Interview with @Knotty.futos on Shibari
A few years ago in Vegas, I went to the Cirque du Soleil show Zumanity. Zumanity is an artistic performance celebrating sexuality and kink. Of the many astounding acts I watched, there was one performance that really piqued my interest. It was a woman suspended with rope using her struggle to unbind herself as the performance. Her wiggling and writhing was intense and oddly graceful at the same time. I left with that performance playing over and over in my imagination. Not to mention the music replaying in my head — it was beautiful and soft, haunting with her sighs mixed into the melody.
I didn’t know what rope bondage was until I started my journey interviewing men about their kinks. Recently, I came across Shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage and I was seriously intrigued. Shibari stems from the Japanese practice Kinbaku which is literally translated to “the beauty of binding.” While they are essentially the same, Shibari has been adopted more widely by the Western BDSM community as a label. Simply defined, it is tying yourself or a partner in different poses using various knots. This is erotic for many and oddly beautiful to witness the process/result. It is just as beautiful to see a man bound as woman, opening the door for both genders.
Diving deeper into to world of binding, I came across the profile of @knotty.futos on Instagram and asked him some questions about his practice, classes, and resources. He was very gracious and open with information about where to get involved and explore more about the art.
Interview with @Knotty.futos
Thank you for taking the time to speak to Rest Stop! While we are here for all men regardless of their sexual orientation, do you identify as gay, straight or bisexual?
I identify as straight.
Do you have a profession in addition to this practice?
My day job is in construction. Rope is a passion that I would love to do more often.
What is it that got you interested in rope binding/kinbaku?
I always had an interest in photography and was drawn to the look of bound bodies — combining the two has helped me express my vision. I’ve become more interested in the connection you form with your rope partners. It is fascinating to explore a plutonic or sexual connection depending on your partner.
How long have you been practicing?
A little over two years now. I started with a great partner that allowed me to learn and grow. I did a lot of self-ties to practice.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your bindings?
Instagram mostly. I also learn from Shibari Study or The Duchy. I get excited really for new tutorials!
Is there any preparation you do before you practice?
If I haven’t tied for a few days, I’ll do some warm up ties. I have a few go to warm up ties depending on if it’s self-ties or with a partner. I do try to keep up my dexterity by practicing daily.
Is there a process to the practice? Is the journey more important than the final presentation?
The process changes every time. Though, the main goal of my practice is to build a connection with my partner.
How long does a typical session with rope last?
2-4 hours depending on our stamina. This is usually a few different poses and suspensions.
Do you prefer floor work or suspension? What does one have to consider as far as challenges for each?
Floor work is a great place to start with every partner to build up trust and learn what each other’s comfort and abilities are.
There is a concern of nerve impingement with certain ties, especially with suspensions. Check ins are important, and frequency should be negotiated with both parties. Hand checks help prevent nerve impingement and lose of circulation.
I do prefer to do suspension work, but you need to work within the limits of yourself and your partner.
Do you enjoy working with others or do you prefer solo?
I do enjoy working with others a bit more than working solo. This is because I can maintain a better flow when I’m practicing with a partner.
How do you find people interested in the practice?
I had the best luck finding partners to practice rope when I started getting involved in my local dungeon. It started with an open rope night to introduce me to the fundamentals. I’ve since progressed to being a seasoned member of the crew as well as an instructor for rope play.
What are some of your favorite knots and poses?
I do like pushing my partners flexibility, making them feel vulnerable and exposed. I like to think of my style of rope as sadistically playful. This all depends on the comfort of my partner and respect for that is paramount.
Do you engage in semenawa (zeme)/ rope play that intentionally inflicts pain?
I do enjoy pushing and playing with inflicting pain within a partner’s preference.
What is your preferred nawa/rope?
Currently I’m loving the spooled rope from deGiotto rope that I treat with some homemade rope butter.
What other gear is important for shibari other than rope?
Safety shears or an emergency cutting tool. If your interest is suspension work than you need to have a safe and secure hard point installed or free-standing suspension rig.
Are you part of a larger community of shibari/kinbaku?
I am part of Dungeon Hell Paso a local dungeon that has great classes and a monthly open rope nights for those who are interested. This year I was invited to teach some classes and I am excited!
Where can one learn more about the practice?
Fetlife for in person classes, there are some great online resources as well:
Websites:
Social media:
YouTube:
Books:
- Tying and Flying: Bondage for self-suspension
- Two knotty boys
- Shibari You Can Use: Japanese Rope Bondage and Erotic Macramé
- Essence of Shibari: Kinbaku and Japanese Rope Bondage
- The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage
- Better Bondage for Every Body: With Rope Bondage Experts From Around the World
Where can we find and support you?
You can find me on Instagram @knotty.futos
