Shibari for Beginners: The Step-by-Step Guide to Learn the art of Kinbaku and Japanese Rope Bondage. With Knots Explained and 50+ Positions. Revised Edition

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Shibari is a noble and complex art form, passed down from the samurai, taught today from master to acolyte," Midori explains. "Others claim that Shibari is a respected art form and spiritual practice in Japan. These narratives, however, are unfortunately deeply problematic as they are another form of ‘othering’, Orientalism, and out-of-context cultural appropriation." This mostly-SFW infographic looks at 12 popular sexual misconceptions that continue to endure – from the importance of penis size to average frequency and duration.”]

Hojo-jutsu took on a new, erotic form in the late 19th Century and became Kinbaku (Kinbaku-bi translates as ‘the beauty of tight binding’) – in today’s western world, it’s called Shibari. Shibari, sometimes called Japanese rope bondage or "kinbaku" is a modern form of rope bondage which originated in Japan. The term "shibari" means "tying" and "kinbaku" means "tight binding." The two are used interchangeably, and refer to the same type of play. Put simply, Shibari involves tying someone up with ropes. Sometimes this involves sex, with couples tying each other into certain positions and sometimes the fun is just about the tying itself. But historically, it’s been used as a form of meditation, relaxation, and trust-building practice between two people. As a beginner, don’t dive into intricate patterns right away. There are numerous resources, including books and online tutorials, that offer guidance on basic knots. Begin with simpler knots that are easy to learn and execute. Remember, the primary goal at this stage is to explore if bondage appeals to both you and your partner. Wrists and AnklesShibari techniques tread the line between pain and pleasure, with knots and ties positioned to heighten sensuality and stimulate pressure points, erogenous zones and genitals. Thorough communication about wants, desires, boundaries and what you’re looking to get out of Shibari with any potential partners are also crucial before, during and after every Shibari session.

So Rope, at Kinkerbox we use 10m quality jute ropes. Why jute? Quite simply because they never stretch. Please never use a regular rope for shibari, the stretch in cottom ropes can make knots impossible to untie, and you have less control over tightness on your model. Always double up your rope, so your 10m rope equals 5m of material to play with (and then you add another rope on). Shibari, a form of bondage, is a beginner-friendly kink that allows you to explore your creativity and attitude with minimal risk and a low budget. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of Shibari for beginners, helping you embark on this exciting journey. Ropes

Want to learn?

First, invest in some good quality rope, like Fifty Shades Freed Want to Play? Silky Rope. Long and soft with a triple-twisted finish, it’s perfect for practising the art of restraint. The first thing to learn is a little terminology (as this will make the rest much easier to understand!). Shibari requires two people ... the person who is doing the tying and the person who is being tied. The one doing the tying is commonly referred to as either the 'Rigger', or the 'Top' (We'll go with Rigger). We don't have all the answers ... but we can share some hints, tips and links to other resources that you might find useful.

There are so many tying techniques that it would take us all day to cover them here, but to avoid getting in a tangle we recommend looking online to see if there are any Shibari classes in your area. Plus, the book Two Knotty Boys: Showing You the Ropes has some great tips for getting started. Safety first An easy and effective hogtie achieved by combining a chest harness, one column, and two column ties. Accidents can happen when you’re using any kind of restraint, so it’s hugely important that safety is your top priority when practising Shibari. Serious injury, and even death, can come from inexperience, so it’s vital that you find an experienced practitioner to show you the ropes. One of the most important aspects in bondage is trust. The reason is that the top will restrict the bottom, leaving them vulnerable. Similarly, if you are into this submission, the rigger will be taking control of your body. Because of this, it is very important to trust your partner completely—or not to practice this type of activitiesat all.Don't do Shibari drunk, you both should always be awake, aware and sober. As a rigger you need to notice any signs of discomfort - you have your models life quite literally in your hands. And as a model, being restrained in unusual positions (and when you advance being suspended) can cause strain on the body and this doesn't mix with alcohol. Hojojutsu is the grandfather to modern shibari. Many of the techniques from hojojutsu make you a faster and more effective shibari artist. She also adds that the social media side of Shibari can purposely make Shibari ropes look overly complex, but if it suits you, Shibari beginners are welcome to tie whatever ropes they can manage, and giggle their way through the process. It doesn’t have to be a serious situation. "You don’t have to study and master complex forms that might not even be healthy for you or your partner’s body. A few basic ties and maybe a simple body harness [which you can learn from coaches online or in a beginner’s Shibari class] is fine, good, and hot for most people."