Single Tail and Whipping Workshop for Beginners

This is not just a transcription of our Full length Video Workshop, which you can find here, but rather a re-writing of the video. This is a full introductory workshop to Whipping with Single Tails primarily, and floggers too. It features the basic safety notion any Dominant handling a whip should have, encompassing from the sub’s emotional, physical and mental health upkeep. It also features detailed how-tos on how to perform the most common whip cracks.

Whipping Video Workshop for Beginners with Floggers and Single Tails

Being a Responsible Sadist is fundamental in SSC

Let’s begin by exploring the reasons someone might be interested in using a whip. Are you inspired by movies like Indiana Jones, or are you simply fascinated with whips? Perhaps you practice target whipping as a sport. However, since you’re visiting a BDSM website, it’s likely that you’re interested in using whips on a person. So, why is that? Is it a passion or an interest of yours? Hopefully, it’s not merely a hobby because using whips on people as a casual pastime could be considered somewhat psychopathic. A hobby implies a lack of responsibility and is just for fun, but inflicting pain on another person involves much more; it requires a bond of trust, which is the foundation of SSC BDSM.

The reason you want to whip someone is likely because you have Sadistic tendencies, and it’s important to acknowledge that. This doesn’t mean you’re sick or disturbed. In fact, BDSM, including Sadism and Masochism, has been removed from the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Being a Sadist or Masochist is not a disorder as long as you practice it with humanity, empathy, good sense, and common sense, ensuring it doesn’t harm your health, safety, or well-being, or that of others.

If you enjoy using these tools on someone, it’s crucial to recognize the natural Sadism within you. To make the experience enjoyable for both you and your partner, you need to learn to accept, process, and channel your sadistic tendencies responsibly. This class will teach you how to channel your Sadism properly, taking responsibility and ensuring you know exactly what you’re doing. It will cover all necessary safety measures and proper techniques. We’ll discuss the roles of Dominants, SIRS, and MASTERS when approaching the act of whipping or flogging a submissive.

Consent and Empathy: Key Elements in BDSM

When you start using any tool on your submissive, you have already established some form of relationship; otherwise, that’s just abuse. Consent is always essential.

In Old Guard BDSM practices, before beginning any activities with a submissive, there is what is called a “slave’s negotiation list” or “sub’s negotiation list.” This list allows you to review all potential activities, including those you might not necessarily engage in but need to know the sub’s stance on. Using a scale of 1 to 10, the sub indicates their experience and comfort level with each activity, ranging from “I tried it, I liked it, I am an expert” to “I have never done it, I never want to do it because I am scared or have a health condition that prevents it.” This part is very important.

People nowadays struggle with the rigidity of Old Guard practices, such as contracts and written documents, but these have specific meanings and are fundamental to ensuring safety and mutual respect. Even when a slave gives up all their freedom to you, they still have a bill of rights, and it’s your responsibility to ensure their well-being.

The responsibility that comes with holding a whip, or any BDSM tool, extends beyond physical actions. Even conversations create an initial exchange of power and are fundamental throughout the entire relationship. You have to be responsible with everything you do, especially when it comes to flogging and whipping. Consider whether it’s your first time with your submissive, if they are more of an expert, or where they fall in between, as this will dramatically change how you handle the session.

In my experience, submissives can be very attracted to flogging and whipping, but when the time comes to be on a St. Andrew’s Cross or wherever they will receive the whip, they may experience deep anxiety.

Always consider your submissive’s experience and mind state

I remember the first time I was strapped to a St. Andrew’s Cross at Quälgeist in Berlin. I’d never been whipped before, especially not in public. Despite my confidence from years in the BDSM scene, being in that position triggered a sensation of entrapment and deep anxiety. This experience was invaluable for me as a Master, allowing me to understand firsthand what a sub feels like in different situations.

It’s crucial to use your eyes, ears, and empathy. Empathy is fundamental in whip work. Whipping creates a relationship with your sub based on non-verbal chemistry, energy exchange, power, and raw emotion. Every submissive is unique, each with their own reasons, motives, traumas, fears, and desires. Understanding these aspects is essential to earning their trust, which is fundamental in pain play.

If you think you can start a whipping session by shouting orders and cracking the whip as hard as you can, you’re on the wrong path. While you are free to act as you wish, this is how we do things in my household, and it’s also what the most experienced S/M players will confirm.

The three stages of a Whipping Session

The Warmup

A whipping session consists of three main stages: the warmup, the core of the session, and the downtime. The warmup is both physical and mental. The mental warmup can begin weeks before the actual session, especially if it’s your sub’s first time, or just minutes before the session.

After sharing a negotiation list and establishing consent, you can start preparing your sub mentally by discussing the upcoming session. This allows your sub to process their emotions and express any fears or concerns. If they seem cool and collected, it’s your responsibility to ensure they’re not hiding their feelings out of fear of embarrassment, disappointment, or appearing weak.

Physically, the warmup involves preparing the sub’s body. Disinfect the skin and have sterile cloths and clean tools ready. Incorporate sensory experiences like sound or sensory deprivation to enhance the mood. Start with gentle touches, such as rubbing the tails of a flogger on the sub’s body. This preliminary sensation play is very powerful, and is useful for heightening their awareness and setting the stage for the session. Even subtle actions like rubbing the flogger on their nipples, crotch, or back can significantly enhance the experience. This method of long, engaging warmups helps establish a deeper connection and delivers a richer sensory experience.

The Core of the Session

Once the warmup is complete, both you and your sub will be ready to begin the core of the session. At this point, the sub should feel secure and eager to proceed, having been gently and thoroughly prepared. It’s important to take regular breaks to check on the sub’s physical and emotional state.

Begin with a small number of strokes, such as six, and then check in with them. Gradually increase the intensity, moving from 6 x 6 to 12 x 12, and potentially up to 50 x 50, depending on the dynamic, the sub, and the tools you’re using. During these breaks, check their breathing, heartbeat, and emotional state. Address any issues immediately to ensure their well-being and that everyone is having a good time.

Be mindful of active bleeders, which can occasionally occur if the skin is particularly thin or the whip strikes at the right angle. If this happens, stop immediately, disinfect the wound, and assess whether to continue. Some minor wounds will not bleed actively, but more severe ones will require you to end the session.

Remember, whipping involves more than just physical actions. Maintain a verbal connection, using your presence and voice to keep the sub engaged. Create an immersive environment with soundscapes, specific lighting, or darkness. Blindfolding and sensory deprivation can also alter the experience significantly. The tools are important, but they are just that:tools.

Your brain, soul, and presence are what truly make the session special.

Downtime

After the core part of the session, it’s essential to provide your sub with adequate downtime. The sub will be high on endorphins, cortisol, adrenaline but also extremely tired and in need of care. Bring them down from their position and place them in a comfortable, safe spot.

Disinfect their skin and treat any wounds with appropriate medication (I prefer to normally use a surgical disinfectant, and afterwards an antibiotic cream). Ensure they are warm and hydrated, offering warm water and a comfortable place to rest. Allow at least 20 minutes for them to recover and regain their strength. During this time, continue to offer reassurance and support, allowing them to process the experience and feel safe. And, compliment your sub. He just went trough a hell of a ride!

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