Guides and tips for bringing the arms back in ties like Gote or Takate for safer shibari
A common issue in back-arm ties is stabilizing the shoulders.
The main cause is often misunderstanding the movement and its purpose. Many describe this as “bringing the arms back,” but the real focus should be on rotating the shoulder.
The goal is to create an anatomically efficient and safe restriction. This means the person being tied should stay within their dynamic range—maintaining active muscle control over the position. Staying within this range results in movements that are less dramatic but much safer than forcing the arm to its limits.
For safety, the restriction must stabilize the mobile joints involved, especially the shoulder, which is the body’s most mobile and unstable joint.
To position the arm behind the back safely, a combination of joint movements is required:
Start with external shoulder rotation (the humerus rotates outward).
Retract the shoulder blades toward the spine, moving backward and downward, pressing against the ribcage.
Retraction: Shoulders move back, shoulder blades come together.
Protraction: Shoulders move forward, shoulder blades move apart.
Multiple muscle groups coordinate this movement—some stabilize, others drive the action. Staying within the active range prevents stress on soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. Moving into the passive range disengages the muscles and shifts stress to vulnerable structures, risking injury.
Maintaining active range and joint stability requires coordinated movement of the shoulder, shoulder blade, and thoracic spine.
From the perspective of the person being tied, if this movement isn’t familiar, they may not know how to execute it, leading to blocks or compensations. For the person tying, unfamiliarity or fear of injury may cause them to force the arm, which is counterproductive.
Tips for Both Partners
Move one side at a time.
Practice shoulder rotation alone, focusing only on the shoulder.
Ensure movement comes from the shoulder, not the torso or arm.
Alternate sides, doing three to five repetitions per side.
Once rotation is achieved, move the hand toward the opposite buttock, maintaining engagement.
Engagement should be felt along the edge of the hand, near the pinky.
Allow the forearm to rotate naturally; don’t force it.
Respect the dynamic range—no need to “reach” further.
After practicing, the person tying should gently guide the movement, following the body’s contours (from sternum to triceps), listening and adjusting as both partners develop a shared movement pattern.
Note: Starting with the left or right side doesn’t affect the technique, but may feel different for the person being tied. If one side feels blocked, try the other.
Take breaks to let the body and brain process new movement patterns. Practice in stages, resting 48 hours between sessions.
Guiding from the Forearm
Support the rotation so the person being tied can stay engaged. Never force or grip the forearm tightly. Forcing breaks the movement chain and risks dislocation.
Step-by-Step Biomechanical Breakdown
Starting Position:
Begin with the body in a neutral position, arm relaxed at the side. Check posture—shoulders, pelvis, knees.Stabilizing Muscles:
Lightly engage the muscles around the shoulder blade and core to maintain stability.Initiating Glenohumeral External Rotation:
The person tying gently slides their hand from sternum to shoulder, cueing the movement. Rotate the shoulder carefully, watching for synchronized movement in the shoulder blade and chest.Scapular Stabilization:
Retract and depress the shoulder blade, keeping it pressed against the ribcage. The abdominal wall counters to protect the spine. Ensure ribs don’t jut beyond the hips.Combining Extension and Adduction:
Continue the movement with the forearm and hand, keeping the humerus centered in its capsule. Guide gently, without forcing.Controlling the Active Range Limit:
The active limit is where the position can be held without compensation. Watch for thoracic spine flexion, scapular protraction, or reliance on hand force. The person tying should guide, and the person being tied should respond with balanced engagement. The elbow should remain straight.
Biomechanical Considerations
Active Range: Movement should be pain-free and without significant resistance. Individual flexibility, age, and fitness affect range.
Coordination: Synergistic activation of shoulder, scapular, and trunk muscles prevents compensation.
Stabilizing Muscles: Shoulder muscles keep the humeral head centered throughout.
Precautions
Avoid sudden movements that could cause anterior shoulder subluxation, especially in those with hypermobility or instability (consult a specialist if needed).
Keep the thoracic spine neutral to prevent compensations in the lumbar or thoracic regions.