BDSM 101, minus the myths
A free course for getting into kink with your eyes open — what it is, how consent actually works, and what you want from it.
Built by BDSM educators and reviewed by people from the community, the course walks Dominants and submissives through a clear path — our blog articles in order, plus extra downloadable materials along the way.
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BDSM 101 course objectives
This beginner's basics course is an introduction to the world of BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and submission, Sadism and Masochism), a form of erotic play and relationship dynamic built on consent and communication.
Understand the core concepts, terms, and myths of BDSM.
Learn the importance of consent, safety, and negotiation.
Explore individual preferences and roles within BDSM dynamics.
Understand how to create, maintain, and enjoy healthy BDSM relationships.
Learn about solo and partnered BDSM practices, community resources, aftercare and lifestyle integration.
What you'll learn in each chapter
Chapter 1: What BDSM really is
You think BDSM is the acronym and the gear — it's actually power, trust, and intimacy, negotiated on purpose. This chapter sorts the terminology from the myths so the words stop getting in the way of what you already feel. (And yes, we cover what the letters stand for. Once.)
Chapter 2: Safety, consent, and trust
Safety first. BDSM can be an exhilarating way to explore new dimensions of yourself and your relationships, but it must be built on a foundation of trust, safety, and consent. We cover the crucial aspects of BDSM safety, including communication, safe words, and concepts like RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink), so your experiences are both safe and enjoyable.
Chapter 3: Self-discovery
Before diving deeper, it is essential to understand who you are and what you truly desire. This chapter is about self-discovery: finding out what excites you, what your boundaries are, and how your personal experiences shape your desires. We guide you through a step-by-step process to explore your inner world, with resources to help heal past wounds and deepen your understanding of your kinky self.
Chapter 4: Building a dynamic
We discuss finding a partner who shares your interests and values, setting up the foundation of your dynamic, and creating a BDSM contract that clearly outlines the rules, boundaries, and desires of all parties. We also explore the significance of collars and what they represent in a D/s relationship.
Chapter 5: The 24/7 lifestyle
For some, BDSM is not a bedroom-only practice. This chapter focuses on the 24/7 BDSM lifestyle, a commitment to living in a power exchange dynamic every moment of the day. We discuss what it means to embrace BDSM as a lifestyle and guide you through the steps to make your 24/7 dynamic both practical and deeply rewarding.
Chapter 6: Solo D/s dynamics
BDSM can be a deeply personal and solo journey. This chapter is dedicated to solo D/s dynamics, where you can explore submission or dominance on your own terms. Whether you are single or simply prefer to practice independently, this chapter provides insights into how to enjoy BDSM on your own.
Chapter 7: Finding community
In this final chapter we look beyond the personal and explore the wider BDSM community. We guide you on how to find and enter communities, online or in-person, that can support and enhance your journey. From joining Discord servers to following influential voices, this chapter is your gateway to a broader community of like-minded individuals.
Course FAQ
How do I gain access to the course?
Course contents are password-protected. To find the password, sign up on this page to join our newsletter. After that, you will receive an email with the password.
How much does it cost?
As at Obedience we believe in supporting you in your journey, this course is completely free. All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter.
When does it start?
Whenever you want. This course is self-paced, meaning you gain access to all the resources at once and can choose how fast or slow you complete each chapter.
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