training

i am curious. is there such a thing as Dom/sub training?

I don't mean through pervs on the personals sites. I am talking about group or private, legit teachings through sessions, workshops or classes available to subs , Doms, and both?

do these exist & does anyone know of any in the Toronto(Canada) area?

thanks in advance for your helpful suggestions,


~ openlyrefined

The area I live in has something called "The Lab" - it's a once a month workshop sponsored by some of the local groups. Past topics have included flogging, abduction scenes, fire play, etc. Also, there are other special workshops throughout the year. And some groups have more formalized protocols/training available to members, either on a one-on-one basis or group basis. Your best option is to get plugged-in to your local community so you get on email lists and start hearing about what's available in your area. Good luck!

if you dont mind me asking questions;

How long does the training last, is it over the net or in person, does it cost, what happened, what goes on, etc.

I second jeanne's reply. The local munches and sometimes dungeons organize classes once or more a month on various BDSM techniques (like jeanne mentioned at the Lab), and there are also conventions which usually have panels on said techniques. As for more personal training, some Dom/mes that I know have mentored to gain the skills that they have now. This was done through friends and new contacts met from munches and local dungeons. However, it is safest to get plugged into your local community first and go from there...

As for your questions, all of my experience in "training" has been in person. Our local munch's class is free and lasts a few hours. Dungeon demonstrations last around an hour or less depending on the complexity of the skill and cost $20 member cover to get into the dungeon. Panels and seminars last around an hour and the cost is usually part of an overall fee for the entire convention/weekend seminars (usually $30-45/day to $150 for con run). I have been to demonstrations on flogging, violet wands, and suspension. I have attended panels on bondage, DM monitoring, and play partner guidelines for scenes. I am being currently mentored off/on in wax play, communicative and observational techniques, bondage, and flog making. And for clarification, although I am a submissive to my Master, He is training me to eventually be able to Top at His command (with consent of all present of course) so that He may Dom me in return.

They're called "demos," which is short for demonstrations. They are usually held at your local dungeon on a fairly regular basis. The two in my area have them at least once a month. There are also quarterly events and yearly events which may last an entire weekend, such as DomCon. You can also find a mentor who is willing to teach. In my opinion, mentoring is best done dom-to-dom or sub-to-sub to avoid any moral or ethical problems such as developing romantic feelings or a sexual relationship.

thanks guys. this is really helpful.