Relationships
Rope Family
Short Definition
A rope family is a group of people who are connected through a shared passion for rope bondage (shibari/kinbaku or Western-style rope play). The term reflects a sense of community, collaboration, mentorship, and trust built around rope practice—whether for artistic expression, kink, intimacy, or all of the above.
Detailed Explanation
A rope family is a group of people who are connected through a shared passion for rope bondage (shibari/kinbaku or Western-style rope play). The term reflects a sense of community, collaboration, mentorship, and trust built around rope practice—whether for artistic expression, kink, intimacy, or all of the above.
A rope family may include riggers (tops), bottoms (models), switches, photographers, educators, and observers. These families often form through rope jams, classes, local scenes, or personal connection, and may practice regularly together. Members may or may not be romantically or sexually involved - it’s often about creative collaboration, shared learning, and emotional support.
Source
This entry is based on an article from the FetLife Kinktionary. The content has been translated and adapted for the Kinky Circle Wiki.