BDSM Slave Positions – Your 101 Guide To The Basics 

There are various slave positions in BDSM play depending on the preferences and dynamics of the individuals involved. However, it’s essential to note that all positions and activities should be discussed and agreed upon beforehand to ensure they are safe and consensual.

Slave position means a posture that a submissive or slave assumes with the explicit and enthusiastic consent of all parties involved. These positions are typically used in power exchange dynamics where one partner takes on a dominant role, and the other takes on a submissive role.

The article will review the general slave positions in BDSM and discuss each position’s detailed explanation. So, with no further due, let’s get started!

History of Slave Positions

BDSM slave positions hail from the fictional Gorean subculture, a fan-based culture inspired by the philosophy of John Norman’s longest-running sword and the planet novel series Chronicles of Counter-Earth.

In the Gorean subculture, some strict rules and rituals govern the relationships between Dominants (called Masters or Mistresses) and submissives (slaves). These relationships are often highly structured and may involve elaborate protocols, such as specific speech patterns, dress codes, and positions of submission. 

In the Gorean subculture, men are dominant, and women are slaves (Kajirae). The Gorean subculture is criticized for promoting gender inequality and portraying women as passive and subservient. Additionally, people within the BDSM community have raised concerns about the potential for abuse within the Gorean subculture.

Participation in the Gorean subculture is consensual and should only occur with informed and enthusiastic consent from all parties involved.

Gorean Vs. BDSM Slavery

Although slave positions hail from the Gorean subculture, it’s not wise to say that BDSM and Gorean slavery are parallel. Instead, both are pretty different from each other and have unique aspects. 

Let’s look at the three main differences between Gorean and BDSM slavery:

• Gorean slavery is based on a fictional novel, not just about sex. It’s more about the services that the slave is supposed to provide to their Master. On the other hand, BDSM slavery is mostly about sex. However, it can go beyond your bedroom, depending on every individual’s perspective.
• Safe, sane, and consensual are watchwords of BDSM. However, Gorean slavery follows no such rules. Gorean slavery has no safewords, no schedules, and no hard and fast directions, which BDSM slavery has. Gorean slavery purely works on trust and honesty. It says the slave should trust their Master enough to give them full responsibility without a contract.
• Gorean slavery is 24/7, and the Master has all the control. However, BDSM slavery is mostly scheduled based, and although the Master has most of the power, the slave also has a say in matters that concern them.

Slave Positions Common In BDSM & Gorean Subculture

Now that you know the history of slave positions, it’s time to shift the gear of this article from an intellectual tone to the more fun part of the conversation. Couples need to train themselves to perfect each slave position. 

Let’s look at some detailed explanations of common slave positions before fretting about not knowing the slave positions.

Slave Kneeling Positions: 

Kneeling positions emphasize the submissive’s surrender and are widely used in power exchange dynamics and BDSM activities. Depending on how long it lasts, kneeling on the floor (soft, hard, or even on rice) can be used not only to clarify roles and for funishment but also distinctly as a punishment.

• Kneeling or nadu (Gorean). This is one of the most common positions of all. A slave spends the majority of their time in this position. The slave kneels down before her Master with their head raised high, knees spread wide, shoulders back, back straight (or slightly arched), and breasts outward. With their palms facing up, their hands are on the thighs.
• Collared or collaring (Gorean). The submissive kneels before the Dominant with their head bowed and presents their neck for the Master to place a collar on them. The Gorean position details that the kajira is sitting on her heels at the Masters’s feet, leaning her body back, extending her arms upwards, crossed at the wrists. This position is used to restrain the slave or to place a collar on their neck.

Slave Crawling Positions 

The crawling position is a common BDSM position in which the submissive partner crawls on their hands and knees while the Dominant partner leads them using a leash or commands. It is often used as a form of power exchange and can be part of pet or humiliation play. 

In this position, the submissive partner may also be required to wear a collar or other restraints to enhance the power dynamic.

• Cat or Dog: In this position, the submissive is kneeling on all fours, with the legs spread slightly apart and the arms resting near the hips, and the head down, eyes cast towards the floor. It mimics the position of a cat or dog, putting the submissive in a servile role to their dominant partner.
• Table or stool. This position requires the slave to kneel on their knees and hands (for a table) or forearms (for a stool). The back should be kept straight, and the head and face should be directed downwards. This position is often used as if the submissive partner were furniture. To challenge the submissive further, items such as glasses may be placed on their back.

Slave Laying Positions 

The term “laying position” in BDSM and Gorean culture is not a specific position, as there are many different ways that a slave could lay or be laid down during a BDSM scene. However, some examples of positions in which the slave may be lying down or reclining could include:

• Bara: In this Gorean position, the slave lays on their stomach, wrist crossed on the back,  face down on the floor, and turned to the left. The ankles of the legs are also crossed. 
• Spread-eagle position: In this position, the submissive partner lies on their back with their arms and legs spread wide apart, either tied or restrained to the corners of a bed or other surface.
• Hogtie position: In this position, the submissive partner is lying face down with their hands and feet tied together behind their back, causing them to be curled up in a ball.
• Prostrate: The submissive lies face down on the ground with their arms and legs spread wide, showing their complete submission and vulnerability to the Dominant. 

Slave Standing Positions

The standing position is a common BDSM position used for various activities, including impact play, bondage, and humiliation play. There are several different variations of the standing position, including:

• The Wall: In this position, the submissive partner stands facing a wall with their hands above their head and their feet apart. The Dominant partner can then use a variety of implements for impact play or bind the submissive’s hands or feet for further restraint.
• Presenting or Display (Gorean). The submissive stands with their feet shoulder-width apart, their hands behind their back, and their head bowed, offering themselves for the Dominant’s inspection.
• The Spread Eagle: In this position, the submissive partner stands with their arms and legs spread apart, either tied or restrained to separate points on a piece of furniture or other structure. This position can be used for impact play, teasing, or different types of BDSM activities.

All the positions described are part of BDSM and Gorean subculture and are widely used by slaves who are part of the Master/slave dynamic. With proper training, practice, and support from the dominant, the submissive can master these positions in no time!

Training for Slave Positions

Most Masters command the above-described positions from their slaves and expect that the slave performs the positions exactly how the Master has ordered. 

Keep the following things in mind to perfect all the slave positions:

• The Master must ensure that their commands are easy to understand and remember.
• Slaves should take some time to practice the positions commanded by the Master regularly. 
• To increase flexibility, slaves could practice yoga asanas specifically to enhance flexibility. 
• Be patient with your journey (this is for both Master and slave). The parties involved must tolerate minor negligence, especially when starting.

Slave Positions: A Great Way to Build Trust and Communicate

The primary prerequisite of a Master/slave relationship is trust and communication. When slaves wholly let go of their vulnerabilities and hand themselves to their Master, it builds confidence, which is excellent for any relationship to last longer. 

The slave must trust their Master that whatever they ask of them is truly good for themselves and the relationship. Therefore, quickly getting into a position the Master commands helps them know that the slave trusts them enough to submit themselves to the Master completely.

Slaves usually assume a particular request upon their Master’s command. The Master has to communicate what they want from their slave. 

Now don’t think that only the Master gets to talk because to conquer any slave position truly, the slave also has to communicate their limits honestly. So, while training to achieve a particular slave position, the Master and slave constantly convey their needs, limitations, and requirements to each other. 

When both parties involved in a BDSM play are constantly in communication, it strengthens their communication skills. In addition, it aids the participants in taking the relationship and play dates to the next level.

Fun Games To Help You Incorporate Slave Positions during a BDSM Session

Now that we know about the common slave position, it’s time to figure out how to incorporate them during a BDSM session. Here are some games which might be of help to you.

• BDSM Dice: You can use dice to determine which position your slave must perform for you. Just roll the dice and command the slave to perform the diced slave position within a given time frame. 
• Truth or Dare: This classic game can be adapted to fit BDSM activities. Players can choose “truth” and reveal something about themselves or their kinks, or “dare” and be challenged to perform a specific BDSM task. For example, the Master can dare their slave to stand in the position of their choice. Otherwise, they are ready to get a naughty punishment. See the difference between punishment and funishment here.
• Blindfolded Sensory Play: Blindfold the slave and place them in a position you (the Master) desire. 

DIY For The Knee Problems Associated With Slave Positions

Slave positions are challenging to maintain and hold and can cause mild knee injuries or knee pain, but there is no need to worry because we have you covered for everything. 

So, let’s look at some natural remedies that will help you ease your knee pain from holding difficult positions:

• Exercise: Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee joint can help reduce pain and improve mobility. These may include leg raises, squats, lunges, and leg curls. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking may also be helpful.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the strain on your knees. Losing weight if you are overweight or obese can reduce the pressure on your joints, which may help alleviate pain.
• Rest and ice: If you experience knee pain or swelling, resting and icing the affected area may help reduce inflammation and pain. Applying an ice pack to your knee for 20 minutes a day may help reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression: Wearing a compression bandage or sleeve may help reduce swelling and support the knee joint.
• Elevation: Elevating your knee above the level of your heart may help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Knee Pads: knee pads are an excellent aid for knee injuries, providing extra support, cushioning, and protection to the knee joint. The slave can use knee pads to hold positions for longer periods, especially in more extended pet plays.
• Kneeling mats: your floor is too hard, or the submissive’s knees aren’t trained enough yet; especially for slave position training, knee mats (same as you use for the garden work) are very handy. Find some good ones here on Amazon.

Final Thoughts on Slave Positions

The origin of slave positions can trace back to a fictional Gorean subculture. Slaves assume slave positions as a sign of respect, love, and trust for their Master. 

Holding slave positions for a longer duration requires practice. It will also help if slaves practice yoga asanas, which would help them achieve the flexibility they need to maintain the positions described in the article.