What is Shibari/Kinbaku? Does it hurt?

Kinbaku is the practice of tying a person with rope for pleasure or relaxation. Pressure sensations are a part of the experience, but pain is entirely optional when performed by a skilled rigger.

Enthusiastic consent is at the heart of everything I do, so if you’re being tied, you always decide what to experience.

To obtain a meditative mindset, a rigger can apply just enough pressure to craft a blissful experience for their parter.

Is Shibari sexual?

It doesn’t have to be!

Rope play itself can be erotic, but the shibari I share with my community is platonic, and light-hearted. In terms of intimacy, I compare Kinbaku experiences to a professional massage, intimate but not sexual or .

I’m happily married, and I use rope as a tool to enable platonic intimacy and play within my community.

Is Shibari dangerous?

Rope play always carries inherent risks, to blood flow, nerve damage, and emotional distress, and should never be considered completely safe, no matter who’s tying.

However, a skilled rigger can navigate these hazards to minimize the danger, and keep their partners as safe as possible. I employ a number of safety measures and limitations to ensure that my ties minimize risk of injury, and I I believe my track record reflects the care I put into rope safety.

• A major advantage of working with a professional is minimizing the risk of injury.

Do you need to be flexible or fit to do Shibari?

No, anyone can be tied.

Like any other performance art, fitness and flexibility enables additional shapes and endurance, but a skilled rigger will tie for your body, and not blame you for limitations in their own ability.

What kind of rope do you use?

For kinbaku, I use jute exclusively, but I’m happy to tie and teach the use of other materials.

Do I need to bring my own rope?

For lessons, I generally have enough rope to share, but you’re welcome to bring your own rope!