Join me as I sit down with the experienced Shibari instructor Charles from our After Dark workshop series! Hear his perspectives on Kinbaku, Intimacy, and more!

Q. What are some safety tips for beginners?

A. There is a plethora of safety knowledge that should be taken into consideration when practicing Shibari, here are a few of the Key areas to focus attention on;

-Nerve compression/Blood flow-  It is crucial to consistently check the pressure and tension of your ropes to ensure your partner is safe and comfortable throughout the session. 

-Emotional state- Other than physical safety, it is also necessary to check in prior to starting your scene. Use RACK (Risk. Aware. Consensual. Kink) to discuss boundaries and levels of comfortability. It is also a great idea to have a discussion about expectations and desires. What emotions are you both hoping to invoke during the session? 

Q. What kind of rope would you recommend for beginners?

A. Nylon is a great option for beginners: it is soft, affordable, and holds colour very well, giving it a vibrant pigmentation. Honey gifts have a large variety of Ropes such as Satin for those who are looking to focus more on the aesthetic of Shibari, or Jute for those who want to play more with texture and sensation. There is also Hemp and Cotton for those wanting a softer, stretchier material. 

Q. What is the difference between Shibari and Kinbaku?

A. Often the terms Shibari and Kinbaku are used interchangeably. There’s no clear distinction however subtly; some practitioners might say Kinbaku is more intensely passionate, with a deeper focus on setting a scene and creating an intimate space to drop into a specific emotional state. Whereas, Shibari can have different levels of emotionality, with some being more focused on the aesthetic of the ties and some moving into a deeply connecting scene between a Top and Bottom. Though these answers are subjective. 

Q. What does intimacy mean to you? 

A. To me, Intimacy is about connecting with someone in a vulnerable way, getting closer, and feeling the energy between us in the scene. One of the things I love about Shibari is that it can involve many different levels of intimacy. Anywhere from a professional learning environment to creating a sacred, connecting space where intimacy is highly present. There is always an aspect of intimacy in Shibari, since no matter in what way you’re practicing, there will need to be trust, and vulnerability present. 

Q. What is your personal favourite Shibari tie?

A. I really like the Futu MoMo leg tie and the Takate Kote Tiki tie. 

Learn more from Charles at www.ropesandgiggles.com