Frequently asked questions about shibari and tantra

The best start is a guided workshop or course with an experienced rigger. Starting on your own without guidance is possible, but you will miss crucial knowledge about safety, anatomy, and risk areas.

What you should certainly learn as a beginner: the basic knots (single column, joining rope), the anatomical risk zones such as the radial nerve in the upper arm, recognising early signs of tying too tight, and how to release quickly in an emergency. Always keep safety shears within reach. 

You can also start with the  online course

In myL1 Basic Coursein Ghent, all these elements are covered in a safe, respectful environment. Check the website for dates and registration.

Shibari is a practice with real risks that must be taken seriously. The main dangers arenerve damage(especially the radial nerve in the upper arm) andcirculation disordersfrom overly tight knots or improperly placed rope.

Good precautions: learn anatomy and risk areas before you start, never place rope on joints or over areas with large nerves or blood vessels, regularly check sensitivity in hands and fingers, always keep safety scissors on hand, and continuously communicate with the person you are binding. Stop immediately if you experience tingling, numbness, or color change.

With the right knowledge and caution, shibari can be practiced safely. Always take a course with a qualified instructor before starting on your own. We address safety in the L1 lessons.See lessons 

• Asthma: The physical and mental stress of rope work or suspension can trigger an asthma attack. It is essential to always keep an inhaler within reach and to be careful with pressure on the chest. 
• Heart conditions: Shibari, and certainly when suspension is involved, puts strain on the heart and the circulation. Stress, fear and the physical effort can be dangerous for people with a weak heart.
• Circulation problems: This is one of the most important factors. If someone already has poor circulation, rope can make it worse and lead to tissue damage. This is often an issue for people with diabetes or existing nerve damage.
• Blood disorders: Conditions such as haemophilia or thrombosis need special attention, because pressure on circulation points can lead to bleeding or clots.
• Pregnancy: The pressure of rope on the belly and the changes in the circulatory system can be risky for the mother and the child.

Shibari(縛り) literally means "to bind" and is a broad Japanese term for rope bondage.Kinbaku(緊縛) means "to bind tightly" and refers more specifically to the traditional Japanese style where aesthetics, emotional charge, and the connection between the rigger and the bunny are central.

In the Western world, both terms are often used interchangeably. When a distinction is made, kinbaku typically places a stronger emphasis on the emotional and energetic dimension of the practice — the silence, the presence, the tension that builds up. Shibari is more often used as a general term for all forms of Japanese-inspired rope bondage.

No. Shibari is a Japanese art form of rope binding with deep aesthetic and meditative roots. BDSM is a much broader umbrella term standing for Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, and Sadism & Masochism.

While there is overlap — shibari is sometimes practiced within a BDSM context — that is certainly not always the case. Shibari can also be practiced purely aesthetically, artistically, or meditatively, without any element of power dynamics or pain sensation.

In Shibari-Tantra, the focus is on connection, presence, and awareness. We approach the rope from a tantric perspective: as a means to a deeper encounter between two people. This fundamentally differs from classical BDSM dynamics, even though we respect each other's practices.

Certainly. That is precisely the core of the Shibari-Tantra approach. Tantra is not an esoteric system of sexual techniques, as is often thought, but a philosophy of presence, awareness, and full acceptance of the moment.

When you approach shibari from that tantric spirit, the rope becomes a ritual instrument: a means to be fully present with yourself and your partner, to consciously explore boundaries, and to create a connection that goes beyond words. The silence during the binding, the breathing, the trust — these are all tantric elements.

In the workshops and sessions at Shibari-Tantra, these two practices are consciously combined, with attention to safety, intention, and mutual attunement. You can also book it privately in aprivate session

The most commonly used material in traditional shibari isjute: light, breathable, with a pleasant natural feel on the skin. It holds knots well and has an authentic texture. Jute does require some preparation (walking, treating) and can feel rough on sensitive skin.

Cottonis a popular choice for beginners: softer, cheaper, and easier to wash. It slides a bit more, which can sometimes make knots looser.Hempfeels closer to jute and is also traditionally used.

For thickness, as a beginner, you preferably choose6 mm— thick enough to be comfortable, thin enough to work well. A standard rope length is7 to 8 metersper piece. Start with 2 to 4 ropes to practice most basic techniques.

I prefer to use 6.5mm jute for suspensions. See therope selection guide

In the shibari community, there are two basic roles: therigger(also "nawashi" in Japanese) is the one who handles and ties the rope. Therope bunny(or "bunny") is the one who is being bound. Both terms are common and neutral — they say nothing about gender, experience, or sexual preference.

Both roles require knowledge and skill. A rigger must master anatomy, techniques, and safety. A rope bunny must learn to communicate about comfort, boundaries, and body signals, and must be able to give trust.

Some people switch roles depending on the situation — this is called aswitch. In the Shibari-Tantra approach, both roles are considered equal and equally valuable.

Shibari-Tantra regularly organizes workshops and courses inGhent, Leuven, Tongeren. The offerings include the L1 Basic Course (for absolute beginners), advanced classes, and tantric shibari workshops such as Shibari meets Tantra and a Bind me loose weekend. You can find myworkshops here.

Additionally, there are several other shibari communities and organizers active in Belgium and the Netherlands, such as local rope jams (informal group practice sessions), festivals, and international workshops. Through the hipsy website, you can also find a nice overview of events in the Benelux.

For the current offerings from Shibari-Tantra, you can check theEvents and Workshopspage on this website, or contact via shibari.tantra@gmail.com.

You learn the basic knots in a one day workshop. Really mastering shibari, with an eye for safety, comfort and aesthetics, is a continuing practice. Most riggers keep growing in their technique for years.

Yes, you can practice floor bindings at home. Start by tying objects or practicing knots on a pillow.You should never practice suspensions alone.— an experienced person should always be present. Take a workshop to establish a safe foundation.

Shibari is a Japanese art form of rope binding that goes beyond simple restraint. It pays attention toaesthetics, ritual, connection, and meditation.The patterns are thoughtful, the positions are consciously chosen, and the entire experience — for both the binder and the bound — is central.

Absolutely! Many of my workshops are specifically designed for couples. You will learn the basics of Shibari together: how to safely apply ropes, how to communicate during binding, and how to deepenconnection and trust.You don't need any prior experience. I will guide you step by step in a safe, intimate atmosphere.

See what is on offer on the page about shibari for couples, or read how a private session goes.

A private Shibari session is apersonal guidancewhere I work completely at your pace and wishes. We always start with an intake conversation: what is your intention, are there any physical limitations, what do you want to experience? Then we build the session — from relaxation and breathing to working with ropes.

A private session suits individuals and couples, and takes place in Eke near Ghent. More about that on the page about the private session.

Consent and safety arealways centralto everything I do. We work with continuous check-ins: I always ask questions about what feels good and what doesn't, and adjust the ropes immediately. We never worktoward positions that cause pain— these are not BDSM sessions.

In advanced lessons, I use thetraffic light system(red/orange/green). But in regular workshops and private sessions, we mainly work with open communication. Always report injuries or sensitive areas in advance — I adjust positions and pressure on your bodies.

Wearcomfortable clothingthat allows you to move freely. Leggings or sweatpants and a t-shirt are fine. Ropes are usually placed over clothing, especially for beginners. If you prefer, you can also work in a tank top or sports bra — that provides more contact with the rope.

Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or jewelry that can get caught in the ropes. You may want to bringwarm socksbecause your feet can get cold if you sit still.

No, not at all.Most participants in my workshops are complete beginners. I explain everything step by step and guide you throughout the entire session. You also don't need to be physically flexible or strong — I adapt the exercises to your body and level.

See the upcoming workshops in the calendar and sign up for an introduction.

You are welcome in my workshops exactly as you are. I make no distinction by body shape. Large, small, young, old: everyone gets the same attention and the same care. Shibari and tantra are about what you feel and about the connection that arises. Your appearance plays no part in that.

The shame you may feel is something I recognise. Many participants bring it along to a first workshop. And every time I see the same thing happen: the moment the ropes rest around your body and you feel how held and safe it is, that shame softens by itself. So much attention goes to you and to the moment that little room is left to judge yourself.