Bondage enthusiasts know about Shibari, which is erotic rope tying and began in Japanese culture. It has a rather interesting history, beginning as a form of martial arts because people tied their captives. Rope tying was used to restrain as a form of torture for police, but Samurai believed in treating prisoners with respect. Thus different methods of rope typing showed the value or status of the captive. Shibari was a popular physical restraint in the fifteenth century through the eighteenth, but it was during the approach to the twentieth century that it took a sexual turn. Erotic bondage is practiced as a type of erotic spirituality.
Don't confuse Shibari with run-of-the-mill bondage though. (Japanese rope tying might be the only thing that makes BDSM standard practices seem rather dull!) It’s considered an art form, and it can be time intensive. The knots stimulate specifically chosen areas, serving as contact points to enhance the experience.
As with all BDSM, consent is very important and that's another factor in it's excitement - every partner is eager and willing, and you dance right up to the edges of pain. There is a very clear exchange of powers, and can even create a euphoria similar to runner’s high.
Getting started with Shibari is easy, requiring minimal tools, but will need some research beforehand. You may also need some instructions out in front of you as you are tying and we didn't all complete the Boy Scouts ropes course, so if IKEA furniture is too much for you, give yourself a little extra time with this. You will also need to do some basic positions first - instead of going straight to hanging your partner from the ceiling (yes, that's a thing!), you should start on the ground. As you gain experience, you can begin adding sex toys too, although this is not part of the original art form.
You need to select your rope. You will want something that is super durable but will not be too abrasive on your partner. We suggest the Fetish Fantasy Silk Rope. This has thirty-two feet in length, with a good width that won’t cut or harm your partner. The silk is soft enough to be comfortable in but strong enough that you can try out some more hardcore positions as well.
The very first knot you should learn is a column knot. The column knot will be used in almost every method you use later, and is great for attaching harnesses or making legs ties. - A word on harnesses; many can be made using Shibari tying, but the Fetish Fantasy bondage swing might be a good choice too or the Fetish Fantasy Do It Doggie harness. You will then want some basic wrap methods. The most easy and common are leg tying and arm tying. These tend to be very safe for the wearer, as important or delicate areas are not near the rope. Once you decide to get a little more complicated, try out harnesses which will go over the whole body - after mastering the harness you can try some more complex stuff up in the air.
Other fun adult toys to add in to your play? Don't forget a riding crop, and JOUJOU has paddles, masks, and gags too.
As always, we recommend a lube, especially when you may be getting into tricky positions. The INITIMATE EARTH DEFENSE PROTECTION 120ML LUBRICANT is made with sea kelp, a very Japanese ingredient, and it and other ingredients inhibits the growth of the viruses that cause genital warts and cervical cancer, and prevents yeast infections.
Shibari is a very diverse and spiritual erotic art form crossed with bondage, and it's easy to get started with. It's easily combinable with sex toys and other kinks and fetishes. If you are looking for a new way to twist your relationship, Shibari is a hobby worth tying yourself to.
Article by Sara at JOUJOU
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