Learning to Tie

Nobody who takes Shibari seriously will tell you that tying is easy. Learning to tie takes time, concentration, and patience. If someone promises you that you will learn to tie quickly, they’re lying. Shibari is an art. And it takes time to develop an artistic skill.

You can start by buying a rope and watching videos and reading tutorials on the Internet to give your first tries at knots. However, if your goal is to tie someone, you should take, at least, a basic course before attempting to work on a real person. You have to show responsibility since the first day. And Internet materials, although good to practice, do not prove that you’re skillful enough as to tie someone.

So, attend a workshop or two. Let a professional guide you. Then, find a partner that is willing to share the journey with you. Make sure that you don’t hide any of the inconveniences and risks from them. Shibari also asks for honesty from day one. If you can’t find someone willing to be your partner, then hire a professional bottom. There are plenty of models and rope bunnies who offer their services.

Practice. A lot. Not just in class, but whenever you have time. If you’re going to tie someone, putting their health and psychological integrity at risk, the least you can do is practice for hundreds of hours, before you even think of attempting such a prowess. Shibari is not for the lazy. Only people who are truly committed to bondage will succeed. Learning to tie is no joke.

Finally, congratulate yourself for every step taken into the right direction. Whenever you achieve something, even if it’s an small detail, feel proud of it. You might be thinking of tying someone up as the great reward of Shibari. But there are plenty of small rewards along the way.