Articles tagged: Jutsu (術)

Ikue shibari (layered shibari – 幾重縛り) is a body-management technique that applies rope folded into several layers; combining it with the fundamentals we have studied allows us to build stable structures simply, efficiently, and safely, without depending on tying patterns.

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes.

There are times when restrictions with the hands behind the body can be difficult or even impossible. People who are not comfortable with shibari or do not trust their bodies often accept ties in front because they consider them safer, more comfortable, or more accessible.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.

In sekibaku (責縛), technique is learned through the study of its fundamentals and their application in katas: forms and figures that are used in study as exercises, but not in real practice.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes.

A form inspired by the old capture techniques, which we use as a basis for studying how to manage the body from the rope.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes.

A step-by-step guide to performing the koden shibari form by applying the technical fundamentals tetori sankaku (手取三角), hon musubi (本結び), and fuchin (浮沈).

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes.

The third and final part of the koden shibari guide: managing tension, handling, and untying.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes.

A step-by-step guide to building the first line of the gote shibari, applying the triangle theory and hon musubi (本結び).

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes.

A step-by-step guide to applying the second line of the gote shibari, understanding its function and when to use it.

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes.

A step-by-step guide to closing the gote shibari with a final tension adjustment and applying the bolt.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes.

A tying technique that, with the tied person sitting on the floor in the position known as agura, immobilizes their legs through counter-tension.

We use the kanji 脚 and the term ashi as a prefix or suffix to identify techniques involving one or both legs.

Dame Oshi (ダメおし): the closest translation would be “make sure twice”.

The term ebi zeme groups together different forms inspired by the classic immobilizations of prisoners: sitting in agura, arms behind the back and body compressed, bringing the face toward the feet.

Literally, “thigh”. This is the term and spelling used to refer to the strip of skin visible between a schoolgirl's stocking and her skirt.

Gote, takate kote and ushiro takate kote are the names we commonly use for the most recognizable tie in shibari: “the gote”.

Gote shibari (後手縛り) is a very efficient restraint technique, but it can also be dangerous if its technical function and mechanisms are not understood.

These are the five types of life line. Or rather, the five ways of connecting the life lines to the rope structure wrapped around the body.

Gyaku ebi (逆海老), “inverted shrimp”, covers the figures in which the body arches backward: a back extension (backbend), not a flexion. It is also known as gyaku ebi shibari (逆海老縛り).

Hikedame (ひかけだめ), also read as hikakedame, is a quick, simple knot for gathering the rope so that it can be released easily with a single pull or movement.

Hishi (菱) means “diamond” (a rhombus); it is used when the ropes take on that pattern.

The term can be translated as “layered shibari”, since it refers to the technique of folding the rope to create several layers (or lines) at once.

Although in Japanese ippon is a counter used for long, narrow objects, and this technique is usually completed with a single rope, its name comes from a way of naming or scoring a technique in martial arts.

This term is used when, following Japanese aesthetic patterns (minimalism, appreciation of nature, emptiness, contrast...), we develop single-rope ties in which beauty comes first.

Short, honest answer: no.

Suspension in shibari carries inherent risks. The body is subjected to intense, unusual forces and loads while the ropes take part in managing that body. The combination involves risks of injury and accident.

It means “method” or “technique”.

Literally, it means “reversed rope”, referring to the change of direction applied to the rope by laying it over itself. In shibari, this principle is what we know as “counter-tension”.

Translated as “brake” or “lock”, this technical application is often misunderstood as an aid to fix the tie in place or keep it from slipping out of position.

It is a torso harness characteristic of the Yagami Ryu.

It is the Japanese term for the set of restraint techniques that act on the wrist-elbow-shoulder joint complex.

It is an application of the ippon (壱本) technique within the range of kubi shibari (首縛り) —ippon referring to the technique used, kubi to the area of application—, in which the arms are placed in front, close to the body, and the knuckles are restrained between the ropes and the neck itself, pressing on the throat.

古傳 (koden) means “ancient transmission”, “age-old tradition” or “ancestral teaching”.

Koshi (腰) means “hip”, and nawa (繩), “rope”, so this term refers generically to all ties involving this area of the body. Other words are added as a prefix or suffix to designate specific ties or techniques, such as the haya koshi nawa (早腰繩), or quick hip harness, used to ease transitions in suspension and help distribute loads.

Kubi, in Japanese, refers to three different areas of the body: the neck, the wrists and the ankles. In its culture of origin, these areas relate to the three places where the body narrows and, therefore, to the flow of mystical energies.

These are ties that pass the rope through the crotch.

It is the umbrella term for techniques performed on or starting from the floor, understanding that in these techniques the body is “horizontal”, that is, lying down or reclined.

It means “white heron” (egret).

Suwariwaza —or what could be called sit-jutsu— essentially refers to the set of martial techniques performed from a seated position, such as agura, or kneeling, such as seiza.

The playful, lecherous little Japanese goblin lends its name to this technique, characterized by the arms bent at the sides of the body with the forearms pointing upward.

It literally means “upper rope”.

Its name describes the technique perfectly: “exposed armpits”.

It is the name of the knot that closes TK-type figures —takate or kannuki shibari— with four fixing points.