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Kinktionary

More like guidelines and a lot less like definitions.

Core BDSM

Core BDSM is an evolution and preservation of Traditional BDSM practices. The concept of core BDSM was founded by Master Aden and is managed by a collation in order to provide a specific codified practice for traditional BDSM lifestyles. Since traditional BDSM has been changed by new Kinksters, Core BDSM provides an updated, modernized version of traditional BDSM.

The core concepts held by traditional BDSM and Core BDSM are the same, although there may be some variances in certain details or definitions.

Within Core BDSM what is considered BDSM isn't determined by whether or not Kink activities are taking place (including BDSM activities) but whether an Immutable Authority Transfers exists.

Core BDSM is a libertarian philosophy, not an anarchical one. The Core framework provides people with an opportunity to live freely, unashamed and unaffected by societal judgement (such as fashions or pressure to conform) as long as they demonstrate the competence and discipline needed to effectively meet Core standards.

Very little is written about traditional BDSM practices as they are an oral tradition passed between practitioners to those who have demonstrated that they are ready for, and can be trusted with, the knowledge. Core BDSM also follows this traditional route but has contributed this page to the kinktionary to preserve traditional BDSM identity and purity from the new values of popular contemporary practices.

Immutable Authority Transfers

In core /traditional bdsm an Immutable Authority Transfer (IAT) is required in order to establish an authentic power differential between people within BDSM scenes or in BDSM Relationships.

The Immutable Authority Transfer that is consented to by the submissive person is counter-balanced by the acceptance of the corresponding responsibilities and accountabilities by the Dominant person.

Consent within Core BDSM is immutable and irrevocable - meaning that it's not unilaterally retractable or modifiable by either party. Therefore a retraction or modification of the pre-established consent by either party is considered a violation and a breach of the BDSM agreement which established the scene or relationship. This breach most often results in a broken dynamic and an end to the relationship. This is similar to a marriage ending in divorce when vows are broken.

Whilst the temptation for breaching the agreement lays more frequently on the submissive side of a dynamic, a Dominant is also not allowed to revoke consent themselves either. This is why the IAT applies to both sides of the dynamic.

Contemporary Kink & Traditional / Core BDSM

Often contemporary kink is referred to by Core practitioners as "Kink with BDSM elements" or "pseudo-BDSM" or even as "vanilla" because it does not follow traditional standards and values but has borrowed and reused terms from traditional BDSM.

Kink and modern-BDSM also focus on equality and transactional relationships but Core BDSM emphasizes transformational relationships. Transformational relationships are unequal but establish reciprocity through complementary and opposing contributions over time. This is what establishes equity in the dynamic and allows the Core lifestyle to become more of a life philosophy, not a set of kinky activities. This complementary inequality is often the part of the Core lifestyle that is most different to contemporary kink practices.

Roles within Core BDSM

Core BDSM requires competence in both the Dominant and submissive roles. Holding the submissive accountable for stating their limits and accepting their role is seen as a sign of respect toward the submissive. The submissive is considered an adult and thus responsible and competent enough to make their choice and abide by the rules.

In Core BDSM roles (e.g: Dominant, submissive) have specific allocations of responsibilities. Titles (e.g: Master, slave) are also used to indicate particular levels of experience, knowledge, and understanding of the lifestyle. These titles are not self-bestowed but are assigned to practitioners by experienced Core members and demonstrate that a Dominant or a submissive has the knowledge needed to thrive within a deeper commitment to the Authority Transfer.

Roles (Dominant/submissive etc) and titles (Master, slave, Daddy, Dominant, etc) hold much more specific meanings within core BDSM than in contemporary Kink.

Core BDSM Primary Principles

Core BDSM is a foundation approach for a more effective BDSM using four (4) Main Principles: Competence, Order & Structure, Roles, and Edge of Acceptability.

  • Competence: Ability to safely and effectively practice BDSM activities and relationships, especially for Dominants, gained through education, training, and experience.
  • Order & Structure: Adherence to clear and effective definitions, rules, and standards.
  • Roles: Authentic Dominant and submissive roles established through Immutable Authority Transfer.
  • Edge of Acceptability: Activities and relationships that are counter-culture, operating in opposition to what is acceptable by mainstream, vanilla society, but within the limits of Your Kink is Not My Kink (YKNMK).

BDSM Acronym

Just like in modern BDSM each letter in "BDSM" represents a distinct aspect:

Bondage: The act of restraining or tying someone up using ropes, cuffs, or other restraints. It can range from light, decorative bondage to more intense forms that restrict movement.

Discipline: The establishment and enforcement of rules, protocols, or punishments within a BDSM dynamic. Discipline can involve training, behavior modification, or consensual punishment.

Dominance: The role or mindset of a person who takes on a dominant position in a power exchange dynamic. Dominants often control or guide the submissive partner's actions, behavior, or experiences.

Submission: The role or mindset of a person who willingly surrenders control to a dominant partner. Submissives may follow orders, protocols, or engage in acts of service to fulfill their partner's desires.

Sadism: The enjoyment or arousal derived from inflicting consensual pain, humiliation, or control over another person. Sadism involves activities such as impact play, sensation play, or psychological dominance.

Masochism: The enjoyment or arousal derived from receiving consensual pain or experiencing control from a dominant partner. Masochistic activities can include receiving physical sensations, humiliation, or other forms of consensual suffering.

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