Kinbaku and Shibari: Private tuition with Esinem and Nina Russ – 14/10/12

From the 12th October -14th October, Benjamin and I spent the weekend in London under the tuition of the Shibari and Kinbaku professionals : Esinem and Nina Russ.

Rope play has always been an interest of mine (unfortunately, having claws can make it difficult to master effectively; ergo, I have never done advanced courses), but when Benjamin was introduced to images and movies of it, he fell in love with the artform and expressed a huge desire to learn it. I, in turn, have nurtured this desire (as well as offering to be his practice model) and after several months of play, practice and research, higher learning for him was inevitably required.

When it comes to any form of bondage, especially rope bondage, safety and knowledge is paramount. I highly recommend that it is not attempted without at least being taught the basics, either by research using the internet or books, or by attaining the services of an experienced teacher. There are many aspects to take note of during this kind of play; including asphyxiation and nerve damage. Do not be an idiot; Play safely.

To this end we contacted Esinem for his offer on residential private tuition and made plans to visit him at his home and studio in London for an intensive training course to further our learning.

After copious hours of practice and training with both Esinem and Nina Russ (living and breathing rope bondage for three days), I personally have developed a great respect for the rope bondage models that you see in all the images across the internet. I make it a personal rule to experience anything that I intend to put anyone else through (this is true for all forms of BDSM play that I practice). This kind of bondage can be incredibly painful (especially rope suspension). For me, the weekend was a significant learning experience which tested my endurance and stamina to great lengths. For Benjamin; well, let us just say he has returned from the experience with a slightly frazzled brain from taking in so much information, sore fingers from extensive use of the rope and a significantly vaster knowledge of the artform (as well as his own set of Asanawa Tossa Lite 6mm Jute ropes, a birthday present from me and my partner).

We do plan on having further private tuition with Esinem and Nina in the near future, but we must first put what we have learned over this last weekend into frequent practice. This kind of skill takes a great amount of time and dedication.

Thanks to the wonderful Nina Russ, I also experienced full rope suspension. Another thing which I do not recommend unless in the hands of an experienced and well practiced individual. To quote Esinem’s website:

“As safety is a prime concern, please be aware that, like so many good things in life, there is always possibility of accidental injury. Rope suspension is undoubtedly edge play and should only be undertaken by those who are physically and mentally up to the challenge. Suspension is safe but not without risk, regardless of proficiency or experience, so is definitely RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) rather than entirely SSC (Safe Sane and Consensual). The more extreme suspensions require a high degree of fitness and often a reasonable pain threshold, so don’t imagine everyone can do what professional models make look easy!”

Luckily, I was physically and mentally adequate, however, as I mentioned earlier in this blog post, the whole weekend experience (full suspension, partial suspension and constant floor practice) has given me a profound respect for rope bondage models. It is definitely not easy.

Despite the aches and pains that I was suffering by the end of the weekend and despite the fact that I am not naturally submissive, I could not resist the chance to be tied up and partially suspended by the man himself.

Enjoy the photos.

 

All photography is unedited.

Photos courtesy of Esinem and Nina Russ.
Photography by Nina Russ.
All images are Copyright © 2012 AemiliaHawk. All Rights Reserved.

A Velvet Thought – Mistresses Musings: True submission?

True submission is not really a game, nor a thing to do just as a playtime. A true pet does not need sex or BDSM games, these are simply fun ‘options’ which often take a role in the lifestyles of both parties as they are forms of expression.

Fetish is not a prerequisite of submission.

True submission or worship lies in serving someone you care for dearly, giving them your complete trust, admiration and respect and only asking in return for their love. No matter what form that love should take.

Just as I am a Dominant, I often do all I can to please my submissives. This may sound surprising, and granted, I punish as well as please (one needs to teach ones pets right from wrong, in my case there is also the ever present sadistic streak), but I am in the firm belief that the command of a true Dominant is held by not just appeasing themselves, but also by appeasing their pets wish to serve.

Remember this: The best of pets are not just your pet, like any animal, they should also be your best friend.

Musings of devotion: Servingboi 07/06/12

Behold the cage in which Your lovers dwell

ruination came with Your abundant kisses

now in chaste prisons must they serve

And You the sensual turnkey of their bliss

Judge and jury of their fate and misery

misery in love makes lovers true

sweet tears will not open these locks

but bind the minion fast to its true fate

 

Their minds She fingers and stirs

Her red nails raking and pinching

binding and knotting pain with pleasure

sewing will-less service with vice

and hooding reason with Her sensual charms

Spells a Lady of wisdom wields

And loyal are the minds She captures

Those cast into slavery love Her

For She raises them above the common

And blesses them with rarest fate

their prison a lovely guilded cage.

 

To hear Her laugher in the chamber

As She pulls the puppet strings

Is to hear the peels of rawest power

And japes dance to Her command

Naked and daubed by paints

They are the canvas of Her indulgences

Such sweet taste are luxuries rare

That only sophisticated Ladies know

And laughs again She to see on tip toe

The naked viceroy strain

He who commands must serve his better

A Lady of choicest elegance

Sharp as stiletto steel.