What Is Shibari?

Shibari is a Japanese word that literally means “to tie” or “to bind”
origins of shabari image
Early examples were simple and often crude

ORIGINS OF Shibari

The word Shibari denotes tying in Japanese, but in a generic way, and traditionally not in the context of bondage.

A traditional view is that Shibari is a term used for erotic bondage in Japan that is practically interchangeable with the term Kinbaku.

Itoh Seiu, generally considered one of the fathers of contemporary Japanese rope bondage used the term in the 1950s,[1] with no sign of it being a “western Japonism” as did many other well known Japanese bakushi, from the 1950s until present day, including Nureki Chimuo, Yukimura Haruki, Akechi Denki, Tsujimura Takeshi, Arisue Go, Randa Mai, Osada Steve, Miura Takumi, Nagaike Takeshi, and Minomura Kou (among countless others). One of Nurkei Chimuo’s how-to video series from the 1980s, is titled “Introduction to Shibari”.[2]

In the west, especially in America, the term Shibari has also been extended to encompass many styles which are a fusion of western and Japanese bondage.

Shibari Classes

It's not what you do
it's the way you do it

The ‘ how‘ is real secret of shibari – the more psychological aspects of Japanese bondage – the connective side of rope. Esinem consequently coined the expression ‘tying people, not parcels’ and was one of the first westerners to widely evangelise this approach. Sadly, today a lot of people are missing out on the essence of shibari because they are only taught the physical steps to tying the knots and not what creates the effect.

This is something you will learn in our tutorials.

At first sight, shibari might seem complex but we break tying techniques down into simple ‘ingredients’ explaining not only how, why and where they are used but also how to create the best effect. These ingredients are the foundation of even the most complex ties making them easier to create correctly with confidence and to remember.

Shibari Classes
its not what you do image
It's about tying people, not parcels
Gestalta tied by Kazami Ranki

Aesthetics
and rope types

The aesthetics of the bound person’s position is important: in particular, Japanese bondage is distinguished by its use of specific forms and aesthetic rules. Sometimes, asymmetric and often intentionally uncomfortable positions are employed.

In particular, Japanese bondage is very much about the way the rope is applied and the pleasure is more in the journey than the destination. In this way the rope becomes an extension of the nawashi‘s hands and is used to communicate. I have often heard Japanese masters express this same feeling in very similar ways.

Japanese bondage techniques typically use jute rope, albeit in days gone by rice straw rope was also used, though some deviate into less conventional materials. The natural fibers easily lock to each other which means the bondage can be held together by the friction of twists and turns or very simple knots. Of course, I use the word ‘traditional’ loosely since today’s recognisable form is relatively young. Here’s an interesting podcast if you want to know more about the history of rope and restraint in Japan.

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where do i start image

Where Do I Start?

The best way to learn Shibari is  join a local rope group if you can. There might be local ‘peer rope’ meetings in your area so search for that term. Most are pretty informal so you won’t find gimp-suited mayhem or anything remotely scary 🙂 Sites like Fetlife, or even Facebook, are a good place to look for local events and groups where you can find out more, meet like-minded people and generally swap information and learning. Don’t be shy, nobody bites… unless you ask nicely and get lucky!

Good tuition is also the key to building a solid foundation from which you can progress and develop your own creativity and expression of your sensuality or sadism. Do your research, work out what you want from Shibari and which of the various definitions delivers it. There’s a huge difference between, for example, what the more mainstream western Japanese-style riggers and famous Japanese masters do. Find out who knows what they are doing in the style that suits you and has a good reputation. By all means, Google the terms ‘shibari’ and ‘kinbaku‘. The ‘shibari’ will produce more of the former, whilst ‘kinbaku’ more of the latter and, even more so, if you search using the kanji (緊縛). Sibari Classes tend towards the more Japanese approach and focus more on the effect than just the appearance. What we teach reflects a more Japaneses than western perspective. If that’s what you want, you are in the right place.

Shibari Classes

Shibari Classes COURSES

Recommendations for  starting tutorials:

Japanese Rope Bondage

Tying People, Not Parcels
Parts 1 & 2
$ 50
00
Annually
  • Japanese bondage techniques
Click Here
Popular

Tying Techniques Series

The most in-depth series on the most fundamental elements of tying: Parts 1 - 4
$ 30
00
Monthly
  • Tying techniques
Click Here

Introduction to one-rope techniques

Making every rope count
$ 15
00
Monthly
  • Beyond 'just tying' into the passionate 'dance'
Click Here

Work at your own pace – subscription automatically renews – cancel any time. Prices in USD ex tax

What Else?

What else do you need, apart from a willing partner? Obviously, some rope is essential. Don’t get carried away. All you really need to get going is 2-4 lengths of 8-10m long, even one rope will do. It’s all about the quality of your tying, not they quantity. Learn to use a little rope to good effect before adding more. It should become an extension of your hands and your will 😉

Like many things, it is easier to do a good job with tools that are fit for the purpose. You can find out all about choosing and maintaining rope here and make sure you check out our free Bondage Safety tutorial!

So, be safe but have fun!

Shibari Classes

Recommended Free Tutorials

Bondage Safety

​An excerpt from ‘Japanese Rope Bondage: Tying people, not parcels’​

read more

What I wish I'd known when I started shibari: Part 1

We make it easy for you to learn what we learned the hard way about Japanese rope bondage

read more
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