Yeah try to check the fetlife community in your area perhaps. If you haven't already. But I know, Shibari takes a lot of practice! And knowledge about anatomy. One of the friends who ties me told me she studies 2 hours a week and has done so for 5 years and she still doesn't consider herself very knowledgeable.

Even if someone isn't into it they could be your "safety buddy". Though for me personally they'd have to become a friend first before I'd trust them enough with that.

I was that for a friend when we started out though she has a full time Dom now so she doesn't need it anymore. But we were always watching each others' backs in the club.