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What is this shibari rope bondage thing anyway...? In short... shibari refers to the Japanese style of rope bondage that has become popular in BDSM and kink communities around the world. The word "shibari" simply means "to tie" in Japanese.

Perhaps one of the main things people tend to focus on when differentiating between 'shibari' vs. calling something rope bonage is the focus is on the pleasure in the tying process rather than simply getting to an end result. There is a an emphasis on exploring pacing, psychology, positioning, movement and power with the body... alongside the technical and aesthetic skill of using rope. The rope is used to highlight the unique dynamic and relationship between the person tying and being tied, and applied in a way which creates a sense of trust, eroticism and vulnerability rather than simply completing a pattern. This style of rope requires a high level of skill and knowledge to perform safely, especially suspension.

I would encourage people to explore more personally and in depth the origins, connections and cultural context of shibari/ Japanese style rope bondage. It is important to note that whilst ropes were used historically in Japan to tie and capture prisoners, shibari as we know it today is different to hojojutsu and the transformation was not direct, it is not an 'ancient erotic practice'. Shibari as we know it today draws inspiration from various sources, incorporating Japanese aesthetics and influenced by different contemporary BDSM practices. Every individual and culture has their own specific context and history that will influence their personal relationship to power, desire and significance of different tools and symbolism.

I personally like to say I like to tie, or practice Japanese influenced rope bondage. Whilst I also have developed my own style that blends different techniques or aesthetics, my focus is certainly on exploring the tension between vulnerability and safety in ropes, freedom and surrender, and the eroticism of finding out each individuals personal relationship to both. There is no "right way" to practice - though acknowledging the historical and cultural roots of any practice is important, whilst not romanticising or fetishising by using words and language which maybe sound fancy but something we don't fully understand or is not relevant to us.

The rope is used to highlight the unique dynamic and relationship between the person tying and being tied.

Sophia Rose holding the rope of a partner tied and seated beside her
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Sophia Rose · Venus Hour

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Sophia Rose standing behind a partner tied in jute rope