Shibari is an applied technique that requires both the study, understanding, and comprehension of its underlying concepts and principles, as well as the development of manual skills.
To achieve the efficiency and skill demonstrated by masters whose performances and videos amaze us, one must practice as much as they do.
For example, Yagami Ren has been dedicated to shibari for nearly 20 years, practicing a minimum of 8 hours a day, every day of the week. Being Japanese, he is unfamiliar with the concept of vacations, taking only a few days off throughout the year. Additionally, he has over 25 years of study and practice in aikidō.
However, it’s not just about the time he dedicates to practicing shibari and refining his skills. The models he works with are (or should be) professionals who also invest significant time in their own preparation.
For practice to be efficient and lead to progress and learning, it first requires a method and a structured approach, followed by expert supervision to assess and correct when necessary.
Challenges in Practice
Many students in this course lead busy lives, with little to no free time. Between obligations, responsibilities, and commitments, they barely find time to take the course, let alone practice.
So, how can I ask you to dedicate an extra couple of hours each week to practice in front of a mirror?
As an instructor, this is a concern for me, as we face a dilemma: practice is essential, but students lack the time for it.
The practice approaches differ depending on each person’s goals. The more ambitious the goals, the greater the dedication required.
A general piece of advice: clearly distinguish practice from erotic play.
The context must be different. In one case, it will be erotic and intimate; in the other, it will be about study and work, requiring attention, clear communication, and focus on the technique.
Adaptation and Technique
Adaptation is key.
It’s not about imitating or copying what others do, but rather finding how to achieve the desired results using the technique.
It may not be as visually striking as what we see online, but that’s not what we’re aiming for. We’re not practicing hedonistic shibari.
When practicing, I recommend starting step by step, analyzing each movement and applied technique. Don’t focus on completing the form; instead, focus on understanding how the technique is applied.
Let me explain: begin the exercise with one step, one technique. If it seems to go well the first time, consider it luck. Repeat it two or three times and compare the results. Then, move on to the next step.
Avoid marathon practice sessions. Two half-hour sessions ae far more effective than a single four-hour session.
Before completing a form, you must master each step and each technical application.
If you encounter problems, don’t obsess over them. Limit yourself to five attempts. If the issue persists, take a break, rest, and try again. If you still can’t resolve it, request a consultation, and we’ll analyze the problem together.
This step-by-step method has a scientific basis. After a certain age, our brain loses plasticity, and the learning process changes. We need to go through a period of frustration to solidify new learnings.
By following this method, what didn’t work in today’s practice will improve in tomorrow’s, and after a few sessions, it will be perfectly mastered, ensuring lasting learning.
Error as Part of Learning
Mistakes are part of life. When practicing, you will make errors. It’s the path to learning. If everything goes perfectly the first time, you haven’t learned anything.
Even the instructor can make mistakes, such as skipping steps or varying the process from one version to another.
For reliable guidance, the written text will be your most accurate source of information.
For example, if the text says, “pass the rope from left to right,” but the video shows it differently, the correct approach is what the text states, as it can be reviewed and corrected more easily.
Feedback in Practice
Mutual feedback is essential. Sekibaku adapts to each individual, so you are the best judge of how the technique is applied.
When practicing, share your sensations in the moment and analyze the technique afterward in a constructive way.
This isn’t about being self-indulgent or selfish. Speak honestly and listen humbly.
If you’ve studied the previous techniques, the form will flow after a couple of practice sessions. If not, identify the problem. If you can’t find it or don’t know how to solve it, consult us. We’re here to help.
It’s crucial for the person in bondage to provide feedback on their sensations to the person tying.
They should listen to their body, find their anatomical position, and understand how their anatomy should respond in each case.
The person tying must be receptive to these cues. The application of the technique should adapt to each individual and each situation.
As you learn the style and gain confidence with the technique, the forms learned in class can be more fluidly transferred to erotic interactions.
The goal is that, over time and with practice, you internalize the fundamentals to flow and create something unique in each moment, adapting your shibari to the present situation.
It’s not about imitating what’s shown in videos. The goal isn’t to reproduce the form but to learn how to apply the technique.
Intensive Practice Routine
For those who wish to pursue shibari professionally, whether as instructors, artists, or performers, the path is more demanding. Like any other discipline, it requires long hours of practice and study. You should train two, three, or four times a week.
To optimize your practice, follow these recommendations:
- Include at least 10 minutes of warm-up and functional preparation specific to the techniques you’ll be working on.
- Dedicate a similar amount of time to cooling down and relaxation afterward.
- Start with the fundamentals, working slowly and gradually increasing speed.
- Perform each technique at least five times on each side (left and right).
- Don’t practice advanced techniques without first mastering the basics.
- Alternate between management, body, and rope techniques in each session.
- Allow 48 hours between sessions to consolidate learning and let muscle memory settle.
The work involves both the person tying and the person in bondage.
Direct and clear communication between the two is essential for progress.
Integration into Erotic Play
For those who can’t dedicate time to systematic practice, one option is to integrate practice into play.
However, don’t start with the ropes. Gradually incorporate the fundamentals: muscle activation, grip techniques, and anatomical restriction.
If you choose this approach, make sure to master the hon musubime knot. You can practice during leisure moments, such as while watching TV.
Shibari is a tool to enrich the erotic experience, not the experience itself.
As an instructor, I’m available to answer questions and verify progress, both in person and online.
Certified students can always consult, even after completing the course.