What are the basic knots of shibari?
Since its creation several decades ago in Japan, shibari has constantly evolved, as have its techniques and basic knots. The earliest application of shibari, far removed from the practice we know today, was simply the art of knotting and tying objects and people. Its primary focus was the binding of Japanese prisoners, with the arrangement of ropes and the shape of the shibari knots linked to the prisoner's status and social class.
Over the years, the practice of shibari has evolved, and prisoners have been replaced by the bodies of women and men seeking to experience submission, restraint, and the aesthetics of rope. However, the central point of the practice remains the knots, and especially the basic shibari knots . these shibari knots is essential for safe practice.
The importance of basic shibari knots
Shibari has evolved over time, its techniques changing to diversify the practice and the poses . At the heart of this practice remains a constant: the shibari knot. These knots are the keystone of shibari practice and, as such, have a paramount importance that should not be underestimated.
A poorly tied knot can indeed be dangerous . If the knot is incorrectly tied, it may not hold or may be too tight, creating hazardous situations for the person being tied. It is therefore important to master the basic shibari knots to avoid unpleasant surprises. Finally, a well-executed shibari knot will benefit all the ties involved, contributing to the success of the poses and the overall aesthetic.
The basic knots of shibari
Shibari is based on a set of techniques, among which knots play an essential role. The basic shibari knots are among the first skills to acquire when learning the practice. The two basic knots of shibari kinbaku are the single column tie and the double column tie .
The single column tie
The single column tie is the very first basic knot in shibari . It is THE knot one learns first and serves as the starting point for all bondage practice. The single column tie is used to tie anything that is formed of a single shape:
The single column tie is the starting point for the ropes and that is why it is a basic knot in shibari.
The double column tie
Just like the single column tie, the double column tie is a basic knot in shibari. Therefore, it's important to have a very good grasp of it. It allows you to tie two limbs together:
The double column tie is a shibari knot that allows the parties to be tied together while simultaneously being separated into individual handcuffs. The point where the rope passes through to separate the handcuffs is called Kanuki.
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