Resources
My influences in rope…
My greatest teachers thus far, and the people who have shaped my rope practice as well as my approach to teaching and my self-expression in rope, are my rope partners of the last several years, Margherita Tisato, Sydona Rogue, and K. I hope you might also find it useful to see their work and read their writing on rope, kink/BDSM lifestyle, and how the elements of intentionally working with discomfort in a container of care can inform and support so many aspects of this human experience.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of teachers who I have had the opportunity to learn from and who’s styles of rope and of teaching I’ve drawn inspiration from. If you are new to rope, it may be useful to peruse their websites for different perspectives on contemporary shibari through both a Japanese and a western lens.
Murasaki Haruan, Hua Hua, Bondagious & Thumper, Fuoco, Discover Kinbaku, Tamandua, EratoBanana, and RopeTales
Consent Education
The Wheel of Consent, created by Betty Martin, is a somatic framework for creating clear agreements around relational interactions, particularly around touch. It is especially relevant to rope and kink, as it pertains to pleasure-centered interactions. WoC will support you in exploration of what it means to be in consent with yourself and your own desires. This is not a a quick take on consent and requies time to discover. As I continue to deepen into the study of this framework I uncover more important layers of insight into myself and my navigation of fear, shame, pleasure and authenticity.
Rope Study has free and detailed rope-specific consent negotiation content which I recommend as a starting place for anyone new to rope.
Finally, a thoughtfully curated, and incredibly detailed list of possible intentions and desires in a kink exchange was developed by Tornus as part of a broader body of work on ethics is rope education (read more about that at KECC and KEMS). If you’re struggling to articulate your scene desires or are working to evolve your consent negotiation practice or educational offerings you may find ideas and inspiration here.
Rope Safety
Detailed information about safety for rope bondage and prevention of nerve injury can be found on this page of twistedwindows.com
Information on nerve anatomy and details on risk mitigation for nerve injuries in rope can be found on this page of RopeStudy.com
General Rope Reading
This informative and concise article from the Shibari Study blog on the origins and evolution of shibari is a great primer.
More historical perspectivecan be found in this article by Midori, a Japanese American rope educator for on the history and myths of Japanese rope bondage.
An article by Zetsu Nawa called “So you are new to shibari? How to get started” on the importance of learning to embody emotions and intention in rope. Published on the Kinbaku Today website.
Somatics for Rope Bottoms by Natasha Nawataneko
Better Bondage for Every Body by Evie Vane
Virtual Rope Education
Rope Podcasts
The Rope Podcast