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Positions of Submission

Learn your position in the hierarchy, sub.

Understanding the Positions

Positions provide a shared physical language within consensual dominance and submission. A command establishes the position, while agreed protocol determines how it is adopted, maintained and released. The position itself may express respect, attentiveness, vulnerability or recognition of authority.

Discipline lies in learning and maintaining a position with intention and consistency, not in enduring discomfort. Positions can be adapted to individual physical abilities and comfort without diminishing the meaning of submission.

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Read all position descriptions

ST-01 · Standing · Service

Attention

Primary Intent

Receive instruction and focus on Sir.

Symbolism

Readiness and recognition of authority.

Physical Position

The sub stands upright with his feet comfortably apart and flat on the floor, his weight evenly distributed between them. His legs are straight without stiffness. His arms remain straight but relaxed, palms flat against his outer hips or upper thighs and fingers resting naturally together. His shoulders are square but relaxed, his head level and his gaze directed forward. He remains still, attentive and ready to receive instruction.

Applications

  • Receiving Sir’s instructions before an agreed activity.
  • Listening while Sir clarifies an expectation.

ST-02 · Standing · Service

Inspect

Primary Intent

Present the body for inspection.

Symbolism

Openness, vulnerability and trust.

Physical Position

The sub stands upright with his feet shoulder-width apart, both soles flat and his weight balanced. His shoulders are open without an exaggerated lift of the chest. His arms rest behind him, elbows comfortably bent and hands gently clasped at his lower back, with fingers relaxed. His head remains level and his gaze forward. The posture is composed and deliberately presented.

Applications

  • Standing for Sir’s visual inspection.
  • Having the fit of a harness or other worn equipment checked.

ST-03 · Standing · Service

Cuff

Primary Intent

Present wrists for restraint.

Symbolism

Willing transfer of physical control.

Physical Position

The sub stands upright with his feet comfortably apart and flat on the floor, his weight balanced between them. He brings his wrists together behind his lower back, keeping his hands unclasped, palms facing behind him and fingers relaxed. His elbows remain comfortably bent and his shoulders relaxed. His head is level and his gaze forward. The wrists are presented without adding restraint equipment.

Applications

  • Presenting the wrists while Sir fits or checks agreed wrist restraints.

ST-04 · Standing · Service

Wall

Primary Intent

Maintain stillness and focus; sometimes used for correction.

Symbolism

Discipline, accountability and acceptance of direction.

Physical Position

The sub stands facing the wall, with his nose and the toes of both feet touching it. His feet remain comfortably spaced and flat on the floor, supporting his weight evenly. His arms rest behind his lower back, hands held loosely with fingers relaxed. His shoulders remain relaxed, his head level and his gaze towards the wall immediately ahead. Contact is maintained without pressing into the surface.

Applications

  • Setting aside distractions before receiving further instruction.
  • Refocusing following an agreed correction from Sir.

ST-05 · Standing · Reflective

Centre

Primary Intent

Ground oneself and turn attention inward.

Symbolism

Self-awareness and composure.

Physical Position

The sub stands with his feet shoulder-width apart and flat on the floor, his weight evenly distributed and his knees comfortably relaxed. His forearms rest naturally in front of him, with his hands loosely clasped below his waist and his fingers unforced. His shoulders soften, his head lowers gently and his gaze rests towards his hands or the floor immediately below them. He remains balanced and quietly composed.

Applications

  • Gathering thoughts before a conversation with Sir.
  • Considering a personal response before discussing it.

ST-06 · Standing · Relax

Rest

Primary Intent

Remain available without formal posture.

Symbolism

Ease and comfort within the dynamic.

Physical Position

The sub stands comfortably with his feet apart and flat on the floor, his weight settled naturally between them. His knees and shoulders remain relaxed. His arms hang freely at his sides, with his hands loose, palms naturally facing his thighs and fingers softly curved rather than held flat against his hips. His head rests in a natural upright position and his gaze falls comfortably ahead. His expression may soften; the posture is at ease rather than formally attentive.

Applications

  • Informal conversation with Sir.
  • Remaining nearby while Sir prepares for an activity.

KN-01 · Kneeling · Service

Kneel

Primary Intent

Assume a formal position of readiness.

Symbolism

Recognition of Sir's authority.

Physical Position

The sub kneels upright with his torso vertical and his hips raised above his heels. His knees are comfortably apart, with his weight supported through his knees and lower legs. His feet extend behind him, resting naturally on the floor. His hands rest palm-down on his thighs, fingers relaxed and elbows unforced. His shoulders are square but relaxed, his head level and his gaze forward. He maintains a balanced, attentive posture without sitting back onto his heels.

Applications

  • Receiving instructions before an agreed activity.
  • Giving Sir focused attention during a direct exchange.

KN-02 · Kneeling · Service

Present

Primary Intent

Offer oneself for attention or examination.

Symbolism

Vulnerability, availability and chosen submission.

Physical Position

The sub kneels upright with his knees comfortably apart, his torso vertical and his hips raised above his heels. His knees and lower legs support his weight, with his feet extending naturally behind him. His arms rest behind his lower back, elbows comfortably bent and hands loosely held together without gripping or tension. His shoulders remain relaxed and open, his head level and his gaze forward. He presents himself in a composed, attentive posture.

Applications

  • A kneeling inspection by Sir.
  • Having worn equipment checked from a kneeling position.

KN-03 · Kneeling · Service

Collar

Primary Intent

Present the neck for the placement or removal of a collar.

Symbolism

Trust, belonging and acceptance of an agreed bond.

Physical Position

The sub kneels upright with his knees comfortably apart, his hips raised above his heels and his torso balanced over his knees. His lower legs and feet rest naturally behind him. His hands lie palm-down on his thighs, fingers relaxed and shoulders lowered. He raises his chin slightly, allowing a small upward angle of the head while keeping the neck naturally aligned. His gaze follows that modest upward angle. He remains still and attentive.

Applications

  • While Sir places or removes a collar.

KN-04 · Kneeling · Reflective

Reflect

Primary Intent

Undertake personal reflection in a defined posture.

Symbolism

Introspection and connection to submissive identity.

Physical Position

The sub kneels and settles his hips back towards his heels, allowing his torso to remain comfortably upright above his folded legs. His knees rest at a comfortable spacing, with his lower legs and feet supported by the floor. His forearms rest naturally over his thighs, palms facing upward and fingers softly relaxed. His shoulders soften, his head lowers gently and his gaze rests towards his hands or lap. The posture is quiet and reflective.

Applications

  • Considering feedback from Sir.
  • Reflecting on feelings or reactions arising during an interaction.

KN-05 · Kneeling · Relax

Wait

Primary Intent

Remain available while awaiting instruction.

Symbolism

Patience, discipline and continued commitment.

Physical Position

The sub kneels and settles his hips back towards his heels, with his torso comfortably upright above his folded legs. His knees remain comfortably spaced and his lower legs and feet rest naturally on the floor. His hands rest loosely palm-down on his thighs, fingers relaxed and elbows unforced. His shoulders remain at ease, his head level and his gaze forward. He waits calmly without adopting the raised-hip posture of Kneel.

Applications

  • Waiting nearby while Sir attends to another task.
  • Remaining present during a pause in an interaction.

FL-01 · Floor · Service

Bow

Primary Intent

Physically acknowledge authority.

Symbolism

Respect, humility and deliberate lowering.

Physical Position

The sub kneels with his knees comfortably apart and his hips lowered towards his heels. He folds forward from the hips, bringing his torso towards his thighs and resting his forehead on the floor. His lower legs and feet remain naturally supported behind him. Both arms extend forward beyond his head, with palms flat on the floor, fingers relaxed and elbows comfortably extended. His face and gaze are directed downwards. The posture is settled rather than forcibly compressed.

Applications

  • Acknowledging Sir's authority through a deliberate physical gesture.

FL-02 · Floor · Service

Boots

Primary Intent

A deliberate acknowledgement of Sir's authority through a formal gesture at his boots.

Symbolism

Respect, humility, devotion, leather identity and chosen submission.

Physical Position

The sub kneels before Sir’s boots, with his knees comfortably positioned and his hips lowered towards his heels. He folds his torso towards his thighs and bows his head towards the boots. His arms rest backwards alongside his body, elbows relaxed, with his hands near his lower legs and palms comfortably upward. His knees and lower legs remain supported by the floor. His neck follows the lowered torso and his gaze is directed downwards. No physical contact with Sir’s boots is required.

Applications

  • A formal acknowledgement of Sir's authority, with his boots as the focal point.

FL-03 · Floor · Relax

Sit

Primary Intent

Provide a relaxed seated position.

Symbolism

Comfort, calm and security within the dynamic.

Physical Position

The sub sits cross-legged on the floor, with his pelvis supporting an upright, balanced torso. His legs fold comfortably in front of him, with his knees allowed to settle naturally and his feet resting within the folded position. His hands rest palm-down on his knees, fingers relaxed and elbows comfortably bent. His shoulders remain square but relaxed, his head level and his gaze forward. The posture is attentive without stiffness.

Applications

  • An informal conversation with Sir at floor level.
  • Listening during a shared discussion.

FL-04 · Floor · Service

All Fours

Primary Intent

Assume a position for presentation or activity.

Symbolism

Physical availability and acceptance of direction.

Physical Position

The sub supports himself on both hands and knees, with his hands beneath his shoulders and his knees beneath his hips. His palms rest flat on the floor, fingers naturally spread and elbows comfortably extended. His lower legs extend behind him, with his feet resting naturally. His torso remains balanced between the four support points and his back neutral. His head follows the line of his spine and his gaze rests on the floor below and slightly ahead.

Applications

  • During agreed touch or sensation play involving the back.
  • While Sir checks the placement of equipment across the back.

FL-05 · Floor · Service

Down

Primary Intent

Adopt a prone position and maintain stillness.

Symbolism

Surrender of movement and control.

Physical Position

The sub lies prone on the floor, with his torso supported and his legs comfortably extended behind him. His feet rest naturally without a forced angle. His arms lie alongside his body, elbows relaxed, hands beside his thighs and palms towards the floor. His head rests turned comfortably to either side, with his gaze resting in that direction. His body remains settled rather than braced or lifted.

Applications

  • Receiving agreed touch across the back while lying prone.
  • Remaining still while Sir checks or adjusts worn equipment.

FL-06 · Floor · Service

Surrender

Primary Intent

Adopt a supine position for presentation.

Symbolism

Vulnerability, openness and voluntary surrender.

Physical Position

The sub lies on his back, with his head, torso and pelvis supported by the floor. His legs extend comfortably apart, with his heels resting on the surface and his feet allowed their natural outward angle. His arms extend to either side around shoulder level, elbows relaxed, palms upward and fingers loose. His head remains naturally aligned, his face upward and his gaze resting above him. The posture is open and relaxed, without an exaggerated arch.

Applications

  • Receiving agreed touch to the front of the body.
  • Presenting the front of the body for Sir’s inspection while lying down.

FL-07 · Floor · Reflective

Contemplate

Primary Intent

Undertake extended personal reflection.

Symbolism

Stillness, self-examination and integration.

Physical Position

The sub sits on the floor with his legs comfortably folded and his pelvis supporting a balanced torso. His knees and feet settle naturally within the folded position. His forearms rest comfortably in front of him, with his hands loosely together in his lap, palms resting against or within one another and fingers relaxed. His shoulders soften, his head lowers gently and his gaze rests towards his hands. The posture is reflective without requiring a pronounced slump.

Applications

  • Considering what was learned from an interaction.
  • Reflecting privately on a question raised in conversation with Sir.

FL-08 · Floor · Relax

Curl

Primary Intent

Settle into a comfortable aftercare posture.

Symbolism

Safety, reassurance and being cared for.

Physical Position

The sub lies on his side and draws both knees comfortably towards his chest, allowing his torso and back to curve gently around his folded legs. His knees rest one above the other and his feet follow the bend of his legs without being forced into position. His arms fold loosely near his chest, hands relaxed and fingers softly curved. His head rests with comfortable support; his lower arm may provide that support but is not required. His chin is gently tucked and his gaze rests towards his hands or folded body. He remains settled and comfortable rather than propped upright on an elbow.

Applications

  • Resting during aftercare.
  • Settling quietly after an emotionally demanding interaction.

MV-01 · Movement · Movement

Stand

Primary Intent

Return to upright standing.

Movement

From another position, return to upright standing. Stand does not automatically invoke ST-01 Attention.

MV-02 · Movement · Movement

Release

Primary Intent

End the commanded position and permit free movement.

Movement

End the commanded position and permit free movement. No fixed resulting posture is prescribed.

A Modern Interpretation

This collection reflects Master BT's contemporary interpretation of male submission, influenced by traditional and formal structures of dominance and submission. It draws on established positional conventions while recognising that their practical use and symbolic meaning are shaped by the men involved, their agreements and their dynamic.