Am I Fit For Shibari?
Am I fit for shibari? At some point of another, most practitioners of this discipline have had the same question, especially in relation to certain body types. For example, have you questioned yourself what type of body you should have in order to practice this art? How about height? How about complexion? Must you be flexible? All these questions and more everyone has had when the curiosity for shibari begins. The truth is that every kind of people, and in every type of physical condition, can enjoy rope. You, however your height, complexion, and flexibility can tie someone. And someone can tie you. You can even do suspensions.
Am I Fit for Shibari?: Yes, Shibari is for Everyone
Shibari is for everyone: neither age, nor weight, nor physical condition are factors that interfere in practicing it. You would not imagine how many people, from 18 to even 90 years old, do so. Tall, short, flexible, with less weight, with more weight, anything: you do not need to be an able-bodied person to do it. However, in some instances, depending on your capabilities, you might need some additional or different skills, as well as diverse approaches.
The only true requirement while practicing shibari is that you must be confident and feel comfortable during a scene.
Safety is the Only Fit
Safety is very important, so you must make it a priority. Some people might require more wraps in a tie in order to sustain it without any risk of injury. If a bottom does not have the flexibility to fold the arms comfortably behind their back, then the scene will need a modification for any type of arms, including chest harness. In other instances, some people have potential physical conditions that require other adaptations. However, as long as both parties identify those needs, and they make the modifications accordingly, anyone can enjoy rope bondage safely.
Am I Fit for Shibari?: Ropes
There are some factors that determine which type of rope and ties to use. For example, a flexible or well-trained athlete will most likely be able to practice some types of ties. In contrast, a non-flexible or non-athlete may not be able to do so. People with high pain tolerance may endure some types of ties that others will not. Particularly, regardless of age or weight, these people cannot endure pain without risk. But those are the special cases: and there are ties for everyone.
Everyone can enjoy, practice, and experience shibari whenever they tend to their needs in an appropriate fashion. You just need to try it!
