Glossary

Shorthand for The Ashley Book of Knots, Clifford W. Ashley's 1944 reference that catalogues thousands of knots, each assigned a number so a specific tie can be cited unambiguously (for example, ABOK #1249 for the constrictor knot).

The care partners give one another once a scene winds down, meeting physical and emotional needs through things like warmth, water, rest, and reassurance to ease the transition back to normal and soften any drop. A general BDSM practice rather than something specific to rope.

A casual sitting position with legs crossed, commonly used in informal settings.

A brand of rope made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), an exceptionally strong, light, low-stretch synthetic line. Its high strength-to-weight ratio suits it to uplines, hardware connections, and other rigging elements rather than ties against the body, where its thin, slippery profile would cut and bind. It is treated as structural line, inspected and rated like the rest of the hard rigging.

A secure hitch, also called the anchor bend or fisherman's bend, for attaching a line to a ring, shackle, or hard point, formed with two round turns that trap the working end before it is finished off. It resists working loose under the intermittent, shaking loads that can defeat lesser hitches, which is why it is trusted for anchoring. It is usually backed up with a half hitch or a seizing on the standing part.

The place where a rope is made fast — where an upline or support line attaches, whether to the hard point above or to a ring, bamboo, or frame. It is a more general term than hard point, covering any secured attachment in the rigging system. Loads should be distributed across anchors that are rated for the forces involved.

A tie that binds the arms together behind the back along their length, drawing the forearms parallel from the wrists toward the elbows. It concentrates strain on the shoulders and can press on the nerves that run along the upper arm, which may cause numbness or tingling in the hands. Watching for those signs and easing or releasing when they appear is an important part of using it safely; a sleeve-style garment version is sometimes called a monoglove.

The leg or foot in Japanese.

To match or align, often used in rope work to describe bringing elements together.

A tie that draws the body into a tight, compact curl, knees folded to the chest and often the wrists bound to the ankles or shins, holding the bottom in a ball shape. It emphasizes enclosure and vulnerability. The folded posture can limit breathing and the circulation of the legs, so shorter holds, comfortable padding, and regular check-ins are sensible.

A rigid natural pole used in rope work as a spreader or hard point, central to Japanese bamboo bondage, or takezao (竹竿, literally "bamboo pole"). The pole holds limbs apart and organises lines, and in suspension it can act as the frame a body hangs from. Because a cracked or under-strength pole can fail without warning, the bamboo must be sound and its load capacity checked before use.

A locking friction whose wraps cross over a rope junction to form an X, holding two lines together where they meet at roughly right angles. It commonly appears where the upper wraps cross the stem at the back of a box tie. Also called the X-friction.

A curved section in the middle of a rope where the line doubles back on itself to form a U, without the two parts crossing over each other. Folding a rope in half creates a bight at its midpoint, which is the starting point for a great many ties.

The receptive partner in a scene, and in rope the person being tied. Broader than rope bottom, the word comes from BDSM generally and names the receiving role without implying submission on its own.

A knot that forms a fixed loop at the end of a rope, one that keeps its size under load rather than tightening down. This makes it valued for placing a loop around a limb without the risk of it cinching closed, and it stays relatively easy to untie afterward. Several variations exist that add security for different uses.

A common form of upper body bondage where the arms are bound behind the back, also known as gote shibari or takate kote.

A bundle of nerves that runs from the neck through the shoulder and armpit before branching out to supply the whole arm and hand. It sits fairly close to the surface around the armpit and upper arm, which leaves it vulnerable to pressure from rope in that area, particularly in ties that load the armpit or draw the arms high behind the back.

Deliberately restricting or controlling breathing for erotic effect, whether by covering the airway, applying pressure, or using position. It is among the highest-risk forms of edge play: oxygen deprivation can cause fainting, injury, or death with little warning, and no technique makes it reliably safe. Many educators treat it as advanced edge play to be approached only with full awareness of the dangers.

An English nickname for a tie that folds the arms upward and secures them behind the head, the raised elbows suggesting a rabbit's ears while the chest and underarms are left exposed. “Usagi” is Japanese for rabbit. Compare Kōtōbu ryō tekubi shibari.

Another single-column cuff built on the bowline, tying around a single limb without collapsing onto it. Like other bowline-based cuffs it aims to stay secure under pull while remaining reasonably quick to untie. One of several non-cinching alternatives riggers keep in their single-column repertoire.

Short for consensual non-consent, a form of play in which partners agree in advance to act out resistance, struggle, or force so that the scene can feel non-consensual while remaining fully consented to. Because it deliberately blurs in-scene protest, it relies on clear prior negotiation, firm limits, and a signal both partners trust to stop the action for real, such as a distinct safeword or gesture.

A quick circulation check done by pressing a fingernail or toenail until it goes pale, then releasing and timing how fast the colour returns. Colour that floods back within roughly two seconds suggests blood is still reaching the extremity, while a slow or absent return can signal that a tie is restricting flow. It is most useful as one signal among several rather than a single verdict on its own.

A metal coupling link with a spring-loaded gate, borrowed from climbing and rigging, used to join ropes, rings, and hardware quickly in suspension. Load-rated locking carabiners (screw-gate or auto-locking) are used for weight-bearing connections; keychain or hardware-store carabiners are not rated for a human load and should never carry weight.

A crocheted chain of interlocking loops, each pulled through the last, used to shorten a length of rope (chaining it up) or to build a quick strap or ladder. It packs rope down compactly and neatly, but pulling the working end unravels the whole chain almost instantly. Because it releases so readily, it is not a load-bearing structure on its own.

A type of harness that focuses on the chest area, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural support for suspensions.

The crossing wraps that pass between and around a set of parallel rope bands, drawing them together and locking the tie in place. Known in Japanese as kannuki (閂, the word for a gate bolt or bar), a nod to the way it bars the wraps from loosening. Cinches appear throughout shibari, from single- and two-column ties to the frictions of a chest harness.

A hitch of two turns around a bar or post in which each turn crosses over the standing part, gripping by friction. It is quick to tie and adjust and is often used to anchor a line or begin a tie, but it can work loose if the object rotates or the tension pulls unevenly.

The small triangular bone at the base of the spine, commonly called the tailbone, formed from several fused vertebrae. As a prominent bony landmark with little padding over it, it is a spot to route rope around rather than load directly, since pressure there is uncomfortable and has no muscle to bear it. The name comes from the Greek kokkyx ("cuckoo"), for its beak-like shape.

A knot or loop that shrinks and tightens as load is applied rather than holding a fixed size. Around a wrist, limb, or especially the neck this can quickly cut off circulation, which is why single-column ties are deliberately built not to collapse.

A basic tying technique where rope is wrapped around a limb or body part in a cylindrical fashion.

Damage to soft tissue, blood vessels, or nerves caused by sustained pressure, such as a rope band bearing weight against a limb for too long. In rope bondage the usual concern is a nerve pressed against underlying bone, which can produce lasting numbness, weakness, or pain; wide, well-placed bands and regular position changes reduce the risk. Loss of function that does not quickly resolve after untying warrants prompt medical attention.

A binding knot, essentially a clove hitch with an extra tuck, that cinches hard around an object and jams against itself so tightly it often cannot be untied and must be cut off. It is prized for whipping rope ends and clamping bundles where a permanent, non-slipping grip is wanted. Its holding power also means it should not be tied directly on skin or anywhere circulation could be cut off.

A flat band made by tying repeated square (reef) knots around a central core of cords, so the knots lie flat and fully cover the core. Better known as the Solomon bar or cobra weave, it is a staple for flogger handles, grips, and bracelets. The alternating half-knots keep the band from twisting.

A soft, braided cotton rope, the same hardware-store cord once used for window sashes, that is inexpensive, easy to find, and gentle on skin. Its low cost and comfort make it a popular choice for practising knots and low-stakes floor ties. It is not suited to suspension: cotton is weaker and less predictable under heavy load than jute or hemp, and it tends to jam when cinched tight.

The same knot as the lark's head: a simple hitch that fastens a rope to a bar, ring, or another rope. The name comes from its old use in tethering animals. Handy for attachment points, but not secure enough on its own to serve as a limb tie.

A rope run between the legs from a band around the waist or hips, pressed against the groin and buttocks to apply pressure and restrict movement, sometimes playfully called an "unchastity belt." In Japanese rope it is known as matanawa (股縄). Because it bears on sensitive tissue and the nerves of the pelvic floor, its placement and tension deserve care, and rope used this way is kept clean to avoid transferring bacteria.

A foundational multi-strand knot in which each strand is folded over its neighbour in turn around the rope's axis, forming a neat, symmetrical crown. It is the building block for stopper knots and back splices (paired with a wall knot) and for stacking into longer decorative work. Used mainly as a starting structure rather than a working knot on its own.

A braided column formed by tying one crown knot on top of another in sequence, producing a square or round cord with a woven surface. The repeated stacking makes it firm and grippy, which is why it turns up on flogger handles and other wrapped grips. Also a common paracord technique.

A decorative multi-strand knot woven so the strands emerge in a rounded, faceted shape resembling a gemstone. It is a staple of flogger and whip making, where it caps or accents a handle, and also appears as a knotted button or lanyard bead. Closely related to the Chinese lanyard knot, it is built from crown and wall tucks drawn up into its finished form.

A friction or locking mechanism in rope work.

A tying technique that secures two limbs together, commonly used for wrists or ankles.

The act of tidying a set of wraps so the strands lie flat and parallel against the body with even tension across them. Good dressing spreads load more comfortably and makes a tie cleaner to look at, and it is usually done as each band of wraps is laid rather than all at the end.

The emotional and physical dip that can follow a scene once the initial high fades and body chemistry settles, ranging from mild tiredness to sadness or irritability in the hours or days afterward. It can affect either role — sub drop for the bottom, top drop for the rigger — and attentive aftercare, rest, and staying in touch help soften it.

A designated safety volunteer at a play party or event, tasked with keeping an eye on scenes, upholding house rules, and stepping in if something looks unsafe or consent seems unclear. Often shortened to DM. A general BDSM-community role rather than anything specific to rope.

A legal obligation imposed on an individual, requiring adherence to a standard of reasonable care to avoid acts or preventable events that could foreseeably harm others.

A suspension in which the person being tied is moved, spun, tilted, or transitioned between positions while off the ground, rather than held in a single static pose. Because the load on the body and the hardpoint keeps changing, it is generally treated as advanced work that builds on solid static-suspension skills.

A blunt-tipped rescue cutter with a hooked blade guarded inside its curve, designed to slide under a wrapped rope and slice through it quickly without catching skin. It is kept within reach during any tie, and especially during suspension, so a bind can be released fast in an emergency. Also called a safety hook or rescue hook.

Blunt-tipped trauma scissors, originally made for emergency medical use, kept within reach during rope scenes so someone can be cut free quickly if needed. The rounded lower tip slides under taut rope against the skin without cutting the person, and the strong blades handle most rope, which makes them a standard part of a safety kit. Also called trauma or paramedic shears.

A predicament tie that folds the body forward, curving the back so the chest is drawn down toward crossed or bound legs. Its name means shrimp (海老), after the curled shape it produces. Because it concentrates strain the longer it is held, it calls for close attention to the bottom's breathing, circulation, and comfort.

Play that deliberately approaches the physical, psychological, or emotional limits of one or both partners, where the risks are higher and the margin for error is smaller. In a rope context this can mean ties near sensitive nerves, breath or circulation restriction, suspension, or intense sensation, and it calls for solid experience, clear negotiation, and reliable ways to communicate and respond quickly. What counts as edgy is relative to the people involved rather than a fixed list of acts.

A tie that draws the elbows toward one another behind the back, opening the chest and holding the shoulders under tension. How close the elbows can come together varies enormously between bodies and depends on individual flexibility. Forcing them past their natural range risks shoulder injury and nerve strain, so it is built gradually and only to the bottom's comfortable limit.

A blockage of a blood vessel by something travelling through the bloodstream, most often a clot but sometimes a fragment of fat or a bubble of air. It matters as a general circulatory risk because a lodged embolus can cut off blood to the tissue downstream, and sudden signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, or a hot, swollen, painful limb are medical emergencies. The word comes from the Greek embolos, meaning a plug or wedge.

The nape of the neck, an important area in rope work for both aesthetics and safety.

A large artery running down the front of the thigh from the groin, carrying most of the blood supply to the leg. Because it sits fairly close to the surface at the crease of the hip, ties that press hard into the upper inner thigh or groin can compress it, and sustained pressure over a pulse point deserves attention. A limb that turns pale, cold, or loses its pulse is a reason to release the rope.

The time spent suspended off the ground in a rope suspension, the airborne portion of a scene. Early flights are best kept short, since being fully supported by rope adds strain on circulation and nerves and can bring on positional or suspension-related lightheadedness; building up duration gradually as the body adapts is safer than staying up for long stretches too soon.

Describing partners who have agreed to share bodily fluids without barriers, usually after discussing testing and risk together. In rope, the phrase is also borrowed to mean cord kept for use on a single person for hygiene, since natural-fibre rope absorbs fluids and cannot be fully disinfected.

A multi-strand knot that gathers several cords into a compact, ridged band, historically worked into the footropes sailors stood on beneath a yard to give the feet purchase. In flogger making it serves as a transition knot, tightening and dressing the strands where sections of the piece meet. It is related to the diamond and Matthew Walker family of multi-strand knots.

A method of securing rope without knots, using wraps and tension to hold rope in place.

A leg tie in which the ankle is bound to the thigh, holding the knee in a deeply folded position that resembles a frog's bent leg. It is often used to limit mobility or to hold the hips open, and it can be applied to one or both legs. Padding behind the knee and periodically checking the lower leg and foot for circulation help keep longer holds comfortable.

A tie in which the whole body is held up by rope with no part touching the ground. It contrasts with partial suspension, where some weight still rests on the floor or a surface, and it asks for careful attention to circulation, nerves, and load, since the body's full weight is carried entirely by the harness lines.

A tie of the thigh, often used in suspension work for structural support.

A tie with the hands bound behind the back, commonly known as a box tie in English.

The art of binding the hands behind the back, a fundamental technique in kinbaku.

The simplest hitch: a single turn of rope passed around an object with the working end tucked under its own standing part to hold it. On its own it is not very secure, but stacked or combined with other elements it forms the backbone of many larger ties.

A locking friction that pins the working rope against an existing wrap with a tucked bight, holding tension in place without a knot. It is the classic friction used to secure and turn rope in ties like the box tie (takate-kote). Also called a square friction; from the Japanese hakodome (箱締め), roughly 'box lock'.

A single knot that forms two adjustable loops side by side, sized to hold two wrists or ankles at once. Tightening one loop tends to loosen the other, so it is not a secure restraint on its own and is often locked off or backed up before any real load. Also called a hobble knot when used on the legs.

A rope arrangement that leaves a single ring or point and splits into two or more support lines, spreading a suspension's load across several attachment points on a harness. They are named by the number of lines: a Y-hanger feeds two, a W-hanger three, giving finer control over a load's angle and balance.

The fixed, engineered fixture overhead from which a suspension hangs — a rated ceiling ring, beam, or bolt that has been verified to bear a moving human load. Everything in a suspension ultimately rests on it, so it must be properly installed and rated well beyond the weight expected. The term emphasizes the structural fixture itself, and is sometimes used interchangeably with anchor point.

A structural rope pattern designed to distribute weight and provide support, often used in suspension work.

A vertical post or beam used as an anchor point in suspension, from the Japanese for pillar (柱). Rope run to a hashira lets a rigger raise, lower, or redirect a partner's weight, so a sturdy, properly rated structure is a basic requirement for tying safely off one.

The altered mental and emotional state a scene can bring a person into, shaped by focus, adrenaline, endorphins, and the roles being played. It varies widely, from floaty and euphoric to deeply calm or intensely vulnerable, and because judgment and awareness can shift within it, checking in and gentle aftercare help ease the return afterward.

A natural bast-fibre rope spun from the stalk of the hemp plant, valued for its strength, grip, and body. Coarser and heavier than jute but more durable, it is a common choice for suspension once properly conditioned. Like all natural fibre it must be inspected for wear and kept dry, since damp and rot weaken it out of sight.

A harness that focuses on the hip area, commonly used for suspension and structural support.

The diamond or lozenge shape formed where rope lines cross in a repeating lattice, a foundational decorative motif in shibari. The name comes from the Japanese 菱 (hishi), the water caltrop, whose angular seed gives the shape its name, and it appears in body harnesses (hishi karada) as well as many chest and hip ties.

A knot that fastens rope to another object such as a limb, a bar, or another line, and relies on that object to keep its shape. Remove what it is tied around and a hitch generally falls apart, which is what distinguishes it from a knot tied in the rope itself. It is the parent category for a range of rope-bondage ties, including the half hitch.

A restrictive tie in which the wrists and ankles are bound and then drawn together behind the body, typically leaving the bottom face-down and largely immobilized. It creates a strong sense of helplessness but can compress the chest and belly against the ground. Because that pressure can make breathing harder, it warrants close attention to the bottom's airway and quick, easy access to release.

A single-column cuff tied around one limb that does not collapse or cinch tighter when loaded, so it stays at a safe, steady diameter under tension. Because it can be formed mid-rope rather than only at a rope end, it is useful for adding an inline attachment point. The name nods to hojojutsu (捕縄術), the old Japanese art of restraint from which many shibari ties descend.

The historical Japanese martial art of binding and restraining prisoners with rope, used by law enforcement in the samurai era. Its name combines the characters for capture (捕), rope (縄), and technique (術). It is widely regarded as an ancestor of modern shibari, though today's rope practice is recreational and consensual rather than a method of restraint.

A raft or platform tie, often used in floor work.

Striking the body for sensation and erotic effect, using the hands or implements such as floggers, paddles, canes, and crops. Blows are generally kept to the fleshier areas and away from the spine, kidneys, and joints, with partners agreeing on intensity and signals beforehand.

A natural fiber rope commonly used in traditional shibari, known for its grip and aesthetic qualities.

The Japanese term for a cinch: wraps taken crosswise around a bundle of parallel ropes to draw the strands together and lock them in place. The single kanji (閂) pictures a bar set across a gate, echoing how the wraps bolt the ropes down. See also Cinch.

A rope harness worn over the torso, most often built from a line of knots down the body that open into a decorative diamond-patterned web (hishi karada). From the Japanese 体 (karada, "body"), it is frequently tied as a standalone decorative or sensory piece and is a common early pattern for learners.

A hexagonal, tortoise-shell rope pattern made by layering wraps and knots into a repeating six-sided lattice across the body. From the Japanese 亀甲 (kikkō, "tortoise shell"), the motif carries traditional associations with longevity and protection, and it is used in both decorative harnesses and load-bearing ties.

The art of Japanese rope bondage, emphasizing aesthetics, connection, and technique.

A directional friction hitch tied by wrapping a loop or length of cord neatly around a host rope and passing one end through the other, so it grips when weighted in one direction and slides freely when unloaded. Borrowed from climbing, it serves as a moveable, releasable grab on anchors and uplines. It only holds in the direction it is dressed for, so orientation matters.

The forearm or wrist area.

A tie that fixes the wrists up behind the head so they rest at the back of the skull or nape, the bent arms framing the face. Known informally as a “bunny tie” in the West. Compare Usagi shibari.

A friction that redirects the rope through a right angle — forming an 'L' — while locking it against a wrap so it holds tension in the new direction. It is a handy way to turn a line cleanly, for instance when routing rope around a limb or through a harness.

A basic hitch made by folding the rope into a bight, passing it around an object, and drawing the ends back through the loop. Also known as the cow hitch, it is a fast way to attach rope to a ring, bar, or another line, though on its own it can shift or collapse under uneven load.

A technique for binding poles, spars, or frame pieces together with repeated turns of rope, with common forms including square lashing (for poles crossing at right angles) and shear lashing (for poles laid side by side). A few frapping turns, taken between the poles and across the main wraps, pull the whole binding tight and rigid. Drawn from scouting and traditional rigging, it appears in rope work wherever a solid structure or hard point needs to be assembled.

A tying technique focused on the legs, often used for structural support or aesthetic purposes.

The boundaries partners set on what a scene may include. A hard limit is a firm line that is never to be crossed, while a soft limit is something approached only with care, under the right conditions, or maybe not at all on a given day. Both are established during negotiation and can shift over time as trust and experience grow.

Describes any rope, friction, or piece of hardware that is actually carrying weight or holding significant tension, as opposed to a decorative or positioning wrap. In suspension it matters to know which elements are load-bearing, because those must be secure, well dressed, and kept clear of vulnerable anatomy — a failure under load can happen suddenly.

A finishing move that secures the working end of the rope so the tension already built into a tie stays put and the wraps don't loosen. Lock-offs come in many forms, from a simple half hitch to a purpose-made friction, and are used to hold a structure steady before moving on to the next stage.

Multifilament polypropylene, a synthetic rope made from many fine plastic strands twisted or braided together. It is prized for bright, saturated colour, a soft hand, and the fact that it can be machine-washed, which suits it to wet play and settings where hygiene matters. Being slick, it holds knots less reliably than natural fibre and can cause friction burns if it runs fast across skin.

A rounded decorative stopper built from a wall knot and a crown knot doubled, so each strand is followed around a second time to give a full, symmetrical ball. Traditionally tied at the end of a ship's manrope or handrail to form a grip and keep the line from running out, it now serves in flogger handles and other decorative endings. It is essentially a doubled version of the simpler crown-and-wall combination.

A tapered metal or wooden spike used to pry open the strands (the lay) of a rope so a knot, splice, or hitch can be worked through it. It is more a marine and rigging tool than a staple of Japanese rope, though it lends its name to the marlinspike hitch; a smoother version shaped for fibre rope is called a fid.

A multi-strand stopper knot in which each strand passes around the standing part and back through the others, forming a firm collar on a bundle of cords. In flogger making it is often set where the handle meets the falls, gathering the strands into a tidy transition. One of the oldest named knots in the sailor's repertoire, it is traditionally said to be the only knot honoured with a person's name.

A major nerve of the arm that travels down the middle of the forearm and through the wrist at the carpal tunnel, supplying feeling to the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Because it passes through the wrist, ties placed low on the forearm or across the wrist can compress it, so numbness or tingling in those fingers is a signal to adjust.

An adjustable friction loop, a refined taut-line variant, whose two riding turns inside the loop let it slide to set tension yet hold position once loaded. It is used to tension a line to a fixed point where the length needs fine-tuning, such as a guyline or adjustable stay. The extra internal turn makes it grip more reliably than a plain taut-line hitch.

The load at which a piece of hardware or rope is expected to fail, as rated by its manufacturer under test conditions. It marks the breaking point, not a safe working figure, so real-world loads are kept well below it (see Working Load Limit) to leave a margin for wear, knots, shock loading, and other conditions the rating does not account for.

A casual, low-key social gathering of kink or rope people held in a public, everyday setting such as a café, pub, or restaurant, in ordinary clothes and with no play involved. Munches offer a relaxed way to meet the community, ask questions, and make connections without the pressures of a party or event.

The chest area.

A chest harness or chest protection in rope work.

A simple chest harness whose name joins the Japanese words for chest (胸, mune) and rope (縄, nawa). It runs bands of rope around the upper torso to create a secure, load-bearing structure, and commonly serves as a base layer that more elaborate ties are added onto.

A friction hitch that crosses the rope over itself so it can feed through under control, borrowed from climbing where it is used to belay and lower. In rope work it serves as an adjustable friction or lock, related in purpose to the Japanese nodome (rope lock).

Rope in Japanese.

The conversation partners have before a scene to agree on what will and won't happen, covering activities, limits, safewords, health or injury concerns, and what each person hopes to get from it. It turns assumptions into shared, informed consent, and is worth revisiting whenever the partners, the plan, or someone's comfort level changes.

Pressure on a nerve, most often from a rope band lying directly across it, that disrupts the signals it carries. The warning signs are usually tingling, numbness, or weakness rather than pain, so a nerve issue can be easy to overlook; the standard response is to move or remove the wrap right away, since compression left in place can cause injury that takes weeks to heal.

The normal way a nerve slides and stretches through the surrounding muscle and connective tissue as a joint moves, rather than staying fixed in place. When rope pins a nerve against bone it can lose this freedom to glide, which is part of why compressed nerves are vulnerable to injury. The same idea is called "nerve flossing" when it refers to gentle exercises meant to restore that movement.

Ground-based rope work performed with the bottom lying or seated on the floor or bed rather than lifted into the air. The term is borrowed from Japanese martial arts, where it refers to techniques carried out on the ground. See also Yukawaza.

A friction knot, commonly used in rope work for securing rope without traditional knots.

A variation of the gote tie with specific aesthetic characteristics.

The most basic knot, made by forming a loop and passing one end through it. It serves both as a simple stopper and as the first move in building more complex knots. Drawn tight in thin rope it can be stubborn to undo, so it is used sparingly where a tie needs to come apart quickly.

A synthetic rope engineered to offer a natural-fibre feel with the consistency and rot resistance of man-made material, popular among riggers for suspension. It holds friction and knots well and needs less conditioning than hemp or jute, though some tyers miss the tooth and smell of plant fibre. As with any suspension line, its condition and rated strength should be confirmed before it takes load.

A thin, lightweight braided nylon cord, originally parachute suspension line, built as an outer sheath around several inner strands. Its small diameter makes it handy for decorative detail, small bundling, and gear, but it is far too narrow to spread load safely over the body and is not used for suspension. As a thin cord it can bite and concentrate pressure, so it is kept away from anything weight-bearing.

An abnormal skin sensation such as tingling, prickling, pins and needles, or numbness, usually caused by pressure on or irritation of a nerve. In rope it often means a wrap is sitting on a nerve rather than safely on muscle, and it is a cue to adjust or remove the tie before the sensation deepens or weakness sets in. The name comes from the Greek para- ("abnormal") and aisthesis ("sensation").

A suspension where the bottom is partially lifted from the ground, with some weight still supported by the floor.

Tiny pinpoint red or purple spots that appear when small capillaries under the skin burst and leak, usually showing up in clusters. In rope they can form where a wrap has held steady pressure for a while; small patches are typically minor and fade on their own over days. Widespread or unexplained petechiae, however, can point to other causes and are worth having checked.

Difficulty breathing caused by the position of the body rather than by anything around the neck, when a posture compresses the chest or folds the torso enough to restrict the lungs. It is a particular concern in ties that bend someone forward, load the chest, or leave them unable to shift position, and it can come on quietly, which is why breathing is watched throughout a scene.

A style of tie designed so the bound person is caught between two uncomfortable choices, where easing one strain increases another. A common example links two points so that relieving pressure in one place, such as lowering onto the heels, tightens or pulls somewhere else, keeping the person actively negotiating their own position. It is used for its psychological tension and dynamic of control, and depends on careful setup to stay within safe physical limits.

A sliding friction hitch, usually tied with a loop of thinner cord wrapped several times around a thicker line, that grips firmly when weighted and slides freely when the load is released. Borrowed from climbing and rescue work, it lets a movable attachment point hold under tension yet be repositioned by hand. Named after Karl Prusik, the Austrian mountaineer credited with popularising it in the early 20th century.

A knot, wrap, or tie-off built so that a single pull frees the rope, giving a fast way out if a scene needs to end quickly. It is common in bed and floor ties as a safety measure, but it trades some holding security for speed and can loosen unexpectedly, so many riggers keep shears within reach even when using one.

Short for Risk-Aware Consensual Kink, a consent framework holding that no activity is truly free of risk, so partners should understand the real risks involved and knowingly choose to accept them. It is often preferred over SSC because it names risk honestly rather than implying that some play is danger-free.

A basic first-aid approach for soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, standing for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Applied soon after a minor injury, it aims to limit swelling and ease pain. It is a general first-aid measure, and anything severe or slow to improve warrants medical attention.

A nerve that runs through the arm and can be affected by rope work, particularly in wrist ties.

The person who ties in rope bondage, also known as the top or dominant partner.

The person being tied in rope bondage, also known as the bottom or submissive partner.

A friction injury to the skin caused by rope dragging across it quickly, ranging from a red mark to a raw graze. It usually happens when rope is pulled through too fast while tying or during an uncontrolled release, and is largely avoided by feeding rope smoothly rather than yanking it; minor cases are cared for like any other abrasion, by cleaning and protecting the area.

Short for Safe, Sane and Consensual, an early and widely known shorthand for ethical BDSM: play should be kept as safe as reasonable, undertaken with a clear mind, and agreed to by everyone involved. Critics point out that "safe" and "sane" are subjective, which led many people to favour the more explicit risk framing of RACK.

The crease where the buttock meets the back of the thigh, named for its resemblance to the seat one would sit on. In rope it is a common resting place for the lower band of a hip harness or the base of an upline, since the fold of muscle there tends to carry load more comfortably than nearby bone.

An arrangement to check in with a trusted friend at a set time when meeting or playing with someone new, with an agreed plan for what happens if the check-in is missed. It is a basic safety practice, especially for first meetings or private sessions, giving a way for help to be summoned if something goes wrong.

A pre-agreed word or signal that lets anyone pause or stop a scene at once, chosen to be clear and unlikely to come up by chance so it isn't mistaken for play. A common pattern is the traffic-light system — "red" to stop, "yellow" to slow down or check in, "green" to continue. When a bottom is gagged or otherwise nonverbal, a gesture, a dropped object, or another agreed signal stands in.

A single, bounded session of rope or BDSM play, with a clear beginning and end that partners step into and out of together. Its shape and edges are set during negotiation, and once a scene winds down, aftercare begins. A general BDSM concept rather than something specific to rope.

A formal sitting position on the knees, commonly used in traditional Japanese culture.

Tying oneself rather than a partner, whether for practice, artistry, or solo bondage and even self-suspension. It carries added risk because no one else is present to monitor circulation, nerves, or an emergency, so working near safety shears, avoiding anything that could cut off the airway, and having a way to summon help are especially important.

Stimulating the senses for arousal or intensity without heavy force, through things like temperature (ice or warm wax), texture, light scratching, or blindfolding. It overlaps with rope, where the drag and pressure of the cord itself become the sensation. It tends to be gentler and more exploratory than impact play.

Quick tests of feeling and movement in a bound limb, done throughout a scene to catch nerve trouble before it becomes an injury. A sensory check asks whether sensation is normal (not numb, tingling, or cold), while a motor check asks the person to move fingers, make a fist, or push against a hand to confirm strength. A change such as sudden numbness, clumsiness, or an inability to spread the fingers is a signal to adjust or remove rope without delay.

A knot used to join two ropes end to end, particularly ropes of different diameter or stiffness where a simpler joining knot would slip. It is tied by passing the working end of one rope up through the bight of the other, around behind both parts, and back under itself. Secure under steady tension but liable to work loose when the load slackens, so it is used for joining lines rather than for load-bearing body ties.

The art of Japanese rope bondage, focusing on aesthetics, connection, and technique.

A chest harness that wraps rope in bands above and below the breasts, framing them rather than covering them. The name comes from the Japanese word for pearl (真珠). It is often tied as a decorative upper-body piece or as a foundation that later ties and suspension lines build upon.

A basic tying technique that secures one limb or body part.

Damage to the small sensory nerve fibres that carry pain, temperature, and light-touch signals, producing burning, tingling, or numbness that is often felt in a patch of skin. It comes up in rope safety as a possible longer-term consequence of a nerve injury, since these fine fibres can be affected even when strength and larger-nerve function seem intact. Altered sensation that persists or spreads after a scene is worth evaluating by a medical professional.

A single-column tie in the bowline family, used as a cuff around one limb. It is valued for holding its loop at a steady size without cinching down under load, and for staying manageable to release afterward. A Western rope-bondage variation on the standard single-column tie.

A person who assists during a tie without doing the tying themselves, staying close to support the bottom's weight, watch for trouble, or help with a controlled descent. Most common in suspension and other higher-risk work, where a second set of hands and eyes adds a real margin of safety.

A binding knot that joins two ends by tying two opposing half knots, left over right and then right over left, so the finished knot lies flat. Known in Japanese as hon musubi (本結び, roughly 'true knot') and in English also as the reef knot. It holds a bundle together reliably but tends to slip when used to join two separate loaded ropes, so it is chosen with that limitation in mind.

The loaded, anchored part of the rope that is already committed to a tie and under tension, as opposed to the working end, which is free and actively being handled. Keeping clear on which part is the standing line and which is the working end is fundamental to tying cleanly and safely.

The central vertical line of rope that joins the upper and lower wraps of a tie, running down its middle. It carries much of a harness's structure and is often where a cinch is placed to keep the upper and lower bands separated and secure.

A simple safeword scheme borrowed from traffic lights: green means all is well and can continue, yellow (or amber) means slow down, ease off, or check in, and red means stop the scene now. It gives partners a quick shared vocabulary for pacing and safety, and is often paired with a non-verbal cue for when someone is gagged or unable to speak.

A position in which the arms are bound behind the back and then raised upward, forcing the torso to fold forward and down. It borrows its name from a historical European torture method (from the Italian strappare, to pull or wrench), and it places heavy strain on the shoulder joints and the nerves of the upper arm. Considered high-risk: it is built slowly, held briefly, and released quickly if the bottom reports numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.

An altered, often floaty or trance-like headspace a bottom may drift into during an intense scene, tied to the rush of endorphins and adrenaline that rope, sensation, and surrender can bring on. Because it can dull awareness and the ability to communicate clearly, a top watches for it and checks in regularly. The matching state a top can enter is sometimes called topspace.

A variant of the square (reef) knot with an extra turn worked into the first throw, so the added friction holds the wrapping in place while the second throw is set. The name comes from its use in suturing, where tissue must stay drawn together without slipping as the knot is finished. It is handy any time a binding needs to keep tension while being tied off.

A rope technique where the bottom is lifted completely off the ground, supported entirely by rope.

A load-rated metal ring hung from the hard point, through which the upline or uplines of a suspension are run. It gives a single strong, rounded collection point for the rigging. Only hardware with a stated working load rated for dynamic human weight should be trusted overhead.

Someone who takes both roles, tying on some occasions and being tied on others, whether with different partners, in different scenes, or even within a single one. A general BDSM term rather than something specific to rope.

A traditional upper body tie with the arms bound behind the back, also known as TK.

A sash used to hold up a kimono, also used to describe a specific rope pattern.

A tie that binds the forearms together behind the back, holding them roughly parallel across the lower back. The name comes from the tengu (天狗, literally "heaven dog"), a long-nosed mountain spirit of Japanese folklore, the projecting bound forearms evoking its distinctive nose. Because the arms are held back and up, it loads the shoulders and can affect the arm's nerves, so the bottom's hand sensation is checked throughout.

A simple hitch made by passing the working end around a spar, log, or pole, then back around the standing part and tucking it under its own turns to bite. Quick to tie and easy to release once load comes off, it is used for hauling or anchoring to a round object under steady tension. It can loosen or slip if the direction of pull reverses, so it suits one-way loads.

A short bar, dowel, or ring that rope passes through at an anchor point so lines run over a rounded surface instead of over other rope. The lower friction lets a suspension line raise, lower, or hold more smoothly, and it reduces the rope-on-rope wear and heat that can weaken fibres.

The active partner in a scene, and in rope the one doing the tying and generally directing how things unfold. It is a broader term than rigger, borrowed from BDSM at large, and describes the active role without necessarily implying a dominant one.

A foundational binding that cuffs three "columns" together at a single point, whether three limbs or a limb combined with an anchor such as a pole or length of bamboo. It extends the two-column tie, relying on friction between the columns and a locking wrap so the cuff neither collapses nor cinches down. As with any limb binding, it is tied with enough room to slip a check for circulation and to keep pressure off the nerve lines.

Suspension in Japanese rope work.

One of the major nerves of the arm, running down the inner side and passing behind the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, the spot known as the funny bone. It carries sensation to the little finger and part of the ring finger, so tingling or numbness there can be an early sign that a wrap is pressing on it and needs to be moved.

The rope, or set of ropes, running from a harness on the body up to the hard point or suspension ring, carrying the load that lifts and supports that part of the body. Adjusting uplines is how a rigger raises, lowers, and angles a suspended partner, since their tension and angle set how weight is distributed.

Rabbit in Japanese, often used to describe bunny ties or exposed armpits.

A tie in which the arms are folded up and bound behind the head so the raised limbs suggest a rabbit's ears, leaving the chest and armpits exposed. From usagi (rabbit) and shibari (tie or binding).

Hands bound behind the back.

A strenuous tie that holds the palms pressed flat together behind the back, known in English as the reverse prayer tie; from ushirote (hands behind the back) and gasshō, the palms-together gesture of prayer.

A suspension in which the body hangs from a box-tie-style forearm binding worn behind the back; from ushirote (behind the back), kote (the forearm arm bundle) and tsuri/zuri (suspension).

The general term for binding the hands or arms behind the back, the foundation of most Japanese rear ties; from ushirote (hands behind the back) and shibari (tie).

A tie that binds the arms behind the back while carrying rope across the shoulders in a crossed pattern, named for the tasuki, the cord used to hold back kimono sleeves. From ushirote (hands behind the back) plus tasuki.

Rope work carried out with the bottom lying face down on the floor, from utsubuse, meaning prone or face down.

A suspension in which the bottom hangs facing the ground; zuri is the sound-shifted form of tsuri, to suspend. See also Utsubuse shibari.

Conventional sex or relationships that involve no kink, and by extension people whose tastes fall outside the rope and BDSM scene; used descriptively rather than as a judgment.

To check a prospective partner's references, community reputation, and history before agreeing to play, a common safety step when meeting rope or BDSM partners through events or online.

A friction used to lock off or redirect rope, tied as the mirror image of the nodome; its name pairs 'wa' (ring or loop) with 'dome' (a stopper), and it is sometimes described as an inverted Munter hitch. See also Nodome.

A tie that draws the arms up or back so the underarms are left open and bared, from waki (armpit) and sarashi (to expose or lay bare). The defenseless posture is treated as especially vulnerable, and in the West it is sometimes likened to bunny ears for the shape made by the raised elbows.

A terminal knot formed by interweaving the separated strands at a rope's end, each strand carried up and out through the bight of its neighbor. It is the inverse of the crown knot and is commonly paired with one to build a decorative stopper or rope's-end button.

A traditional Japanese-style room floored with tatami mats and often fitted with sliding paper doors, from wa (Japanese) and shitsu (room). Its matted floor makes it a classic setting for floor-based rope work.

Cotton rope, from wata (綿, cotton) and nawa (縄, rope); softer and more elastic than hemp or jute, it is gentle against the skin and well suited to floor work and learning, though that same stretch makes it a poorer choice for full suspension.

A broad label for the rope-and-restraint traditions that developed in Europe and North America, set against Japanese shibari; it tends to prize secure, practical immobilization and freely mixes rope with cuffs, straps, and other hardware rather than the patterned, aesthetic rope central to kinbaku.

Turns of twine or thread bound tightly around the end of a rope to stop its strands from fraying and unraveling; a traditional rope finish catalogued in several forms (common, sailmaker's, West Country) in The Ashley Book of Knots.

The maximum load a piece of hardware or rope is rated to carry in normal use, set by the manufacturer as a fraction of its Minimum Breaking Strength to leave a safety margin. With rope, movement, knots, and wear all reduce real capacity, so the WLL is treated as a ceiling to stay under rather than a target to reach.

The portion of rope actively being handled to form a knot, wrap, or tie, in contrast to the standing part that stays put. See also Standing end.

Loss of the ability to lift the wrist and fingers, caused by compression of the radial nerve. In rope it is a serious warning sign of nerve injury, most often from a box tie pressing against the upper arm.

A rapid method of tying a bowline for single-column ties, popularized by UK rigger WykD Dave; quick to apply and secure, though the knot tends to cinch under load, making it better suited to uplines than to positions needing an easy emergency release.

A friction that locks a rope against another line where the two cross, the securing wraps passing over the junction in an X so it holds under tension yet releases without a knot. Favoured for joining ropes that meet at a crossing or T-junction.

The granny knot, formed when both half-knots are tied in the same direction so the finished knot twists crosswise instead of lying flat, making it less secure than the square knot (hon musubi). Reads literally as "side knot," from 横 (yoko, side or sideways).

A lateral suspension in which the bottom hangs roughly horizontal on their side, weight borne sideways by the chest harness. From 横 (yoko, side) and 吊り (tsuri, suspension), and commonly taught as the first and most approachable full suspension.

A traditional Japanese seated posture in which both legs are folded to one side of the body, used in floorwork for its relaxed, asymmetric line. From yoko (side) and suwari (to sit); also called onna-zuwari.

The tying of the fingers or thumbs, a form of small-gauge bondage typically worked with thin cord. From yubi (finger) and shibari (binding).

Rope work performed on the floor rather than in the air, with the bottom's weight staying on the ground throughout. From yuka (floor) and shibari (binding); see also Newaza and Yukawaza.

Tying done with the bottom dressed in a yukata — a light cotton summer kimono — so the garment is worked into the composition rather than removed, the fabric and rope framing each other. From 浴衣 (yukata) and 縛り (binding).

Rope work carried out on the floor, keeping the bottom on the ground rather than lifting them into the air. From 床 (yuka, floor) and 技 (waza, technique). See also Newaza.

A bight secured by a half-hitch laid over it, forming a hold that can slide along the standing line or be freed even under tension, and commonly used to keep a bight from pulling through during suspension. Named for rope master Yukimura Haruki.

An upper-body tie in which the arms are bound high across the front of the torso, serving as the forward counterpart to the rear-arm box tie; from zenpou (front) and takate (high arms).

The voiced form of tsuri (to hang), meaning suspension; it appears as a suffix naming specific hangs, as in kata-ashi-zuri, a one-leg suspension.