Shibari and Kinbaku are words used by the Japanese to describe a rope based sensual art form derived from the ancient martial art of Hojojutsu.
In the late 18th century and artist by the name of Ito Seiu began producing artworks based on old Japanese stories. In the stories prisoners were often tied using the samurai art of rope capture, Hojojutsu. To reproduce these images Ito Seiu began to tie in a way that was less dangerous than the Hojojutsu he was emulating, and that began the process of Japanese erotic rope bondage we see today.
Over the last 100 years or so the art has been practiced and refined by a line of Japanese masters to become what we now refer to as Shibari or Kinbaku. Though in Japan, they just think of it as bondage.
Shibari is a complete erotic art in itself with elements of sensuality, punishment, restriction and for those interested, performance.
Kinbaku or Shibari as it is more often known in the west is an erotic art form practiced in Japan as both a performance art and as a way of connecting and communication in private.
There are many forms and styles of Kinbaku that relate strongly to the “school” they derive from and the purpose they are being used for.
Below is a short and by no means comprehensive list of some of the types and styles of Kinbaku practiced at the dojo.
As a concept Newaza is all about connection, where suspension bondage is a little distant floor work is up close and intimate. On the floor is where we really see the connection between the rigger and their partner, where rope and full body contact are used to take both people on a sensual journey.