The Ultimate Shibari Guide for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever seen those beautiful rope bondage photos and wondered how they were done? Well, the answer is Shibari! 

Shibari is a sensual and beautiful art form that is often misunderstood. It’s often mistaken for bondage when in reality, it is much more than that. Shibari is a beautiful, sensual art form. It’s a dance of the senses, and it will soon become your favorite kind of fun. But before you can start, you need to learn the ropes and understand what’s involved in this alluring skill. 

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about shibari, from the basics of how to get started to tying the perfect knot.  By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to safely and confidently explore the world of Shibari yourself. So whether you’re a beginner or just looking for some new tips and tricks, this comprehensive guide is just what you need to get started.

What Is Shibari?

So, what exactly is Shibari? Well, Shibari is a process of tying someone up using a rope. This can be done for esthetic purposes, like in the case of suspension bondage, or for functional purposes, like in the case of restraining someone. 

The word Shibari comes from the Japanese words “shi” which means “to tie,” and “bari” which means “to decorate.” So, the word Shibari means “decoratively tie”.

Shibari is seductive, an erotic form of bondage, 

The ropes used in Shibari are usually made of natural fibers like hemp or jute, and they’re often 6-15 meters long. The knots are usually simple, like stopper knots or overhand knots.

Anyone can practice Shibari regardless of gender, sexuality, or experience level. All you need is some rope and a willingness to learn!

The History of Shibari

Did you know that the art of Shibari has a long and storied history? Well, the practice originated in Japan and was initially used as a form of hojojutsu, which literally means “tying people up.” It’s believed to have originated in Japan over 500 years ago and was originally used as a form of hojojutsu, which is the martial art of restraining prisoners.

Shibari was often used as a way to restrain prisoners or captives (usually men), and it was thought of as a very efficient inhumane method. The ropes were usually made from hemp or jute and were quite thick and coarse.

In the late 1800s, shibari became more sexualized, and it began to be used in the world of BDSM. The ropes became thinner and softer, and they were often used for bondage and restraint during sexual encounters. Over time, Shibari evolved into an art form. It became a way to express oneself sexually and creatively.

Since then, it has become increasingly popular, and nowadays, Shibari is considered to be an alluring art form, and it is practiced by people all over the world. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are now even workshops and classes dedicated to teaching this beautiful Japanese rope bondage!

The Different Types of Shibari

There are a few different types of Shibari, but the two most popular ones are Kinbaku and Hojojutsu. Both have their unique purpose, history, and traditions.

 Kinbaku is all about the artistic side of rope bondage and focuses on the sensual and erotic aspects of the practice. This is the kind of Shibari you’re probably thinking of when you hear the word.

Kinbaku is a Japanese word that means “tight binding.” Kinbaku is characterized by its use of intricate patterns and knots and often involves suspending the bound person from ropes attached to the ceiling. It is all about the emotional connection between the two people involved. The ropes are used to create beautiful patterns on the body, and the whole experience is supposed to be sensual and intimate.

Hojojutsu, on the other hand, is a Japanese term that literally means “rope technique.” It is a form of rope bondage that the samurai of feudal Japan used for restraining prisoners. Hojojutsu typically involves tying the prisoner’s hands and feet together with rope and then attaching the rope to a pole or other object so that the prisoner cannot move.

Both Kinbaku and Hojojutsu have been practiced for centuries in Japan, and each has its own unique history and tradition.

The Benefits of Shibari

Not only is Shibari an incredibly hot way to play with your partner, but it also has some benefits that you might not have considered.

Shibari can help you feel more connected to your partner

When you’re tying someone up, you have to be very present and focused on what you’re doing. You can’t be thinking about anything else but the person in front of you. This can help you feel more connected and bonded with your partner.

Shibari can help increase your communication skills

Since Shibari is all about communication, it can help you learn to communicate better with your partner. You’ll learn how to read their body language and cues, and you’ll learn how to communicate your own needs and desires.

 Shibari can help you feel more present and in the moment

The focus that Shibari requires can help you to feel more present and at the moment. This can be a great way to relax and de-stress.

 Shibari can help increase your confidence

Learning how to tie someone up can be a great boost to your confidence. You’ll feel empowered and confident when you know you can control someone else’s pleasure.

 Shibari can help you feel more connected to your body

When you’re tying someone up, you’re forced to be present at the moment and pay attention to their body and your own. This can be a great way to get in touch with your own sensations and learn to be more aware of your body.

The Different Materials You Need for Shibari

Before you can start tying up your partner, you’ll need:

1. Rope – The most important part of Shibari is, of course, the rope. And not just any rope, but the rope that’s specifically designed for Shibari. This rope is usually made from natural fibers like jute or hemp, as it’s sturdy and lasts the longest.  However, if you’re just starting out, you can use any kind of rope you have around the house. Just make sure it’s not too thin or too thick.
2. Safety scissors – You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors on hand in case you need to cut the rope for any reason.
3. Lubricant – A good quality lubricant is essential for Shibari. It will help the rope slide smoothly and prevent any friction burns.
4. Towel – A towel is optional, but it can be helpful to have one on hand to wipe away any excess lubricant.
5. Anchor point- This can be anything from a ceiling hook to a door handle. 

How to Do Shibari

Now that you know the basics of Shibari, it’s time to learn how to do it! As with anything, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right. Let’s get started, shall we?

• Find a partner

Next, you need to find a partner who is willing to be tied up and trusts you. This is important because Shibari requires a lot of trust between the two partners. This person should also be patient and willing to communicate with you throughout the process.

 If you don’t have a partner, you can find one on a dating app such as ours. You can also find a community of like-minded people who are into Shibari and bondage play. There are often workshops and events that you can attend, which is a great way to meet new people and learn more about the practice. 

• Find a comfortable place to practice

You’ll need enough space to move around, and a mat or something similar to protect your knees.

• Choose your rope

The type of rope you use is important, as different ropes have different levels of friction and can be more or less comfortable. The most common type of rope used in Shibari is hemp rope, but you can also use synthetic rope, such as nylon or polyester.

 You’ll also need to choose the right size of rope for your partner. The size of the rope will depend on the width of your partner’s body.

For beginners, We recommend using a 6-millimeter jute rope. Make sure your rope is the right length. You’ll need about 10-15 feet of rope for each person.

• Start by tying a basic knot

 Tie one end of the rope to the anchor point. Use the other end of the rope to tie your partner to the anchor point. This will be the foundation of all the other knots you’ll tie.

• Next, tie a chest harness. 

This will go around your partner’s chest and help support their back and shoulders.

• After that, tie a leg harness 

This will go around your partner’s legs and help them stay in position.

• Finally, tie a knot around your partner’s wrists. 

This will help keep them in place and ensure they don’t slip out of the rope.

• Explore and experiment

When you have the basics down, the sky’s the limit. You can experiment with different knots and lengths of rope and even incorporate other elements like chains or handcuffs. The possibilities are endless!

That’s it! You’ve now learned how to do Shibari!

The Different Knots Used in Shibari

There are loads of different knots that you can use in Shibari, and each knot is used for different purposes.

• Single column tie- This is the basic tie that is used to restrain the hands or feet.
• Double column tie – This tie is used to restrain the hands and feet together.
• Box tie- This tie is used to restrain the chest and is often used as a starting point for more complex ties.
• Hogtie – This tie is used to restrain all four limbs together.
• TK – This tie is used to restrain the head and is often used as a starting point for more complex ties.
• ebi – This is a tie that is used to restrain the ankles.
• hishi – This tie is used to restrain the wrists.
• karada – This is a full body harness that is often used as a starting point for more complex ties.
• kikkou – This tie is used to create patterns on the body using rope.
• gyaku ebi – This is a tie that restraints the ankles in an inverted position.

These are just a few of the many different knots that can be used in Shibari. It is important to experiment and find the knots that work best for you and your partner.

Tips for Practicing Shibari

When doing Shibari, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Keep an open mind

This can be used for a variety of purposes, from erotic play to artistic expression. Be willing to experiment and explore different possibilities.

 Communicate with your partner

This is all about communication, both verbal and nonverbal. Make sure you’re on the same page with your partner before you start tying.

Have fun! 

It is supposed to be enjoyable for both partners. If you’re not having fun, something is probably wrong.

Use good quality rope

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to use good-quality rope for Shibari. The last thing you want is for your rope to break in the middle of a session!

Don’t be afraid to experiment

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Shibari. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your partner.

 Go slow 

It is all about taking your time. Don’t try to rush through the tying process. Instead, take your time and enjoy the experience. Take your time when tying your partner up, and make sure you’re comfortable with the basic knots before moving on to more complicated ones.

Be patient

This is an intricate art form that can time to master. Don’t get discouraged if you make mistakes or things don’t go perfectly at first. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

Keep it safe

 Safety first. It can be dangerous if not done correctly. Make sure you know what you’re doing and have a safe word established before you begin. Ensure you know how to tie the knots correctly and always have a safe word or signal your partner can use if they need to stop. It is important to ensure they are comfortable and not in any pain. You should also check with them regularly to ensure they are still enjoying the experience.

It’s Time to Get Out There and Start Practicing Shibari!

Rope bondage is a great way to add a new level of excitement to your sex life, and it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. There are endless possibilities when it comes to rope play, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. The most important thing is to be safe and consensual.  Finally, have fun because that’s what Shibari is all about. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules; the only limit is your imagination.