BDSM History 101 - FORMAL POSITIONS AND COMMANDS

EXCERPT FROM: The Manual - How you give service

By: Lady Hugs

FORMAL POSITIONS AND COMMANDS

When the slave or submissive is given this command of "Attend" it is usually followed by another direction such as, "Attend Mistress H." The slave or submissive may be required to bring or fetch items, food, drinks or other services as required and or desired by the Dominant. Should the Dominant direct the slave or submissive to "Attend" another Dominant, the slave or submissive will, within limits, be of service to them as if he or she would be serving their own Master or Mistress. Sometimes this task of "attending" is a test of obedience, loyalty and honesty. The slave or submissive is recommended to be the obedient, loyal and honest at all times, as it reflects upon the Master or Mistress at all times, as well as to the degree of training the slave or submissive has achieved.

Assume Spot

This is the most frequently used and given command to the slave or submissive. The Dominant will designate a spot for the slave or submissive to rest and relax while at the Dominant's left side. It is taxing for a slave or submissive to remain in a kneeling position so therefore this command is given to assume a comfortable position.

To assume the spot hearing "Assume Spot or Rest Position," the slave or submissive will immediately go to the proper designated spot and sit comfortably. This however does not mean the slave or submissive is to lay down, slouch or be sloppy. The slave or submissive will be ready to give service upon any command.

Back Cuffing

The slave or submissive will upon this command, immediately bring his or her arms to the small of the back, placing the wrists together to be bound or cuffed. The slave or submissive may have this command associated with other directions such as kneeling, laying down or kneel.

Bring

When the slave or submissive hears this command, the slave or submissive will focus on the directions or instructions intently, and the description, location and the items specified to be brought back directly to the Dominant.

The slave will not detour, mingle, socialize, delay in going to that item, or to return with that item and immediately present that item to the Dominant.

This command is the same as "Get."

Upon hearing this command, the slave or submissive will close off their sexual genitals and their desires immediately. This word can also be used by the slave or submissive to advise the Dominant that a area of the slave's or submissive's body is closed, such as a open sore in the mouth or some other personal hygienic issue.

The slave and submissive however, must understand that they are subjected to the whims and desires of the Dominant.

Come

Upon hearing this command, the slave or submissive will close activity and immediately and without hesitation or delay, go to the Master or Mistress when the order to "Come" is given.

This signal can also be a hand gesture as well as the verbal or the combination of both.

This requires the slave or submissive to be ever watchful and alert in the area of his or her Master or Mistress.

This order is not to be confused with having an orgasm.

Crawl

The slave or submissive when given this command will crawl on hands and knees to the place where pointed or directed to, without delay or hesitation. Once at that spot the slave or submissive will remain on their hands and knees until otherwise directed.

Dismissed

The Dominant will "dismiss" the slave or submissive as a command or discontinued service. If "Dismissed" for the rest of the day, the Dominant will be sure that this is understood, as to permit the slave or submissive to attend to his or her real life personal, social functions and affairs and maintain a place of employment or other important affairs.

The slave or submissive is responsible to advise the Dominant ahead of time that a slave or submissive is required at the job at a certain time or any details like doctor's appointments as to allow the Dominant to have the required service as well as keeping the slave or submissive happy and healthy.

Display

When the slave or submissive hears this command of "display," he or she will display the body in a pre-determined style as listed below selected by the Master or Mistress.

Since there are several selections of "Display," the slave and submissive will be familiar with all of them and within physical ability to take those positions. The Display Positions are as follows:

English Classical Display:
Kneeling with thighs parted wide, arms raised and hands interlocked behind the neck, buttocks resting on the heels, back is straight, head up and eyes down in respect.

The breasts or chest will be displayed openly for view and inspection, with the womanhood or manhood clearly exposed and open as well.
Modern Classical Display:
Standing with legs spread apart shoulder width, arms raised and fingers laced behind the neck, with eyes down in respect, back and shoulders straight and elbows back as to expose the breasts or chest.
Informal Display:
Standing with legs apart shoulder width, with hands placed into the small of the back and crossed, head up and eyes forward, back straight and shoulders back and square, much like the military's "Parade Rest."

Down

The slave or submissive when hearing this command will drop immediately to the floor face down, from what ever position he or she is in, such as kneeling or standing position.

The arms will be positioned to the side, legs together and place the face cheek to the floor and in the direction of the Master or Mistress and remain on their belly till released from that position.

Down-Back

Hearing this command, the slave or submissive will immediately drop from the kneeling or standing position onto their backs, the arms will be to the side, the legs will be together, the face up and listen for other commands.

Down-Crawl

Upon hearing this command, the slave or submissive will drop onto their belly from the kneeling or standing position and much like a "army crawl," crawl on their belly to where the Master or Mistress directs them to go.

Fetch

Hearing this command, the slave or submissive will listen and follow directions of what to "Fetch." Unlike the command of "Bring," where the hands are used, the "fetch command," will require the slave or submissive to take into his or her mouth the desired item for the Master or Mistress.

The item to be fetched should be within reason and sometimes will challenge the slave or submissive to use creativity in "fetching" the required or desired item.

Upon "Fetching," the slave or submissive will respond directly back, without hesitation as most likely this is being watched.

The slave or submissive when given the command to "Follow," will take up the position to the left of the Master or Mistress and approximately 3 to 4 paces back as the Master or Mistress walks.

Until needed to open the door or to move items out of the way, the slave's or submissive's duty is to be watchful and attentive to potential problems, obstructions or persons which may interfere with the fluid flow of the Dominant about the room or on their way out of one.

It also requires that the slave or submissive be ready to obey the command of "Attend" or any other commands that are given by the Dominant.

Food Service

The command is usually associated with private food service at the home, such as to serve dinner to the Master or Mistress and his or her guest. The slave or submissive will properly seat the Master or Mistress first and then according to rank the other guests, women first seated.

The slave or submissive will be on duty as servant. The slave or submissive will not eat during this time. It is the responsibility of the slave or submissive to eat prior to the function or after, at the decision of the Master or Mistress.

Footstool

Often referred to as "Ottoman," it has been abandoned commonly in the BDSM community, however the function is the same.

Upon hearing this command for "Footstool," the slave or submissive will go onto their hands and knees, level their back as to make a table or foot rest for the Dominant.

It is common to see a Dominant take a tray and place it upon the slave's or submissive's back then set their glass upon it filled with water. Sometimes sensually teasing the slave or submissive in which the slave or submissive is tormented and works harder to focus on not dropping the liquid or upsetting the glass.

Formal Presentment Position

The slave or submissive upon entry in a formal manner, enters naked with the exception of his or her collar, wrist cuffs and ankle cuffs.

There are various styles of "Formal Presentment Position," in which the slave or submissive will be familiar with all of them to be able to immediately go into the designated or ordered position.

The positions of "Formal Presentment Position" are listed as follows:

English Classical Formal Position:
On knees, the thighs parted as wide as possible to display genitals, the breasts naked will be shown with a straight and arched back, shoulders back, hands on the thighs palms upwards, buttocks resting on the heels and the head up and eyes down.

The "order" of presentment of their body is as follows:
1. Breasts-Chest
2. Vagina-Penis and Scrotum
3. Anus and
4. Mouth. The "order" will not change.
Modern Classical Formal Presentment:
Kneeling with thighs open, displaying the sex with a back that is straight, the chest lifted and slightly arched, with hands on the thighs palms down, with buttocks resting on the heels, the head down and looking down in respect.

The body will be presented in the following "order" without change in "order." They are as follows:
1. Breasts-Chest
2. Vagina-Penis and Scrotum
3. Anus and
4. Mouth.
Informal Presentment:
Standing with thighs parted widely, the arms behind the back, back straight, shoulders square and chest arched as best to present the breasts-chest. Much like a military's "Parade Rest," the head will be up and eyes forward.

The presenting of the slave's or submissive's body will be in the following order without change in that "order." It is as follows:
1. Breasts-Chest
2. Vagina-Penis and Scrotum
3. Anus and
4. Mouth.

The slave or submissive will state, in their presentment the following:

(Owners Name,) slave or submissive, which ever the case may be, presents to the Master or Mistress, their body for his or her inspection. Slave or Submissive offers these... and in order, present the breasts, chest, vagina, penis, anus and mouth.

The Master or Mistress may nod for each body part presented or touch, inspect or feel or whatever the Dominant wishes to do with them.

The Dominant may ask the slave or submissive after the first of the four, "What else do you offer?" The slave or submissive will go to the 2nd and this can continue to the 4th offering stage.

It is sloppy for the slave or submissive to just "Offer their Body." Take the time to offer each piece of the body.

The purpose of "Presentment Position" is as follows:

Demonstrates the training.
Reminds the slave or submissive what their status is.
Reminds the slave or submissive their body is for the Dominant's use, entertainment, pleasure and not theirs.
Allows the Dominant to keep a eye out for body change, discharge, injury, healing, any required cleaning or need to maintain or correct a flaw in that maintenance.
For Ceremonial purposes for presenting the collar.

Front Cuffing

Upon hearing this command, the slave or submissive will bring forward his or her hands with wrists together, for the purpose of placing restraints on, to bind or to cuff the slave's or submissive's wrists.

This command may be associated with other commands such as kneel, lay down or to stand.

Full Present

Upon entering the room, the slave kneels and staying on his/her knee caps, thighs spread shoulder width, places their arms behind them, clasping the forearms or wrists, placing the wrists to the small of their back, chest upwards, head bowing slightly down and eyes down. This is more an American style of position, similar to the English Formal presentment and English Formal display positions, which has head up.

Get

Not to be confused with the command to "Fetch," "Get" command is the same as to "Bring."

The slave or submissive will bring in hand or on a platter or by any other means other then the mouth the item(s) to which the Dominant has requested. The slave or submissive will not wander, visit or do any socializing until the item is brought and received by the Dominant.

The Dominant will send the slave or submissive to do a task or to go back to their spot, etc. The "Go" commands means to "go" and "leave" immediately, even stopping if it is in the middle progress of service, or process of sexual service or personal service. The slave or submissive may be directed to go elsewhere. However, if the slave or submissive is told to "Go" or "Leave" the slave will go back to his or her rest spot or to the other area.

Guard

This command of "Guard" means exactly as it intends. The Dominant in which verbally commands the slave or submissive to guard, will be assigned the duty to "guard" either the Master or Mistress, their possessions or their person from unwanted contact with drunks, unwanted attention, to defend and protect the Dominant.

This is most commonly used by the female Dominants with male slaves or submissives to fend off blows, hits and unwanted attention.

Honor

In this position, the slave kneels onto their right knee only, the left forward and bent at the knee, foot flat upon the floor. Placing the wrists to the small of the back, hands clasping the wrists as if "keeping a grip or bondage" upon the wrist and if physically able may be hands gripped upon the forearm. The back is to be straight, chest presented forward and shoulders rolled back.

This is a altered "knighting" position or genuflect.

Humble

The position is not to be confused with the "Down Position." The slave or submissive when given this command will immediately drop to the belly, the head on the floor with hands to the side like a crucifix or above their head as in "surrender," their legs together with eyes down. This position is more for punishment or a forgiveness position, allowing the slave or submissive to reflect on their conduct.

This position is also called the "Prostrate Position."

Humiliation Position

Humiliation Position will vary with the individual slave or submissive. The position is for humiliation purposes, such as posing in rabbit attire or in a dress to be displayed for play humiliation. This position is up to the Dominant.

Kneel - Closed

In this position, the slave or submissive kneels, closing their thighs, which is a sign of closure or restriction. At times the slave or submissive is owned by another and closes such view from other Masters and Mistresses. At times though, especially with female slaves and submissive types, they are closed at certain times of the month. By closing their thighs, the remain submissive yet, give notice to the dominant that the genitals are closed.

Of course the owner’s wishes are obeyed without question. However, if served by such a slave or submissive who is not the owner, the guest Master or Mistress should not venture into the genital area, nor challenge the slave or submissive type’s position.

Kneel - Down

In this commanded position, the slave or submissive will kneel to the floor and rest their buttocks upon the heels. With the heels touching the bottom, the slave or submissive will then slide thighs apart widely, as to expose their genitals for the pleasure of the Master or Mistress. The back should be straight, head up and chin up. Placement of the hands may be upon the thighs or crossed at the small of the back. If the slave should place the hands down upon the thighs, it should mean that they are not open for sexual service. Upturned hands, should mean open for sexual service.

Kneel - Up

When hearing this command, the slave or submissive may already be in a kneeling position. The command for "kneel up" is to kneel with thighs parted, to which the buttocks is not in contact with the heels at all. Raising themselves onto the knees, allows the slave to raise up so the Mistress or Master not to lean uncomfortably down or strain awkwardly in handling a kneeling slave. Since the slave kneels as if standing on their knees, the hands are then either placed at the small of their back for binding or cuffing or, may be placed into the nape of their neck, fingers laced.

Leave

The slave or submissive, upon hearing this command will immediately and without complaint, without question or hesitation will leave the service, the activities he or she is performing and on or for the Master or Mistress and go back to the other task.

This allows the control to stop and reassign tasks.

This command is much the same as the "Go" command.

Mingle

Upon receiving this command, the slave or submissive is able to go and associate with guests, fellow slaves and submissives as the Dominant has no immediate need or is being occupied or served by another slave or submissive.

At this time, the slave or submissive will be alert for a recall to service by the Dominant, but is also allowed to interact with those around him or her.

Obedience

This is a classic position in which the slave or submissive will take the position of "Obedience." The position is immediately taken upon the command of their Owner or the Master or Mistress to whom has collared the slave or submissive.

The slave or submissive, on their own may take this position to demonstrate their obedience to that Master or Mistress.

Unless permission is granted by the Owner or the collaring Master or Mistress, no other Master, Mistress, Dominant or persons shall ask the slave or submissive to take this position.

However, should the interested Dominant request from the Owner or collaring Master or Mistress, and there is no misunderstanding to the "demonstration" of the position and not the loyalty or obedience to the Owner or collaring Master or Mistress, the slave or submissive may be allowed to "demonstrate" such position.

The positions of "Obedience" are described as follows:

English-European Obedience Position:
The slave or submissive will kneel, with hands behind their back, then lean over and face against the bare floor or at the feet of the Dominant.
Modern Obedience Position:
The slave or submissive kneels, with elbows to the floor, the arms on the floor forming a pyramid coming to a point with the hands, the thumbs forming a base of a pyramid, the eyes down, with body much like a fetal position.

Open

On hearing this command of "Open," the slave or submissive will make their genitals available to the visual or physical use of the Dominant.

The desired effect is for the view and inspection of the sexual genitals or the use of it for torture, sexual stimulation or the use of the genitals by the Master or Mistress for pleasure or entertainment.

Punishment Position

There are several punishment positions in which the Dominant will direct the slave or submissive to use or take.

This can be on the various bondage furniture or restraints or in the positions like that of the "Whip Position," which is on the floor, kneeling with the elbows on the floor with their head on the floor, in which the idea is to expose their body to the whip for punishment.

The slave or submissive hearing this will have no misunderstanding that there was some displeasing behavior that needs immediate attention. This punishment is also not to be one of pleasure.

Punishment is to create the desire for the slave or submissive to amend their behavior and not wish to repeat the conduct or misbehavior.

Punishment can range from "ignore" to "heavy caning." Each punishment is different for each slave or submissive.

Rest Position

The command to take the "Rest Position" is the same as to "Assume Spot."

The slave or submissive when given this command understands, that they take their designated spot which is the left of the Dominant, and are able to sit comfortably or move around and change positions until they are called back into service or given other commands.

Service

The Dominant will specify where the slave or submissive will service, be it domestic, personal or maintaining the area. However, in most cases this command of "service" is associated with sexual pleasuring the Dominant in a specific location on the body, and not to be confused with the command to "Worship."

Service does not include kissing but sucking, licking and other skills.

Slave-Submissive Maintenance

This command "Slave/Submissive Maintenance" is for the slave/submissive will excuse himself or herself to prepare and maintain his or her body, such as shaving, wiping down their body, to clean their genitals.

The Dominant will point out to the slave or submissive where they overlooked and needs to be redone. The slave or submissive when coming from work, into the home and needs to clean themselves and put their collar and cuffs on, may request permission to conduct slave-submissive maintenance before presentment.

The final word is the Dominant's.

Table

The "Table" command is for the slave or submissive to go and prepare the dining table and stand by for the service of the food.

The slave or submissive in public restaurant situation will go ahead and make reservations or reserve a table for the Master or Mistress and his or her guests.

The slave or submissive will then escort the Master or the Mistress quietly to the table. Then properly seat the Mistress and then the ranking ladies present. The men will seat themselves.

Watch

This command is when the slave or submissive is used as a "watchman" or "watchwoman," in a situation such as a lesser degree of "Guard," or it could be used while a Master or Mistress is using a slave or submissive other then the one on "watch," where eyes to upcoming unwanted guests approach, or when the police are patrolling are coming.

This will allow enough time to straighten out the clothes and be presentable.

When there is no enclosed room, the Dominant wishes to fix their undergarments which exposes them but due to the circumstances need a immediate attention. The slave or submissive will watch for others to approach and advise the Dominant of such.

Whip Position

This command can be used for punishment, discipline or pleasure and it is the Dominant's responsibility to make sure the slave or submissive knows that such is either for punishment or pleasure.

The slave or submissive will take this position, especially when there is no restraints or bondage equipment are available.

The position of the slave or submissive when hearing the command of "Whip Position" is as follows:

The slave or submissive will go onto their knees and lower themselves to the elbows, the head to the floor and fold their arms under their breasts or chest with the buttocks up in the air. The hands will never be placed behind their back.

Worship

This command is for the "worshipping" of a particular body part designated by the Dominant, such as the feet, the buttocks or the hand.

The "Worship" involves only kissing. No licking or sucking the specified area.

The slave or submissive will not move off the designated area that is under "Worship."

Service command is the area that involves licking and sucking, etc.