Shibari and Kinbaku: the perfect place to start your journey into the world of rope bondage. These two Japanese rope bondage techniques can take your intimate moments to the next level.
But before you get started exploring the world of Shibari and Kinbaku, it’s important to remember that safety is paramount. Learn the safety tips and get informed on the materials. Next, learn some basic knots like the square knots and progress as your skill level grows. Finally, find a qualified and experienced Shibari and Kinbaku trainer to take you through the fundamentals of the practice.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bondage or BDSM practitioner, this blog post will give you all the information you need to start with Shibari and Kinbaku. So, grab your ropes, and let’s get knotty!
Definition of Shibari & Kinbaku:
The term “shibari” is traditionally used to refer to tying in Japan, though it does not typically refer to the bondage context in Japan. Kinbaku, however, is traditionally used to refer to artistic or erotic bondage within the Japanese rope bondage scope. Shibari and Kinbaku are closely related, and the two terms are often used interchangeably in the modern BDSM context.
The practice referred to by both terms is based on the power play and is intricate, meaning a high level of skill and coordination is needed. The goal is to create beautiful, meaningful patterns out of rope, often used to bind the body of a partner. The rope is used to create tension and pressure, leaving a unique sensation for the wearer.
Origin of Shibari and Kinbaku
The Genesis
The origin of Shibari dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, where it was used as a form of punishment and humiliation. During this period, criminals were bound in rope and suspended from the ceiling before being flogged and humiliated. This brutal practice of restraint was known as Hojōjutsu, a technique developed by the Samurai (aristocratic warriors of pre-modern Japan) to restrain and immobilize enemies in battle. Seiu Ito is widely considered the founder of Kinbaku, having begun his exploration into the art of Hojōjutsu. His pioneering work in this field is credited with the origin of Kinbaku.
Evolution
Shibari & Kinbaku evolved over the centuries, as it was adopted by martial arts practitioners, who used them for training and discipline. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), actors in Japan’s kabuki theater used Shibari & Kinbaku as part of their performances. In the 1990s, the term shibari began to be widely used in the West to describe the Japanese art of Kinbaku or decorative bondage.
Modern Day Shibari & Kinbaku
In the modern day, Shibari & Kinbaku is practiced by people around the world as an art form and a form of erotic bondage. In recent years, Shibari & Kinbaku has become increasingly widespread due to its aesthetic appeal and the feeling of being bound and controlled, which can be experienced by both the person being bound and the person doing the binding. Shibari is often practiced as part of BDSM activities and is more mainstream in Western cultures.
Learn more about the origin of bondage practiced in BDSM here.
The Difference to Bondage in General
Bondage is an umbrella term used to describe various activities involving a partner’s physical restraint to achieve sexual stimulation or gratification. It can be used for consensual play between two or more adults or even as part of a BDSM scene. Bondage can involve using many different types of physical restraints, such as handcuffs, ropes, gags, and even furniture, to restrict a partner’s movement.
Shibari and Kinbaku are both forms of bondage specific to Japanese culture. They involve intricate rope patterns and knots to bind a partner in a way that evokes both an aesthetic and a psychological sense of submission and surrender. The rope is used to restrain the partner and can be used to create intricate patterns and shapes. In Shibari and Kinbaku, the rope is an integral part of the scene, and it is not only used to restrain but also to heighten the experience. The rope is seen as an extension of the connection between the partners and can be used to create a unique and intense relationship.
How to Get Started with Shibari and Kinbaku
Before getting started with Shibari and Kinbaku, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of the practice and how to do it safely. Listed below are the basics of Shibari and Kinbaku.
Safety
First, it’s vital to know the safety and health risks associated with Shibari and Kinbaku. Ensure that the ropes you use are not too tight and that you know how to release them properly. It is also crucial to monitor your partner for signs of distress, such as dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing. It is also essential to have a pair of EMT scissors (or something similar) within reach. In the event that the scene goes south, you must be prepared to quickly and safely release your partner.
Communication is also vital in ensuring a safe Shibari and Kinbaku experience. It is critical to be upfront and honest about what each person is looking for out of the experience, their limits and boundaries, and any concerns they may have. It is also essential to check in regularly with each other before, during, and after the practice.
Material
Second, you should familiarize yourself with the various types of rope used in Shibari and Kinbaku, such as jute, hemp, and cotton. In Japan and originally, jute was the material used; nowadays and in the western world, the most commonly used rope for Shibari and Kinbaku is cotton, which is softer on the skin and easier to clean. While you can use other types of rope, such as jute, hemp, and linen, cotton is the best option for beginners because it is soft, flexible, and strong. Unlike other materials, it has a low risk of causing skin irritation or discomfort, and it is easier to control and manipulate when tying knots. The knots will also hold better and be easier to undo when using a cotton rope.
For your first session, opt for shorter ropes, as these are easier to handle and will give you more control over the patterns you create. Tying very long ropes can be frustrating and tiresome for both the person tying and the person waiting to be tied.
Easy knots to get you started
Next, you should learn how to tie easy knots, such as square knots, half-hitches, and prusik head knots. These are the foundation of Shibari and Kinbaku, and it is essential to understand how to use them correctly to ensure your partner’s safety.
- Square Knot
The Square knot is mainly used to connect two ropes with the same diameter and is often used in bondage because it’s not harmful to lay on it.
Method:
Pictures or Videos are worth a thousand words:
- Single-Column-Tie
“Column” in Shibari is used as a synonym for arms, wrists, torso, and legs. Thus, a single-column-tie is about tying a single column, e.g., the wrist, a leg, or whatever you prefer. It will be one of the most used knots and is a great starting point to get a bit fancier. This knot will have its limits when it comes to binding two columns (e.g., the wrists, the legs) together, while it’s easy to slide out and escape from. In this case, it’s better to apply the two-column-tie.
Method:
Also, here it’s easier to understand with a video.
- Handcuff Knot
If you are looking for a rope alternative to handcuffs, don’t look further; here we are. The Handcuff Knot is an easy and quickly applied knot to bind two columns (wrists, legs) and an excellent alternative to the two-column tie.
Method:
An easy-to-understand video.
Where to train
Getting started with Shibari & Kinbaku is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance; actually, it’s only a click away. On the internet and especially on youtube, you will find plenty of material to start with. And if you want to get more serious, it is time to find an experienced practitioner and teacher who can provide more guidance and support. It is important to find someone who is knowledgeable and has a good understanding of the fundamentals of Shibari & Kinbaku. This will help ensure that your practice is safe, consensual, and enjoyable.
Here are a few examples of places to find a Shibari and Kinbaku trainer:
1. Online Communities: Joining an online community dedicated to Shibari and Kinbaku can be a great way to find a trainer. Many active communities focus on this art form and often have members willing to provide guidance.
Related reading: How to find your BDSM community.
2. Local Shibari Studios: If you live in a major city, there may be a Shibari and Kinbaku studio in your area. These studios usually have experienced Shibari and Kinbaku practitioners who can provide instruction and guidance.
3. Workshops and Seminars: Workshops and seminars are another great way to learn about Shibari and Kinbaku. Many experienced practitioners offer workshops and seminars on the art form, which can be a great way to learn the basics and get guidance from a skilled practitioner.
By taking the time to find the right trainer and learning the basics of Shibari and Kinbaku, you will be able to progress in the art form and eventually become an experienced practitioner.
Learning about Shibari & Kinbaku is like embarking on a journey of discovery. It is a practice that has been around for centuries, and it continues to evolve and change as more practitioners explore and refine its techniques.
Therefore, when exploring Shibari & Kinbaku, it is important to understand that this practice is not something that can be mastered overnight. It takes time, dedication, and a lot of practice to become proficient in the techniques, but don’t lose your motivation quickly; after mastering a few knots, you will see already significant progress.
Shibari and Kinbaku in the Bedroom
If you want to add rope play to your bedroom repertoire, here’s how to get started.
Firstly, it’s important to ensure you’re both comfortable with the idea of Shibari and Kinbaku. Talk openly and honestly with your partner about what you’re both looking to get out of the experience and ensure all of your boundaries are respected. Your first talk about spicing up your sex life with some elements of BDSM is still open; find some handy hints in our dedicated blog about starting such kinds of communications.
Once you’ve both agreed to give it a go, it’s time to gather all the necessary supplies. You’ll need rope, of course, and it’s important to ensure it’s a high-quality cotton rope that won’t cause any discomfort. Depending on your goals (if you want to go full BDSM), you may also want to pick up a few gear and equipment, like clamps and blindfolds.
When you’re ready to start, make sure you’re in a comfortable position and that you both feel relaxed and safe. Start by lightly tying your partner, and then get creative! The knots discussed above are great to start with.
The Bottom Line
Shibari and Kinbaku are forms of Japanese rope bondage that can be used in the bedroom to spice things up in a safe and consensual way. The practice has been around since the Edo period in Japan, and it involves using rope to tie up someone to induce pleasure and sensation. The rope tying can be intricate and beautiful and can be used to create a powerful sense of trust and intimacy between partners.
While it can be intimidating to get started, with a good understanding of safety and communication, selecting suitable materials and knots to begin with, and learning from an experienced trainer, you can enjoy Kinbaku and Shibari safely and responsibly! Furthermore, numerous sources of knowledge and exploration are available to take your practice to the next level. So, why not take the plunge and give Shibari and Kinbaku a try?