After some reading on Fetlife I concluded that if I wanted to tie up a submissive I would need to learn to do it right. Maybe this question itself is more suited to posting on Fetlife, but is there a standard way to train in proper dominant techniques such as applying restraints

A couple of years ago I began reading up on shibari, the japanese art of rope bondage.  It always looked too complicated to me but once I got the basics it goes very easily.  There are just a few basic knots and principles.  A lark's head knot and a cinch.  It becomes very easy and very stylistic.  It does not have to be harsh or severe.  Girls get a rope high pretty easily.  Just experiment and see what works best for you.  My first attempts were a little sloppy but now it is second nature. Have fun.

..you're supposed to find your local fet community and/or go to your local adult store, and find out when they offer lessons, classes, whatever.  You'll learn about ropes, flogging, etc.

If you're already on FetLife, and you live in or near a big city, you can easily find these kinds of groups, and make some new friends in the process.

Reading is ok--but you'll learn at a much faster pace by interacting with people who've already been there and done that.

The BDSM world is absolutely the nerd niche of the sex industry.  There are very few people who will go to seminars and classes just to learn how to get themselves and their partners off more effectively and safely.

One of the best things I did when I first got into the Pro -Domina realm, was to take the ForteFemme weekend intensive with Midori. That first step lead me to the absolute best thing, which was to contact Jaeleen Bennis and be certified in Bondassage® and Elysium by Bondassage®. I am now certified as a Global Practitioner and Trainer. Both trainings taught me not only about the BDSM, but also a lot about myself.

You will find your limits, and push them, or settle comfortably into them.
Are you sadistic, or sensual?
How far are you willing to go?
Do you allow others to push you or do you firmly establish your personal boundaries and stick to them?
My advice is do not let others and money dictate your boundaries.  
It's easy to get lost in this realm.  How firmly onto Yourself and lead with Spirit.
Clair

If you dig through my older posts, on 6/24/11, when I was the original moderator of this Board, I posted some of the best links to books (and videos) on rope bondage.  Twisted Monk remains one of my better recommendations, because he sells rope and has demo videos aplenty (free!).