What is Shadow Academy?

In 1999, I started Master Skills School, in the twin cities of St Paul/Minneapolis, along with "Sensations by Sasha", who remains one of the finest whipsmiths working today, in my opinion. We began doing seminars and demonstrations across the United States as well as doing one on one training. The need was there because I saw an influx of new people experimenting in the lifestyle not following the "old" path of entering the leather community from the bottom up, but rather, leaping in with both feet and little practical knowledge. Those seeking to enter the community as a Top or Dominant , without the experience of being a submissive themselves, needed a place to learn the skills and mindset of a proficient SM Top , and "training" was the only way to do this.

Over the last 10 years with Masters Skills School, I have traveled the country, training hundreds of people in the skills needed to be proficient in SM arts. Providing presentations, seminars, and demonstrations for Vicious Valentine, and Malicious Masquerade in Chicago, AHS Return to the Land of Ahs in Kansas City, Dreams to Reality in Omaha, Threshold in LA, Beats Me in Saint Louis and Spanksgiving in St Louis, DNA in Chicago and Maryland, Opep of Oklahoma, Spring Sting 1 and 2, Snowbound, Sexpo06, and Swing Stock all in the Twin Cities, MN. As well as many more munches and small clubs.

Why an Academy?

Many books have been published over the years with a plethora of good information. However there has been, and still is, a lack of the hands on skills training needed to practice SM, and yes even D/s safely, sanely and consensually. Reading is just not enough, it simply cannot replace face to face coaching from those with real world experience. Through Masters Skills School and as the Headmaster of Shadow Academy, I have opened my home and private dungeon to many people in the last 10 years. In 2002, MSS became Shadow Academy launching our partnership with Madam Curio's Workshop with the opening of a public play space . In conjunction with Midwest Fetish, Wolfhold, and Shadow Academy we provided couples workshops, group skills classes, and weekend events such as Spring Sting 1 and 2 and Snowbound here in the Twin Cities. As well as traveling to many people's clubs, events, munches, and homes for discussions and demonstrations for their small groups. In this way Shadow Academy has become not only a venue to train novices and couples in the safe practices of BDSM through demonstrations, group classes, and private lessons, but also a format to impart information on the ideals of the leather lifestyle. Those principals, the course hand outs, as well as other information are available in the library, at no charge.

Why Charge People to Learn These Skills?

I give the essays and information away free because it is the one on one interaction with the teachers of Shadow Academy that has the real value. Shadow Academy also provides demonstrations, seminars, and hands on training at various events around the country. The Shadow Academy Staff fills the roles of discussion panel moderators as well as giving dynamic lectures on the various aspects of BDSM. We charge because to be honest we cannot afford to donate our time and energy to these endeavors free of charge. We are not independently wealthy though we would like to be. The revenue earned through the Shadow Academy's courses, store, and website allow us to devote time to the lifestyle we love, as well as to provide a state of the art playspace, training, and social interaction for those in our local and national communities. As ambitious as we are here at the Shadow Academy, we are fully aware that without your support, we could not do all of what we do. For this we thank you for your support.