ROPEMARKS RYŪ · LEVEL 3

Move with the suspension

Ryū #3 moves from static suspension into transitions. The body is no longer simply held in one position: load, direction and balance change while the suspension is in motion.

The focus is on understanding what movement changes. Timing matters more, forces evolve continuously, and both partners need to stay responsive. Dynamic suspension is not treated as a collection of tricks, but as a way to create intensity, expression and connection through controlled movement.

AT A GLANCE

Ryū #3 · Transitions

LEVEL

Intermediate / Strong Intermediate

This level assumes confident static suspension skills and comfort working under load.

PREREQUISITE

Confident static suspension

Riggers should be comfortable with safe takeoff and landing, a reliable two-rope gote under load and managing uplines on bamboo.

OUTCOME

Dynamic suspension

A practical foundation for exploring movement and transitions safely and intentionally.

THE PROGRAM

What we work on

Ryū #3 takes the control developed in static suspension and adds movement. We look at how forces change during a transition, how momentum affects the body and how to keep rope, partner and intention connected while the suspension evolves.

01

Start from a stable suspension

Movement only makes sense when the underlying suspension is dependable. We begin from structures you can already control and pay attention to takeoff, landing, line management and the way the body is supported before anything begins to move.

02

Understand changing forces

During a transition, load shifts rather than remaining fixed. We explore how direction, momentum and timing affect both rope and body, and how to anticipate those changes instead of reacting only after they happen.

03

Use movement with intention

Transitions are not an end in themselves. We use movement to change posture, intensity and expression, while keeping the process readable and connected. Different pairs may take different routes through the material depending on pace, experience and body.

RESPONSIVENESS OVER SPECTACLE

Movement adds responsibility

For the rigger

Dynamic suspension requires continuous decision-making. You need to manage rope while also reading changing load, momentum, body position and your partner’s responses. The aim is not speed, but enough control to remain present while the situation changes.

For the model

Models should already have suspension experience and be able to communicate clearly under load. As positions change, that includes recognising the difference between acceptable stress, circulation restriction and nerve-related warning signals, while adapting to changing direction and intensity.

WHAT YOU TAKE FORWARD

Movement you can reason about

After Ryū #3, the aim is to have a solid foundation in dynamic suspension principles: understanding how movement changes load, being able to manage transitions with greater awareness, and having enough confidence to explore motion intentionally in your own practice.

Previous: Ryū #2 · Static Suspensions

WORK IN MOTION

Ready for Ryū #3?

Check the workshop calendar for the next Ryū #3, or join the waiting list if the right date is not available yet.

View the full RopeMarks Ryū progression