Shibari, the complex and elegant art of Japanese rope bondage, has evolved from a historical practice into a modern art form, celebrated both for its aesthetic beauty and its deep cultural roots. This ancient practice, originating in Japan, has transcended borders, gaining popularity and admiration worldwide.

To better understand this practice, what better way than to speak with an expert in the art, Master Faust!

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Faust-Shibari. Of course, it’s a stage name, and that’s how it should be.
I strive to be accessible and to share my passion with beginners, the curious, as well as more experienced individuals.
You can find me at Shibari-related events: Workshops, Jams, RopeCamp, at Kinky events (Demonia, Kink-Me) or exhibitions such as Luxuria or ErosExpos, but also in adult venues or simply at private parties.

How long have you been practicing Shibari?
I was "born" in 2008. At the time, my partner and I saw a very aesthetic photo with ropes. We contacted the person who had created it. That’s how I began learning from them. Around the same time, I was fortunate to meet some generous photographers who were willing to collaborate with me. This allowed me to develop a keen eye for visual details and to give my Shibari an aesthetic focus.
It’s important to remember that in the early 2000s, there were very few trainers and even fewer accessible tutorials (unlike today). In France, there were mainly two or three individuals who had trained in Japan and a handful of self-taught practitioners.
In 2011, I met Nicolas Arnoys, who completely shaped my style. We became very close, but I still consider him my Sensei.
Then, from 2014, the practice started to become more widely known, thanks to a prestigious Parisian association. That was when I started making faster progress, thanks to the workshops they organized.
In 2017, I met Mother Dragon completely by chance. Since then, she has introduced me to her networks and shared her expertise in the performance world. In the meantime, she has become a dear friend, and we sometimes perform together.
Finally, in 2019, my Star came into my life. She challenges me in many ways. Being the partner of a "Shibarist" who ties up many people isn’t easy, but she fully respects my passion. She even encourages me to step out of my comfort zone. Since 2022, she has also been my stage partner, and thanks to her, we now perform at prestigious events.

How do you feel during your sessions?
Shibari is a high-risk practice, not only in terms of physical injury but also in terms of psychological well-being.
We are responsible for people who trust us. More than in any other BDSM practice, we must be extremely attentive. A strong knowledge of anatomy is essential.
Additionally, this practice can put the model into a heightened emotional state. Some people may lose the ability to objectively assess their situation. That’s when we must remain ethical and not be swept away by the excitement of the moment.
Today, there are many different approaches to Shibari, but safety is the common thread in all of them. It should always be the guiding principle, regardless of skill level.
When I teach private lessons, I work with my students to define their expectations. For me, technique is not the ultimate goal. The most important thing is to be able to reproduce what has been learned while understanding that some knowledge will inevitably be lost—but safety must always remain a priority.
There are many ways to learn: books, tutorials, personal experience, and classes. However, I strongly recommend starting in an established association before anything else. Even though our practice is not recognized by any sports federation, there are now structured groups run by passionate volunteers who offer proper instruction, allowing for safe learning and progress at one's own pace.

Is a fetish outfit a plus for you or your play partner during a session?
That’s a tricky question. Obviously, financial means should not dictate one’s practice.
For me, Shibari is an art closely tied to aesthetics. The many Japanese prints depicting bondage, bringing hidden fantasies to life, are proof of this.
To practice, all you really need is a set of ropes and an anchor point if you want to do suspensions. For both the model and the rigger, comfortable clothing is sufficient.
However, when performing for an audience, it's always more engaging for spectators if the outfits match the mood.
So, while a specific outfit doesn’t inherently change the practice, I do believe that a beautiful outfit makes a session more visually appealing than a simple tracksuit.
Some fetish outfits are well-suited for Shibari, as long as they are comfortable and do not restrict movement.
It’s like at a restaurant—the presentation of a dish influences how it is perceived.

Is this your only practice?
Shibari is my main practice. It fits perfectly within my BDSM approach.
Some people may have seen me using wax or a whip on tied-up models, both on stage and at private events.
For me, Shibari is complete in itself. It allows me to challenge my model mentally while taking them through different experiences—endurance, performance, pleasure, eroticism, and aesthetics.

Your craziest anecdotes?
Once, while taking the TGV, my bag was stolen. It contained my ropes, carabiners, and my tanto sword…
When I arrived at Paris station, I had to file a police report detailing the contents of my bag. The officer was quite surprised, but we ended up spending two hours discussing my practice.
Incredibly, my bag was found, and I was invited to retrieve it. Another officer asked me to describe its contents again to verify my claim. Jokingly, I was called a "perfect psychopath," but we ended up having another two-hour conversation about Shibari.
It seems I was destined to introduce law enforcement to our art!

What advice would you give to someone interested in exploring or practicing Shibari, either as an active or passive participant?
Start with an introductory session in an association.
Never practice alone at first!
There is always some risk, even in pleasure. Playing is great, but playing safely is even better!

What are your future projects?
As mentioned earlier, my partner and I create performances that showcase Shibari. We have chosen to move away from traditional conventions.
Our Shibari is dynamic, where the ropes serve as a pretext for the show rather than being the main focus. The model plays a more active role than the rigger.
Above all, we thrive on the deep connection between us—without it, the performance would be meaningless.

In the future, my health will inevitably decline, as it does for everyone. I will need to adapt my technique and my approach accordingly. For me, this is an opportunity to continue discovering new facets of my practice.
And perhaps, younger generations will take an interest in what I have to share. Who knows?