What is shibari?

The origins of shibari are in the Edo period of Japanese history, in a martial art called Hojo-jutsu. Back then, samurai used rope to capture and immobilize opponents in battle as well as criminals. From 1400 to 1700, while the local police and samurai used this martial art as a form of imprisonment and torture, they also used different tying techniques, depending on the social status of the prisoner, to honor and distinguish their social position. That way everyone could know what crime this man in bondage had committed or what his military rank was. To some extent the structure and aesthetics were an importan part of shibari. The part of restraint and pain has always played a role. Very often, especially in Japan, we find an element of humiliation in the person who is tied up and exposed. These may now relate to specific play styles and may not necessarily be encountered every time and everywhere. With the introduction of shibari in the western world, this art has evolved in many ways.

The beginning of the erotic part of the ropes was made through the sex clubs in the most "dirty areas" of the big urban centers. And while initially, under the feudal Tokugawa government, there was no particular stigma, since society at that time had no elements of Christian morality, later that changed. In modern 1950s Japan, any professional activity involving sexual services ceased to be legal. As a result, all these actions were led to the margins, where they were taken over by the local mafia (known as the Yakuza).
To a large extent, the people who started working on this subject, whether in bdsm clubs, in magazines, in the making of films, or directly offering such services, were people who did not do so precisely by "conscious or free choice." Many times they were people who did not have any other income alternative (mainly women). All actions were around the male gaze, in order to sell more to the public who spent the most: mainly cis men, employees or business executives. With the introduction of more and more women in the role of rigger, issues of security and consensus began to be raised more strongly, but the greatest differentiation came when Japanese riggers came into contact with the western world. Even today, however, they are far behind on these issues. Nowadays, although rigger females outnumber the corresponding masculinities, they are much less likely to be featured and in less demand. This is because the structure of Japanese society has deep sexist elements.

Shibari / kinbaku nowadays has taken on many dimensions, and there is the rise of "shibari which is not SM (sadism and masochism) or DS (domination and submission), and which has become a de-sexualized art". In general, we should not be interested in what kind of rope practices are "correct" or "superior", since the personal expression of each person is not a competition, nor is there superiority or inferiority in this context. It's just what every person enjoys, no matter how they approach the Japanese erotic bond.
Sources: Link 1, Link 2, Link 3

How to start?

To start learning Shibari, we offer several options that cater to different learning styles and comfort levels.

You can join our introductory classes (open classes), held once or twice a month, which are beginner-friendly and perfect for both individuals and pairs. If you're attending alone, you can easily pair up with other participants, explore self-tie, or simply observe.
For a more immersive experience, our regular weekly classes offer continuous learning opportunities. Like the intro classes, single participants can pair up or try self-tie. If you'd prefer a more professional touch, you can hire a rigger or model to practice with.
If you have specific goals or areas of development, consider booking a private class, where lessons are tailored to your personal needs. Additionally, our weekly jams are a great way to meet others in the community and practice in a more relaxed, social setting.
Finally, our performance nights provide a unique opportunity to see Shibari in action and connect with like-minded individuals in a creative environment.

What kind of rope is used in Shibari?

Traditionally we use jute or hemp.

There are 3 reasons for this:

Strength. These ropes are durable for suspension
Elasticity. The knots and frictions used in shibari work best with these materials.
Texture. As shibari is considered an SM practice, the rough texture of the rope is usually desired by the people on the receiving end of the practice.

However, all materials can be used and they come with their own pros and cons.

For example, cotton or nylon rope is also a good choice, since you can wash it in the washing machine (jute is not very good with water, as it has to dry under tension), but their elasticity might work differently and cotton is not recommended for suspension lines.

Do I need to have a certain body type or flexibility to practice Shibari?

Shibari is an inclusive practice that welcomes all body types and levels of flexibility.

Everyone can enjoy Shibari/Kinbaku, by working within their own unique limits and respecting their individual needs.
Ties and techniques can be adapted to suit each person, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and empowering experience.

What are the different plays of shibari?

Shibari offers a wide range of plays, each bringing a unique approach to the practice. Here are some of the most common forms of Shibari play:

These involve either specific harnesses or improvised ties, in order to tie someone on the floor or a place (for example, chair, bed, table etc)
This type of play focuses on binding the person in a way that restricts movement entirely, creating a sense of vulnerability and surrender. Usually can be used as the first step before adding other BDSM or sexual practices.
Here, the rope is used to enhance the sensation of being treated like an object, heightening feelings of submission and control for the person tied.
In this dynamic form of Shibari, the body is partially or fully lifted off the ground using ropes, creating an intense experience that requires trust and good technique.
A minimalist yet powerful play. Also considered "a conversation with the rope", as it aims to create feelings and sensations using just one rope. This can be used to explore tension, control, and body manipulation, often focusing on the connection.
This involves a more animalistic, instinctual interaction, where the rope becomes a tool for spontaneous movement, wrestling, and playful dominance/surrender.
A playful and interactive form of Shibari where the person being tied is challenged to escape the binds, adding a dynamic layer of fun and creativity.
Often called "tormenting rope," this focuses on tight, constricting ties that create discomfort or pain, linked to the SM aspect of Shibari. Usually includes predicaments, ties where the model slowly sinks in the difficulty, accepting the pain of the situation, or ties that involve surprise and dynamic transitions, creating a "roller coaster", both physically and mentally.
Practicing Shibari on yourself is a powerful way to explore your body and connection to the rope. It offers both a meditative experience and a way to build skills, giving you control over your own pace and intensity.

And much more! Rope is a tool or a play that anyone can use for their own expression and exploration!

How can I learn Shibari if there are no local classes?

If there are no local Shibari classes in your area, there are still many ways to begin your journey.

Online resources such as video tutorials, instructional books, and virtual workshops are excellent starting points.
For hands-on learning, practicing self-tie is a great way to build familiarity with rope handling and different tying techniques.
You can also arrange virtual private lessons with experienced instructors from our team, who can guide you through the basics and help you develop your skills at your own pace.
You can also join online communities or social media groups where practitioners share knowledge and advice. These communities can offer support, feedback, and inspiration as you practice.
Finally, attending Shibari events like jams or workshops when traveling is another way to gain experience and connect with the larger Shibari community. Even if learning locally isn't an option, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the world of Shibari.