Hojojutsu (also spelled hojōjutsu) is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using rope. Long before rope became associated with modern Shibari or kinbaku, it was a practical tool of law enforcement, shaped by social hierarchy, ritual, and aesthetics. Understanding hojojutsu provides valuable context for contemporary rope practitioners and offers insight into how restraint in Japan evolved from necessity into art.
How often you should condition Shibari rope depends on the fiber, how often you use it, and how it’s stored. Conditioning isn’t a fixed schedule so much as responsive care.
Always let the rope’s feel guide you more than the calendar.
At Wickedly Woven, rope is more than a tool — it is a living medium of connection, trust, and craftsmanship. Whether you are just beginning your journey into Shibari or refining a long‑standing practice, understanding your rope — how it is made, used, and cared for — can deeply transform your experience.
Shibari — the Japanese art of rope bondage also called Kinbaku — has a growing community across Canada that spans educational spaces, social groups, workshops, and events. While different cities have varying levels of activity, many places offer places to learn, practice, and socialize in safe, consent-focused environments. ShibariNews
Conditioning raw jute is essential for creating rope that is soft on the skin, durable, and safe for bondage. Whether you are short on time or looking for the highest quality finish, these methods will transform your raw cordage.
Face sitting—sometimes called queening or kinging—is a consensual BDSM activity that centers on power exchange, intimacy, and embodied presence. At its core, it is not about explicit acts, but about control, vulnerability, and negotiated authority. When practiced thoughtfully, face sitting can be a deeply connective experience rooted in trust and communication.
Before you begin conditioning raw jute, you need a high-quality softening agent. “Rope butter” is a specialized blend of oil and wax designed to nourish the fibers, improve flexibility, and protect the rope from environmental wear.
To achieve the perfect balance of glide and grip, we recommend a 7:3 oil-to-wax ratio.
The mermaid tie is a visually dramatic Shibari restraint that binds the legs together in a smooth, continuous form, creating the appearance of a single, flowing lower body—much like a mermaid’s tail. Known for its elegance and strong immobilization, the mermaid tie blends aesthetics with functional restraint, making it a favorite for floor work, photography, and performance-style rope.
The Lotus tie is a visually striking Shibari position inspired by the seated lotus posture found in yoga and meditation. Centered on balance, containment, and calm restraint, the lotus tie emphasizes stillness and presence rather than force. When done thoughtfully, it creates an intimate, grounded experience that highlights posture, breath, and connection.
Karada (体) simply means “body” in Japanese, and in Shibari it refers to a full-body rope tie that brings the arms, torso, and sometimes the legs into a single, unified structure. Often considered a progression from chest harnesses and box ties, the karada emphasizes containment, connection, and total-body awareness.