The Essential Shibari Knot: How to Master the Single Column Tie

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Shibari, the ancient art of Japanese rope bondage, is an elegant dance of ropes and knots that intertwines both the physical and emotional connection between partners. At its core lies a fundamental knot that every aspiring shibari practitioner should master: the single column tie.

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There are many different single column ties, but here I will explain how to tie a square knot as a single column tie, as it is the most frequently used in Japan and is collapsible if you pull hard.

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Why Start Learning Shibari from a Single Column Tie?

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The single column tie is the very first knot you should learn in shibari. It is one of the basics of shibari. This tie is great just by itself, as you can use it for one-rope play (ichi-nawa/ippon-nawa) technique, and many shibari ties start from a single column tie.

Once you learn a single column tie, it provides a great way to attach the rope comfortably, and you can improvise tying yourself or others.

To truly excel in shibari, you don’t need to know every intricate knot. Instead, focus on understanding the principles of rope handling: the right tension, frictions, and how the rope interacts with the body.

Perfecting a single rope technique might seem straightforward, but it actually takes time and patience to grasp the nuances of rope handling. This can only be obtained through practice and understanding.

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How to Tie a Single Column Tie

Let's practice by self-tying a single column tie on your leg. Follow these steps along with the pictures:

1. Find the Center of the Rope: Locate the middle of the rope by identifying both ends and pulling them together through your hands to find the exact center. This is the part you'll use for tying.
2. Wrap Around the Leg: Start wrapping the rope around your ankle once, beginning from below the leg.
3. Ensure Flatness and Comfort: Lay the ropes flat and ensure they're not twisted. Be mindful not to wrap too tightly; avoid cutting off circulation to your ankle.
4. Position the Bight: Place the middle (bight) of the rope across all the wrapped ropes.
5. Wrap the Bight Around: Wrap the bight around all the ropes.
6. Create an Arch with the Tail: Form an arch with the long part of the rope, ensuring it follows the rope's direction and makes a U-turn. The arch should stay outside and not cross the wraps.
7. Make a Loop: Loop the arch around, with the long rope on top.
8. Secure the Bight: Insert the bight inside the loop and tighten it where the rope naturally wants to go, without adding extra twists.
9. Final Check: Double-check your knot. You should be able to slide two fingers between the ropes and the skin. When you hold the knot by the remaining rope, it shouldn't unravel or tighten.

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The single column tie should look like a little ‘heart’. If it doesn't, you did something wrong, untie it and try again!

Step-by-step explanations are a part of Shibari Mastery course by Voudou Ropes.

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Learn Shibari Basics Step by Step

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For those looking to really start learning the art of shibari, Voudou Ropes offers a comprehensive shibari course for beginners, Shibari Discovery.

Over the course of seven days, this program guides you through all the basic knots and techniques, such as the double column tie, and some other basic ties, ensuring you build a solid foundation on which to establish your shibari journey.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only have a firm grasp of the basics, but also the confidence to explore and innovate with your rope work.

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Remember, with dedication and practice, even the most basic single column knot can become a masterpiece.

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We hope you liked this blog post on Single Column tie.

Have you ever experienced a shibari session using only a single column tie?

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