Shibari (also known as Kinbaku) is the Japanese art of erotic rope bondage. However, contrary to widespread belief, it is not an ancient art.
The rope play that we see around the world today is a fairly modern practice born in the early 1900s, although it does draw inspiration from much older influences like Japan’s cultural relationship with shame and punishment through historical rope-based torture methods plus erotic sadomasochism.
Today, Japanese style rope bondage inspired by shibari is practiced all over the world for different reasons—from communication, sexual expression & BDSM, performance art, meditation, photography, self-discovery, and more.
Shibari.PH is s local community and educational resource for Japanese rope bondage enthusiasts in the Philippines.
It’s directed by Dee Sapalo (he/they), a rope bondage artist from Makati—who believes that the erotic and creative art of Shibari can help our communities become happier and healthier because of its body-, sex-, and kink-positivity.
This project aims to help both the curious and kinky of all ages, genders, and body types to explore their interest in Japanese rope bondage and what truly excites them in a safer, supportive, and accepting environment—while guided by the values of respect, empathy, and inclusiveness.
We offer access to a growing online resource, friendly community, and structured kink education that’s free from stigma, shame, or judgement.
We showcase the joy of rope bondage to have fun, break stereotypes, and encourage responsible behavior among consenting adults through our homebrew frameworks for consent, communication, and safety.
It mixes together two awesome things: expressing creativity and connecting with people.
Whether it’s tying or getting tied, exploring bondage gives you a chance to revisit and question your understanding of things like desire, control, pleasure, and intimacy.
You’ll develop your self-awareness, improve your verbal and non-verbal communication, and eventually work on the real ingredient behind this practice: trust.
Shibari is a great multimedia and performance art that couples and solo artists can undertake for its deeply satisfying, erotic, creative, or meditative aspects—whether you appreciate it in private or onstage.
I was invited to attend my first rope bondage workshop in 2013 and the experience was drastically different from what I expected.
The ropes they used were colorful, people were giddily geeking out, and they were actually friendly. It was a huge contrast to how media said kinksters were supposed to look and behave such that, by the time I got to try being in a hog-tie myself, I was convinced: kink wasn’t just about handcuffs and sex.
BDSM, it seemed, has guidelines and techniques for consent, safety, and communication that our vanilla (non-kinky) relationships and communities could learn a lot from.
In June of 2016, I put up the Shibari.PH blog as part of the Philippine kink community’s efforts to educate the public and counter the rising number of safety concerns.
The goal was to reach newbies interested in rope bondage, archive resources for current practitioners, and help expand the discussions about kink to include subjects like safety and consent, while promoting values learned in BDSM such as respect, empathy, and inclusiveness.
Today, Shibari.PH helps Filipinos accept their kinks, love their bodies, and take the stigma out of enjoying sex or alternative interests by spreading word through social media, hosting friendly tying events, and organizing training workshops for those that want to upskill.
Munches
Munches are social gatherings in a public place (i.e. a cafe) where you can socialize with the local players, raise questions, or ask for recommendations.
They’re a great way to stay safer, especially if you’re looking to meet a fellow practitioner for the first time, since community members can help verify or vouch for most people’s skills, credibility, or character.
Rope Jams
There’s no agenda. If you find shibari fun to watch or practice, our rope jams are relaxed, casual, and social tying events where you can meet new people, try rope play yourself, or watch other people’s tying styles.
Workshops
Learn with us. We have a structured progression of courses you can attend in public or book as a private class so you can develop your skills and enjoy satisfying, safer, and sustainable sessions.
Shibari.ph is an educational resource and kink community for Japanese rope bondage enthusiasts in the Philippines.
Just like martial arts and extreme sports, accidents can and do happen to both newbies and experienced practitioners.
We highly encourage you to study directly under a responsible and experienced practitioner to avoid serious injuries and lasting harm.
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