Welcome to Crash Restraint

This site hosts an extensive, completely free online course in rope bondage (also known as Shibari or Kinbaku). Use of restraints is one of the most common sexual fantasies, but tying someone with rope in a way that is safe, comfortable, and effective requires specific training, even for those who already know a lot about knots. Most depictions in popular media get it wrong, and even many educational books and websites show techniques that are incomplete or unsafe.

The goal of Crash Restraint is to cut through the confusion and misinformation to provide the most accurate, up-to-date material available, in a format that is easy to master. Years of teaching experience have shown that clear, step-by-step videos are the most effective way to learn rope; in some cases even better than in-person instruction.

Bad bondage
This shot from "50 Shades of Grey" is an example of terrible rope bondage. If you tie someone up like this, they will probably get hurt!

Thousands of people from all over the world have used Crash Restraint to begin or assist their journey with rope. Whether you want to do highly technical aerial suspensions, or just tie your partner’s wrists to a bed frame, we’ve got you covered.

Kiss
Topologist suspends Rachel Ki

So what is this rope thing all about?
People practice rope bondage for a wide variety of reasons. Rope can spice up your sex life; it can also be a way to connect with someone non-sexually. Rope can feel edgy and exciting, or comforting and relaxing. Rope can hurt so good; but it can also be a gentle hug. Rope bondage is a form of communication between two people, and the content is really up to you.

Twisted windows
Rachel Ki twirls in a suspension performance

Tying is also an art form
Some people tie and model in rope primarily as a form of visual self-expression. Rope art may or may not be erotic. Rope performances can be frankly sexual, but can also be more like aerial circus arts; indeed many of today’s most interesting rope performers have a circus background. BDSM has also influenced fashion for a long time, and it’s not unusual these days to see rope used as an element in magazine photos and music videos.

Hug
Topologist and Rachel right after tying

Who runs this site?
I'm Chris — also known as Topologist in rope circles. I've been studying rope bondage since 2007, and teaching for most of that time. Also appearing in many of the videos is my partner Rachel Ki. IRL, I'm a software engineer, and Rachel is a 3D lighting artist. We're both into climbing, circus arts, photography, and most importantly, dessert.

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