be freely given, revocable, informed, engaged, and specific (FRIES).

• Never touch anyone without permission.
• Negotiate all scenes in advance. No up-negotiation during play.
• Do not assume anyone's presence implies availability.
• Do not join or interrupt a scene without invitation.
• If someone asks to be left alone, respect that immediately.
• Obtain explicit consent before photographing or involving others in your scenes.

Privacy and Discretion

What happens here stays here. Treat all information about attendees and activities as confidential. Do not "out" anyone regarding their identity, orientation, kinks, or attendance.

Community Care

Don't yuck someone's yum. This means respecting that others may have different kinks, interests, and ways of expressing themselves. What isn't your thing may be someone else's joy. Keep negative reactions, comments, or judgments about others' consensual interests to yourself. This is an LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC-inclusive space. Everyone is expected to show up with respect and care for others. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Discrimination or bias based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, or body size.
• Harassment, intimidation, coercion, bullying, or unwanted advances.
• Non-consensual behavior of any kind.
• Misgendering, deadnaming, or invalidating anyone's identity.

Intoxicants & Altered States

We do not sell or serve alcohol at this venue.

We recognize that substances affect capacity to consent, and we prioritize everyone's safety. If you appear unable to give or receive clear consent, a host may check in with you privately. Continued concern may result in being asked to pause play or step outside. This is never a punishment, but a community care measure. Our priority is keeping everyone safe and able to enjoy the space.

Health and Hygiene

• Please stay home if you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms.
• Be scent-aware: avoid heavy perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented products.
• Be thoughtful and considerate of all bodily odors when attending and throughout events. Come prepared, as personal hygiene is your responsibility. If you need basic hygiene supplies, please ask a host.
• Respect others' disclosed allergies or sensitivities.

Respect the Space

Treat staff, hosts, and the venue with care and courtesy. Return any equipment to its proper place and report any damage or safety concerns to a host immediately.

• Wipe down any surfaces where fluid contact may have occurred.
• If you need cleaning or disinfecting supplies, please ask a host.

Scenes and Play

• Be mindful of those in active scenes or aftercare. Do not interrupt, crowd, or hover.
• Respect established play areas, furniture, and equipment; ask a host before using anything unfamiliar.
• Any play considered edge play must be disclosed in advance to event hosts. This includes rope suspension, any form of breath restriction, electrical play, and similar high-risk activities.
• Allow adequate space between scenes and bystanders.

Safewords

Agree on safewords before any play begins.

• "Red" or "Safeword" will immediately stop a scene. Alert hosts if necessary.
• "Yellow" (or equivalent) indicates a limit or request to reduce intensity.
• If verbal safewords are not possible, establish a clear nonverbal signal in advance. For example, three deliberate head shakes as a "no" signal, or dropping a held object.
• Honoring a safeword is non-negotiable. Ignoring one is a serious violation.

Safer Sex

• Communicate openly and honestly about STI status when relevant.
• Safer sex supplies will be available when needed.
• Respect others' safer sex boundaries and practices without question or pressure.

Safety Monitors & Dungeon Monitors

Dungeon Monitors (DMs) and hosts are here to support safety and consent. They have final say and may stop any scene. Please:

• Inform DMs or hosts in advance of any edge or atypical play.
• Follow their instructions promptly and without argument.
• Seek them out immediately if you witness any consent violation.
• Be patient; they may be attending to another matter.

Phones and Photography

No photography, video, or audio recording is permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific event. Keep your phone stored and screens dimmed in play areas. Violations of this policy are taken extremely seriously.

Aftercare

Aftercare is a vital part of responsible BDSM play. Check in with your play partners following a scene. Be mindful that aftercare needs vary; some may need space, others physical comfort, or time to decompress. Hosts may have a designated aftercare area or resources available. Please ask if you need support.

Newcomers & First-Timers

We welcome people who are new to events like this. If you're unsure about anything, ask a host. No question is too basic. We encourage experienced community members to be patient and welcoming mentors, not gatekeepers.

Concerns and Reporting

If you witness or experience a consent violation or safety concern, please speak with a host or event representative immediately. All reports will be handled with discretion and taken seriously. You will be believed and supported. You may also email dusty@kinkstore.com if you wish to remain anonymous. We are committed to accountability and learning.

Consequences for Violations

Violations of this code of conduct may result in:

• A verbal warning from a host or DM.
• Being asked to stop a scene or activity.
• Being asked to leave the event immediately.
• Being banned from future events.

Serious violations involving non-consent will result in immediate removal and may be reported to relevant community networks.

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Accessibility

The Penthouse at The Kink.com Center is fully ADA-accessible. The venue features two elevators, ADA-compliant restrooms, and step-free entry throughout.

We welcome guests with all access needs and encourage you to reach out in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you. This includes communication access needs such as ASL or kink-friendly interpretation services for educational events, which typically require advance booking. Interpreters and aides accompanying a guest are always welcome in that capacity at no additional charge.

To request accommodations or ask about access, contact us at events@kinkstore.com well in advance of the event.

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Getting There

The official venue address is 1717 Mission Street. However, you will enter through the gate near the end of Erie Street, across from the Public Works venue.

Parking inside the gates is reserved only for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking placard or license plate and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE LOT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID ACCESSIBLE PARKING PLACARD OR LICENSE PLATE.

We suggest rideshare, walking, biking, or public transportation.

Look for the HUGE red building with “CITY CENTER” displayed on the inside-facing front wall. The red building is clearly visible from the street.

BART:

16th St Mission Station is about a 10 to 12 minute walk*

Civic Center/UN Plaza Station is about a 15 to 18 minute walk*

*The walking routes pass through areas that can feel intense at night, so we recommend using a rideshare if possible.

BART trip planning: https://www.bart.gov/planner

MUNI (bus & light rail):

Multiple lines run along Mission and Market Street within a few blocks, including the 14, 14R, and 5R

You can plan routes here: https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner

Give yourself a little extra travel time so you can arrive relaxed and ready to play!

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COVID & Other Contagious Illnesses: Safer-Play Policy

Our events are for people who recognize the ongoing risks of COVID and other contagious illnesses and are willing to take precautions for one another, especially to protect immunocompromised members of our community. Please consider whether this approach aligns with yours before attending.

Under our event policy, please do not attend if you:

• Are sick or experiencing any symptoms, even if your COVID test is negative.
• Have tested positive for COVID within the past 10 days.
• Have had a known exposure to COVID within the past 5 days.

COVID testing is strongly encouraged, though not required.

Molecular tests, including PCR and other NAAT tests, are generally more sensitive than rapid antigen tests. A rapid antigen test is another practical option, but a single negative result does not rule out infection.

Follow your test’s instructions for repeat testing. FDA guidance recommends:

• With symptoms: If your first antigen test is negative, repeat it 48 hours later, for at least two tests total.
• Without symptoms: If your first antigen test is negative, repeat it 48 hours later and again 48 hours after that, for at least three tests total.

If you have symptoms despite a negative rapid test, consider a molecular test or contact your healthcare provider. Please stay home while experiencing symptoms, regardless of your test result.

KN95 masks or better are encouraged, though not required, and are available free at every event. Please ask a house manager if you would like one.

Wearing a mask does not replace our requirement to stay home if you are sick. If you are ill, please do not attend, even if you plan to wear a mask.

Testing resources for San Francisco attendees

• UCSF Health–GoHealth Urgent Care: Offers rapid molecular testing at Bay Area locations. A provider visit is billed with testing, so check your insurance coverage and costs before booking.
• Medi-Cal at-home test access: Ask a participating pharmacy’s pharmacist about covered COVID tests and present your Medi-Cal card. Coverage and quantity limits apply.
• California COVID testing coverage information: Commercial plans regulated by DMHC must cover at least eight tests per member per month; regulated Medi-Cal plans must cover up to four. Check your plan’s process and use in-network providers to avoid possible charges.
• San Francisco assistance: Call 311 for help finding city services, including testing resources. Confirm current availability, eligibility, and costs before visiting.
• FDA test expiration-date lookup: Check whether your test’s expiration date has been extended before using it.