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How to Do Japanese Rope Bondage
For those of you who enjoy the more elegant things in life, Japanese rope bondage may be a sophisticated sexual sensation that’s right up your street.
Welcome to our guide on the art of Shibari. Here, you’ll learn the basics, from how to tie Japanese bondage rope to tips for starting out and staying safe.
Whether you’re a bondage beginner or a Kinbaku connaisseur - this Shibari how-to guide is filled with techniques, tips, and advice on how to enjoy knotty but nice rope play.
What is Kinbaku?
Kinbaku is a well-known form of rope bondage originating from Japan. The ancient Japanese art of rope tying is also referred to as Shibari, but there is a difference between the two. Kinbaku is the aesthetic, emotional and sensual element of rope bondage, while ‘Shibari’ refers to the actual act of tying knots in an artful and precise way.
Nowadays, these terms are used interchangeably, especially in Western society. This is with good reason, however, as Japanese rope bondage incorporates elements of both Kinbaku and Shibari. Intricate rope patterns combined with enhanced sensuality result in an act of restraint play that takes dedication, patience and imagination to achieve.
What makes Japanese rope bondage different?
Kinbaku is famous for using asymmetrical positions to heighten the psychological impact of bondage, adding a new level of sensation compared to some of the more straight-forward bondage techniques.
The many different Shibari positions and patterns are specially designed to stimulate your partner’s genitals, breasts, and other erogenous zones. This means that your rope play is not only beautiful and functional but deliciously pleasurable for both of you.
Even though it may seem more complicated than many 'Western' forms of bondage, by learning Kinbaku you’ll develop a beautiful skill that will lead to fantastic genital stimulation as well as a deeper sense of trust and a greater bond between you and your partner.
How to use Japanese Bondage Rope
Below is our list of tips for how to use bondage rope properly to maximise the enjoyment for both you and your partner.
1. Get the right equipment
In Japan, Shibari rope tying is practised with seven-metre-long rope, but anything between five and ten metres will do the job. Traditionally, the bondage rope is made of hemp or jute for a soft yet sturdy sensation, but silk ropes are just as effective and friction-free for a smoother experience.
If you're just starting out, it’s probably worth experimenting with shorter lengths of rope or pre-tied rope such as the Bondage Boutique Silky Rope Multi Position Restraint Set. This allows you to become accustomed to the feel of rope on skin and to figure out some basic Shibari positions.
If you want to explore Kinbaku even further, invest in a good quality rope such as the Bondage Boutique Soft Rope 10 Metre.
Check out our full collection of bondage rope and tape for more inspiration.
2. Try simple Shibari first
Start off with basic bondage knots such as the Lark’s Head and the One Handed Slip Knot. A square knot is also a good first tie to learn, but it takes more practice than the others. Whichever knots you decide to try, it’s important to master simple Shibari patterns before you move onto more complex tying combinations.
Once you’re more comfortable with Shibari rope tying, you may want to try knots such as the Takate Kote (also known as the Arm Box Tie). The Takate Kote position forms the basis of most Shibari ties and provides a foundation for encompassing the whole body.
Another popular Kinbaku tie is the Ebi, also known as the Shrimp. This is one of the most effective methods of binding and exposing your partner to any kind of activity you wish to perform on them.
3. Take it slow and safe
Even though Shibari can be incredibly fun and thrilling, Japanese rope bondage poses some additional risks on top of the standard risks involved with bondage play. Therefore, it requires a bit more caution and preparation for the safety of you and your partner.
Golden rules for rope play:
Never leave a bound partner unattended.
Avoid trying Shibari rope tying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Always have a pair of bondage scissors on hand in case of an emergency.
Take extra care to avoid restricting the blood flow or causing nerve damage to the bound person.
Be sure not to overtighten ropes.
Check in with your partner regularly, especially if you’re tying your partner in a whole-body tie.
Decide on a safe word to ensure that you’re both comfortable and that boundaries are established before you begin.
“If you’re going to be doing rope bondage with your partner, these scissors or similar are an absolute must-purchase. Safety scissors are then a godsend. Add these to your next order.” - Jay240
If you’re curious to try Japanese rope bondage for the first time and concerned about the risk involved, why not try some pre-made rope restraints like the Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope Restraints? These versatile restraints let you explore the sensation of playing with rope while providing a safe, adjustable restraint that’s easy to use and remove in a hurry.
4. Get some rope play guidance
But Lovehoney, you say, I’m already here for guidance - which is great, and kudos to you! If you’re hoping to explore Japanese rope bondage techniques seriously, we highly recommend investigating fetish clubs or Shibari classes in your area.
If you’re a rope bondage beginner, check out a guide book for some great tips on getting started as well as illustrated guidance through basic bondage knots and some decorative Shibari patterns.
“The step-by-step photos of each knot make the instructions really easy to follow and have enabled me to quickly learn several new bondage knots.” - KcK2016
You could also take a look for a rope bondage tutorial online, but be sure to find a safe, well-regarded community to ensure you’re accessing the best advice.
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Rope Play Dos and Don’ts
DO:
Talk beforehand and establish limits and boundaries before ropes even come into play.
Make sure the person you’re tying is in a comfortable position before you start.
Ask your partner to manipulate their body as you tie so you can get the best grip on their limbs. For example, it’s easiest to wrap the breasts when your partner is leaning forward.
Try to match the level of tension on both sides when tying wrists and legs. This will ensure that it both looks good and feels good.
DON’T:
Try new Shibari positions too quickly. You may want to get to grips with rope bondage quickly, but assuming your partner is comfortable with new positions is never the best idea. Remember that with rope play, it’s important to start slowly and progress together, with full consent.
Tie the rope too tightly. This is especially true when tying rope around the neck - this area is sensitive and you may cause breathing problems even when tying a rope loosely.
Japanese Rope Bondage FAQs
What is the most secure knot?
Most bondage knots are fairly secure if done correctly, but there are certain ties that can be extra tight, such as the Constrictor Knot (also known as the Clove Hitch), that can give you the tension you need.
Remember: be careful not to tie the rope too tightly around the neck and/or other extremities to avoid causing your partner distress.
What knot tightens as you pull?
A Larks Head knot is a simple Shibari tie that will tighten up if tension is applied. You could also try the Overhand knot for this effect, which is quick and easy to do.
What is the most difficult knot to tie?
A knot which incorporates tying up the torso, such as a Hishi Karada (diamond harness) or a full body knot such as the Ebi are more difficult and time-consuming than other ties. However, attending Shibari classes and looking at rope bondage tutorials online can help even novices master the most complex of knots.
How do I spice up Shibari bondage?
Once you and your partner have mastered Shibari bondage knots, you could try adding Japanese bondage rope to other BDSM scenarios you enjoy. For example, you could use a full-body tie to expose your partner’s genitals and then run a feather tickler or flogger along their inner thigh while they’re helpless to resist.
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