In BDSM there is a certain amount of mystique about the things we do. For every activity, from whips to humiliation play, there are  specialist communities and infinite levels of complexity. Of course there is a lot to learn about anything, but I think it can be a bit off-putting for people just starting out with a tool.

I think that complexity is unnecessarily overwhelming. If you have 10 meters of hardware store rope, then by all means start experimenting with tying up your partner. If you’ve found a nice flogger in a store, buy it and start playing with it. Of course you’re not going to be a Nawashi or Whip Master, but you’re not expecting to be.

If you go to any learning session in the BDSM community (or read any book, or talk to anyone who IS a Nawashi or Whip Master), you will find that a substantial chunk of what is taught is about safety, and this is extremely important. You don’t need to know 30 ancient Japanese Shibari techniques to start playing with rope, but you do need to know how to do things safely.

What we do is Risk Aware Kink. Nothing we do is 100% “safe”, shit can always happen, but what we can do is educate ourselves in minimising the risks. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, but trust is sexy, and if you want trust then you need to do a little homework so you’re worthy of it.

It’s important, and I’ve listed a few articles on this site at the end of this one where we’ve focused in on the safety aspects of different types of play. If you’re expanding your repertoire and learning something new and you read anything, I really encourage you to read those. I know you just want to dive into the instructional bits, but believe me, it’s worth 5 minutes of your time and your partner will think you’re so much hotter because you know these things.

Anyway, enough rambling. What I really want to do is share this video with you. Rope Bondage carries with it the potential risk of nerve damage. Your most effective safety tool is good communication, but understanding what is going on under the skin and how to accommodate will go a huge way in helping to keep your partner safe.

The lovely IPCookieMonster has gathered a kinky med student, an occupational therapist, and an experienced rigger to help create a video to illustrate and explain relevant nerve anatomy for rope bondage:

BASIC SAFETY FOR OTHER TYPES OF PLAY

• Hygiene and Safety for Toys and Sharps
• Sparking your BDSM with Electricity
• Dungeon Monitor Kits – The DM’s Toolbag
• Self Bondage – Some Words Before You Start
• Medical Advice on Prolonged Chastity
• BDSM Impact Play Safe Zones
• Anal Fisting – Keeping it Safe, Clean and Disease Free
• Biology – Veterinary Tips for the Human Dog
• Meeting New BDSM Partners – Safety for Newbies and Beyond