Kinbaku Underground is a community of like-minded people who believe that the essence of kinbaku is desire, dark phantasies and love. While we believe in free thought and the individual way, we share core values.
I. We always treat our partners well, take mutual responsibility and tie only in selected partnerships. Kinbaku, if done right, is an intimate and potentially dangerous thing which should only be shared with someone we fully trust and who we are willing to care for. We do not prey on partners.
II. We never tie without connection. Kinbaku should not be done casually, and it should not be exercised without content. There is no practice, every tie is real in one or the other way. The range of motivations and emotions though is huge: honest joy, fascinating beauty, artisanal studies, deep relaxation are just as legitimate as evil sexual phantasies.
III. We try our best to keep our egos low and avoid excessive displays of our skills, marketing measures, commercial activity and such. We do not need such things for our self-esteem, for we are free and happy people who chose to enjoy.
IV. We take the safe approach and act with common sense. While we acknowledge that practicing kinbaku involves risks, we do our best to minimise them by building our skills and avoiding dangerous practices. Safety and responsibility requires both partners to go slowly together.
V: We focus on the rope and do not take shortcuts. Kinbaku can be very powerful for the mind, heart and body. A good rigger does not require cheating methods; in fact they may be counterproductive. Tools like vibrators and neck ropes should only be used if the feelings ask for them, not for trying to evoke them. Community tends are often weak and superficial.
VI. We respect the roots of shibari and those who supported us on our way. We know that we have all just scratched the surface of kinbaku, and that there is much terrain to explore, some charted and much uncharted. It is very foolish to judge early. Understanding kinbaku takes time and dedication, and it has many layers.
VII. We try our best to be authentic: We don’t tie because it is fashionable, makes us look good or gives us a some status, neither because somebody wants us to do so. We tie what we feel, what we want and what we believe. Sometimes not tying at all is the best choice.
VIII. We treat every human with respect, an open heart and tolerance. We do not engage in negative politics and intrigues; we help build a positive community. We protect the feelings of children those who don’t want to see kinbaku. We try to do good and contribute to making the world a better place.
IX. We consider it our mission to pass on our spirit and the secrets of kinbaku to the next generation, but we do not share indiscriminately. We feel honoured to pass on to those who really want, are ready for it, and are willing to take responsibility.
X. There is no such thing as an official membership or a position in Kinbaku Underground. The label must never be commercialised. Participating is a burden, not an award.