Brief History of Japanese Knot Tying
You have seen shibari in modern movies (including adult movies), fashion magazines, and art galleries. Therefore you may presuppose that shibari rope bondage is a new trend. But in fact, it’s an ancient art with a long history.
Shibari takes its roots from Hojo-Jutsu, a traditional style of military incarceration aimed at restraining a person using a cord or rope. In most cases, this method was used by samurai and police to shame criminals publically. Hojo-Jutsu was popular in feudal Japan from the beginning of the 17th to the mid-19th century.
In the late 19th century, this form of martial art was transformed into the intimate form of bondage, kinbaku. From this time, the Japanese began to use the basic ties of Hojo-Jutsu for role play. People liked the idea of experiencing the physical sensations of restraint as well as emotional vulnerability.
Definition: The Japanese word “kinbaku” is literally translated as “the beauty of tight binding”. The term Shibari means “to bind” or “to tie up.”
The basic idea of rope play is to create beautiful patterns that make the human body look even more seductive. The knots are supposed to simultaneously contrast and complement the natural curves of the tied person.
Are Shibari and Kinbaku the Same Thing?
In Western culture, Shibari and Kinbaku terms are used interchangeably. Even though they are similar in many ways, there is still a difference between the two of them:
- The rope form, which is called Shibari, is more about the result of tying a person up.
- The form, which is called kinbaku, is more about the emotional experience and the tying process in general.
Roles in Japanese Rope Play
Just like any other role play, Japanese rope bondage includes two players:
- A rigger (a rope top plays a dominant role)
- A rope bunny (a rope bottom plays a submissive role)
A rigger is one who needs to master the ancient Japanese knot-tying technique. A rope bunny doesn’t need to have any specific skills. The task of this player is to be submissive and allow the top to do their job.
How Does It Feel Like to Be a Rope Bunny?
Let’s make it clear. Rope bunnies are not supposed to feel pain. They are supposed to experience restricted sensations that cause them to feel euphoria even a sense of security. Remember that in these scenarios, the rope bunny is in control.
Fact: Shibari may be associated with some physical discomfort, but not intense pain.
How to Know Whether This Japanese Art Is Right for You
Japanese rope work is more than a role play, it’s a real art. Therefore, not all people can understand and enjoy it. This ancient Japanese art is right for you if:
- You are a patient person – you are focused more on the process than the result.
- You are ready to invest your time in learning new skills.
- You trust your partner and want to try new things to improve your relationship.
- The aesthetics of the rope bondage is important for you.
- You have a good understanding of Japanese culture.
What Ropes Are Suitable for Shibari?
Want to get ready to practice shibari? The first thing you should do is to buy a suitable rope. In Japan, people opt for natural fiber ropes – either jute or hemp. They are more durable and have an authentic look. However, you can also use synthetic ropes, for instance, nylon rope, if you wish.
Rope materials are not the only thing that matters. The size of the rope is another important thing. If we talk about classic shibari rope, its length must be from seven to eight meters and its thickness from four to six millimeters.
Tip: As a beginner, you should choose thicker rope. It will feel more comfortable on bare skin.
Keep in mind that raw rope made out of natural fibers such as jute or hemp can’t be used for shibari. If you buy raw hemp rope, you should treat it before the first use. The treatment is a multi-stage process that includes boiling, drying, singeing, and oiling.
You can get a pretreated hemp rope if you don’t want to waste your time on preparation. Well, you will have to pay a few bucks more. But the main advantage is that you can get into rope play right away.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Shibari?
When it comes to to any kind of rope play, risks are inevitable. So when we talk about shibari play, we should also talk about the associated health risks. Do your research. Talk to your partner about these risks. Invest time and even money in learning proper techniques. Remember that the person doing the tying is responsible for the wellbeing of their rope bunny.
The Variety of Ties in Shibari
Since shibari is an ancient art, it offers a great variety of different ties. Some are simple to learn, while others require extra skills and experience.
Are you ready to get started? The first step you should take is to learn two ties: double-column tie and single-column tie. That’s the bare minimum you need to know to practice shibari with your partner for the first time.
Ways to Learn Shibari
Shibari is getting more and more popular nowadays. So if you want to learn it, you can choose one of the following options.
YouTube Tutorials
There’s a wealth of information about Shibari from experienced pros. Check out some of the most popular.
Online classes
If you want to level up your skills and get familiar with more sophisticated knots, you can enroll in a specialized online course. There you will learn other forms of shibari art.
Offline hands-on seminars
Shibari is all about practical skills. So if you want to get more practice, you can attend offline hands-on seminars in your area. The best thing about such workshops is that they will help you learn more than double-column ties and meet like-minded people.
Books
Do you like to learn in a more traditional way? Then you can start your shibari journey by reading books about knot tying and books about Japanese culture. Once you better understand the local culture, your experience will become more meaningful.
Traveling
Do you want to learn shibari from the best experts? Travel to Japan to get familiar with the best professionals and learn the basic principles of authentic knot tying. It will be the best adventure in your life ever!
Art performance
Shibari-based performances have recently gained popularity in the US and many European countries. Probably one of such shows is currently available in your area. Don’t hesitate to check it out online!
“There is a great art to the act of tying. It is this incredibly ascetic experience,” says Luke George, UK-based artist, ropeworker, and performer.
Tips on How to Make Your First Shibari Experience a Success
Shibari is a one-of-a-kind play that involves tying people. If you want to enjoy it to the fullest, you should follow these principles:
- Choose high-quality ropes. The use of proper ropes will facilitate the tying process and make the bondage experience more enjoyable for both partners.
- Be a good student. Make sure that you understand what shibari is and how exactly you should tie different parts of your partner’s body. Be aware of every step you take. If you don’t know how to perform a specific action, don’t proceed.
- Be gentle with the body of your partner. Don’t make any harsh movements.
- Learn the basics before you start experimenting with your personal style. Take your erotic journey one step at a time.
- Practice makes perfect. If your first shibari experience hasn’t met your expectations, get more practice. Learn the lesson from your failure and find a way to improve your skills before the next try. Also, consider using ropes of different types to spice up your experience.
Follow Basic Safety Rules
Whatever your experience level is, you should never neglect safety rules. It will help you to avoid any severe damage and health issues.
- Place safety scissors nearby. Seriously. Don’t start a play if you don’t have scissors or other tools you can use to cut the rope fast and effectively.
- Come up with a safe word. Once you understand that you feel uncomfortable or that your play is going in the wrong direction, you can stop your partner from moving to the next stage.
- Discuss the process with your partner before you get into the rope play. It’s important to ensure that both of you have the same expectations and see the process in the same way.
- Be aware that rope tops must know the basic anatomy. It will allow you to ensure proper rope placement and avoid the adverse effects of compression.
- Check how your tied partner feels. Stop immediately if they experience discomfort and know when to seek medical care..
- Remember that the trust involved has its limits. You should trust your body and your feelings more than you trust your partner.
Shibari Is Something More than Flirt
Some people see shibari as a fun hobby. Others believe that shibari must be practiced with romantic partners only. But in fact, shibari is much more than that – it’s a unique, authentic experience that doesn’t have to be purely flirty or romantic.
You can feel aroused by body awareness without any additional stimulation. You can share this experience with someone you barely know and still enjoy the intimacy. So if you want to try something new and brighten up your life, shibari rope art might be something you are looking for.
Interesting fact: Shibari can be beneficial for women’s and men’s health. When it’s practiced in a safe way, it helps to reduce physiological stress.
Don’t Hesitate to Give It a Try!
Are you already familiar with Western rope art and want to try other forms of it? We highly encourage you to use this beginner’s guide to explore shibari art – a brand-new experience that will rock your world.
You can tie beautiful knots. Or you can be the one who is tied. Whatever role you choose, your body will release feel-good hormones and make you high.
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