Shibari
Rope Bondage
What is Shibari?
Shibari is a form of rope bondage practiced and portrayed in the western world, as an exceptional and romanticized art with ancient origins. The beauty of the human art form in action with stunning intricate rope patterns.
Sometimes, it is kinky, an erotic expression, or a way of connecting with your partner. Some find it peaceful, therapeutic and healing, others find it sadistic and/or painful.
The history in the eastern world is far from the the view we have in the U.S. In Japan, it is eroticized entertainment with a seedy history and disregarding of the practitioners.
Here at Oblige, what we care most about is the safe, respectful, consensual, practice of your rope journey.
Key Ingredients:
Consent!
Communication
Trust
Safety
Risk-Aware
Main Roles
Top – The person tying and/or dominating the consensual Shibari or scene (giver)
Bottom – Term used for the person being tied - Rope Bunny- is a commonly known term; the one submitting in a scene (receiver)
Switch – Someone who can play both roles: top or bottom
Rigger – The one who ties, binds, suspends their ‘bottom’
Floor Tie
A vast variety of ties are completed while the bottom/rope bunny remain on the floor
Crab Tie
Shrimp Tie
Rope Chest/Hip Harness
Frog Tie
Box Tie
Over the Arm Tie
Ball Tie
and many many more
This image includes: Diamond Futomomo and Diamond Chest Harness
Shibari can be a tool to learn about your rope partner’s body, build trust, communicate needs, interests and boundaries. Practicing Shibari in a loving relationship has the potential for enhancing the relationship as a whole. It allows the opportunity to build new or change old patterns of communication, enhances trust, tune into your limits and build intimacy.
Self-Suspension
Many Shibari patterns can include ‘self-tied’ as well that provide a similar experience of body awareness, euphoria, adrenaline and self-connection. Self-suspensions and transitions can even be a type of performance and confidence building for riggers and rope bottoms alike.
Rope Bondage and Shibari are often interchangeable words when linked to BDSM and kink.
Suspension
In full suspension the person is completely off of the ground and supported by suspension ropes, cables or chains.
The main effect of Shibari suspension bondage is to create a heightened sense of vulnerability, liberation, trust of their rope rigger, a trance like state, heightened awareness of ones body and feeling beautiful. Rope suspension is sometimes done as a private activity with a partner in a risk aware, safe space, a performance, rope clubs, and BDSM conventions.
What Tools Are Needed to Participate in Shibari?
Jute/other rope material (hemp, nylon)
Carabiners
Safety shears specific to cut through rope at a particular angle
Beneficial tools/items to add
Suspension ring
Yoga material style mat
Rope bag
Rope wax
BDSM
Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission, Sadism/Masochism
Despite the typical image of BDSM as one of a sadist and submissive role, it can be soothing, beautiful, fulfilling and creative. Both currently and historically, Shibari has been used as a form of meditation, relaxation and trust building between partners. It can be an artistic expression, a sensation of restriction and of intimate connection. Shibari can additionally be kinky and sexual; it is what you and your partner or you as a solo make of it.
Inclusivity
Shibari, Kink and BDSM are enjoyed by all genders, identities, body types and orientations. It is based upon the individuals comfort levels, interest, intentions and boundaries.
At Oblige Rope Boutique, we strive to help all those interested to find their own path and create their own experience with Shibari, kink and/or BDSM.