Posting about BDSM educational programs worldwide

A few readers have dropped me a line regarding recent posts about BDSM educational programs here in Oz.

I've been promoting these events firstly because I am based in Australia and part of the local BDSM scene here, and secondly, because BDSM educational events in Australia are still quite rare. You can read a post where maymay and I discuss concerns regarding this here.

So it's important to spread the word about educational programs quickly, not only to counter issues we raise in that post but also to encourage kinksters new to BDSM - or real time BDSM - to attend. This blog is for newbies to BDSM and the events I have featured have all been structured FOR beginners, as well as for those with more experience.

Several of you have asked me to promote BDSM programs in your own area, or to keep you informed of events in your area. It's tricky to do the latter because I simply don't have the time or resources to track down educational events worldwide. But with your help - with your eyes and ears tuned to your local scene - I can certainly list more.

As part of the BDSM for Beginners - Going Real Time series I am currently writing, I will be providing links to various groups worldwide who promote, or hold educational programs. So, please do send any info / links - including details of any groups or blogs you yourself start to promote local events - along to me and I'll incorporate them into the Going Real Time series and also post about them, especially if they are for beginners.

LINKS TO POSTS ON FORTHCOMING BDSM EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:

• Skill Share Workshops at Uber, Sydney
• Leather Pride educational workshops, Sydney
• Japanese bondage workshops, Coffee Kink Gallery, Melbourne

Japanese Rope Bondage Workshops, Melbourne

I was just saying the other day I should start harassing Kitten - who runs Kink-E Magazine and the new Coffee Kink Gallery in Melbourne - re holding educational BDSM workshops at CKG. Great minds think alike, lol...

I just received an email from Kitten regarding Master S' forthcoming Japanese rope bondage workshops. Kitten writes:

"Regarded as one of Melbourne's best riggers, Scott has been tying Japanese inspired rope bondage for the last four years. As well as tying in private, Scott and his partner Caris are often found including rope bondage and suspension in their public play, as well as suspension performances such as at Hellfire Resurrection 2007"

Master S observes:

"One of the problems that I hear when people go to rope workshops is that they are too long and cover too many things, meaning by the end of it you have retained very little. As a result, I'm wanting to try a different approach of doing a series of shorter workshops, where a smaller number of things are covered but they are covered in depth with plenty of practice time. For me, I'd like people to be able to do a tie without thinking about it, meaning they can then focus on the connection and energy between themselves and their partner rather than worrying about where the next rope goes.

"I've worked out a progressive series of workshops, going from the basics through to advanced rigging. Ideally people would attend the first basics workshop before attending the other workshops to get the most out of them."

Here's the program:

First workshop (Rope basics) - Sunday 18th May 1pm

1: Rope basics

• This workshop covers rope basics. There will be a general safety discussion and an introduction to Japanese bondage, before moving onto practicing tying. Like music has notes, Japanese rope bondage has a series of basic ties that are put together to form the final bondage. These workshops will be looking at these ties, with an emphasis on tying them with speed and efficiency. Practice will be in the form of rope drills.
• This workshop will consist of two one and a half hour sessions, with a half hour break in between. If available, please bring some lengths of rope, ideally around 7 - 8m in length.
• Cost will be $25 per person or $40 per couple, with a concession price of $15 per person or $20 per couple..

Later workshops will include:

2: Bondage for sex

• "Nothing is hotter than tying up your partner and doing bad things to them. This workshop will go beyond the usual "spread eagled to the bed" position (which if you have tried you'll know is actually a really awkward position). Rather than rushing through a heap of positions, the focus will be on tying a smaller number really well. By learning how the basic ties can work together, you will start to gain the skills to bind your partner in any position you want them in"
• The workshop will be 2 1/2 hours in length. Please bring some lengths of rope, ideally around 7 - 8m in length. As we will be doing tying on the ground, feel free to bring a mat to make things more comfortable for you.
• Cost will be $25 per person or $40 per couple, with a concession price of $15 per person or $20 per couple.

3: Chest harness 1 (takate kote)

• "The chest harness is one of the major building blocks in Japanese rope bondage. But tied incorrectly, a chest harness can lead to nerve damage. This workshop builds a simple chest harness that forms the basis of more complex ones required for suspension. Having done the rope basics workshop will mean you get more out of this workshop"
• The workshop will be 2 hours in length. Please bring at least three lengths of rope of between 7 - 8m in length.
• Cost will be $25 per person or $40 per couple, with a concession price of $15 per person or $20 per couple

4: Rope energy

• "People who play with rope often talk about the elusive "rope energy". To quote Mark Yu: "Because of its empty nature, rope transmits the intent and power of the Top undisguised and unfiltered. Every nuance, every tremor, and every subtle sensation is given clear transmission to one who receives it." This workshop will cover how to begin to play with this energy in your rope scenes. Attendance at any of the previous workshops will help you get more out of this workshop"
• The workshop will be 2 hours in length. Please bring some lengths of rope, ideally around 7 - 8m in length. As we will be doing some tying on the ground, feel free to bring a mat to make things more comfortable for you.
• Cost will be $25 per person or $40 per couple, with a concession price of $15 per person or $20 per couple.

5: Suspension 1 - front suspension
6: Suspension 2 - side suspension

• "Due to the risks associated with suspension, each of the two suspension workshops will be longer (3 hours), and only open to those who have displayed rope competence. Apart from correct tying techniques, topics will include anatomy and physiology"
• Please try to bring at least six 7 - 8m lengths of 6mm hemp or jute rope, as there will only be a limited amount of jute rope available to practice with.
• Cost for each workshop will be $50 per person or $80 per couple, with a concession price of $25 per person or $40 per couple.
  

Booking is essential as numbers strictly limited

For more info or to join the mailing list, contact:
Coffee Kink Gallery (CKG) - 31 Johnston St Collingwood
Bookings 9415 8269 or email info@kink-e.com.au

Education Program for Leather Pride Week, Sydney

Sydney Leather Pride Association is planning some some interesting educational workshops as part of this year's Leather Pride Week.

The following is xposted from FelixforSLPA Edu via SydBdsm ("an ADULTS ONLY mailing / discussion list for the Sydney, NSW, Australia kink/fetish and related community" - worth joining if you want to make contacts in the Sydney kinky community). The Sydney Leather Pride Association website will hopefully be updated to include details soon:

• Sunday 18th May CBT part 2 5pm-7pm presented by Bob Moore continuing on from last year's incomplete session. Think of it as CBT the Sequel, with a very full couple of hours planned by Mr Bob to demonstrate all manner of interesting and complex things you can do to the C & B! This is an advanced session but if you have never perhaps you should come just to see.Bring an open mind.

• Wednesday 28 May Dungeon 101 7pm-9pm presented by Bob Moore not only the real basics, but all the things you probably know and maybe forgot or even sometimes think 'I don't need to do that anymore'. Well actually, care and caution is required at all skill levels so if you did not come last year it's time for a refresher.This session is for players of all levels, novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Anyone with care or concern for themselves and their play partners will benefit.

• Thursday 5 June 'More Rope Skills' 7-9pm presented by Tonbi (during Leather Pride Week) Aurora continue improving your collected rope skills of top and bottom. Tonbi is compiling a series of rope structures to build on the basics and strengthen your skills. Bring 2 lengths of rope : short & long (approx 3m and 6m), wear comfy clothes and be ready to tie.Open to all comers with an interest in restraint. Attendance at Dungeon 101 is advised.

Please email slpa.education@ gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Costs and venue information upon rsvp.
Please note workshop attendance is open to all genders.

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Note from Ms160: I'll add more details as further workshops are confirmed.