Many of the inspirational rope bondage images we see on social media believe just how confusing it can be to get started: from safety essentials to basic knots, there’s a ton to learn and comprehend before you’ve even successfully tied your first harness. Luckily, these days, it's easier and easier to find shibari classes in your city to lay the groundwork for your rope practice. Cities like NYC, Los Angeles and Seattle have dedicated learning spaces and groups that meet regularly where folks can come together and learn. But if you don't live in one of these bustling bondage centers, online classes can be a good way to start. If you’re looking to kick off your rope journey with online shibari courses focused on foundational skills, we’ve got you! The following (mostly free) Shibari Study resources are designed to help you start your practice feeling informed, empowered and ready to start tying – even if you have just one rope!
Safety first! No, really , safety first. While it can be tempting to immediately start tying, shibari is not without risk. From the pros and cons of different cutting tools to how to determine your personal risk profile , and important anatomical knowledge to consent and communication essentials, understanding the risks won’t fully eliminate them but it will help mitigate them. That’s why before you even pick up a rope for the first time, we suggest you begin with an overview of the most important safety information needed to navigate the risks involved with this type of play.
From broad safety topics, the next step is hands-on exercises for assessing risk – quite literally. Because the hands are so sensitive, knowing how to check the rope bottom’s hands for nerve- or circulation-related issues is essential for all types of tying, from beginner bedroom ties to advanced suspensions, making this hand safety series by instructor Fuoco a must-watch for riggers and rope bottoms alike.
(Okay, now you can pick up your rope…) ‘Single-column tie’ (SCT) and ‘double-column tie’ (DCT) are likely to be some of the first ropey terms you hear in any beginner bondage class, and there’s a reason for that. These fundamental knots are the starting point for most shibari ties and while experienced riggers can tie them with their eyes closed, it’s okay when you’re starting out to have this class in rotation for a while – the more confident you become tying these basic shibari knots, the more you can focus on your tying partner later on.
Speaking of tying partners, repeat after us: ‘My rope practice is still valid, even if I don’t have a model.’ In fact, you may even be able to practice certain partnered ties, such as chest harnesses, with a little DIY savvy – no model required! In this practical class by Shibari Study co-founder Gorgone, you’ll learn how to use basic rope skills (well, and a pool noodle, sweater and a chair) to create a rope bondage practice chair, an ideal ‘model’ for endless hours of drilling basic knots and frictions.
Only have one rope? That's enough to start playing! Consider this short session by Gorgone your one-stop and one-rope inspiration guide to how to start using shibari fundamentals in play. In tying with one rope (known as ichinawa ), rope bondage students can begin to learn how rope is not the subject but a tool to communicate, with rhythm, space and the level of constriction as essential to the dialogue as the rope itself.
Finding rope bondage classes near me Where possible, we will always advocate for a combination of learning shibari online and in-person tuition. Each type of learning offers its own distinct and different benefits. If you’re not sure how to find classes in your area, try turning to, well, the internet. FetLife can be a great resource for connecting with kinky folks and for finding your local rope bondage community. The Shibari Study Discord is also an online rope community space that connects Shibari Study members from around the globe. Wherever and however you end up doing it, we wish you happy learning and a rich and rewarding journey with ropes.
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