From its martial origins in the Sengoku period in feudal Japan to its modern applications in law enforcement and BDSM, Hojojutsu is a unique rope art that is steeped in history and has evolved over centuries.
Hojojutsu, immersed in Japanese culture, is a unique and fascinating ancient martial art of restraining a person with a rope or cord. Hojojutsu, also used by the ancient Samurais, relies on skillful knot-tying to achieve a secure and effective take-down. Its modern iteration, called Torinawajutsu, may look slightly different, but its core principles remain the same. Hojojutsu is increasingly seen in BDSM scenes, too, due to its element of pain and pleasure and power play dynamic.
Discover the art and power of Hojojutsu as you explore the traditional and modern practices of this unique form of combative bondage.
What is Hojojutsu?
Hojojutsu is a unique and fascinating Japanese martial art of restraining a person with rope or cord that dates back centuries and continues to be practiced today in some parts of Japan. This art of restraint involves a single or series of ropes to immobilize another person safely and securely. Thus it’s a great possibility to spice up your Bondage, Shibari & Kinbaku game.
The knots used in Hojojutsu require a great deal of skill to be tied correctly and are designed to become even tighter if the person attempts to escape. With its intricate, often symmetrical knots, Hojutsu presents a compelling and intimidating skill of martial art that is both highly effective in restraining and interesting to observe.
Hojojutsu is an intriguing form of Japanese combative bondage that can be appreciated for its history and practical application in today’s world.
The Origin of Hojojutsu
Hojojutsu origin dates back to the 13th century during the Sengoku Period in Japanese history. During this era, large-scale crimes required swift and coordinated action from a group of Samurai soldiers. These soldiers would pin down an enemy prisoner and restrain them in a preconfigured rope pattern.
By the beginning of the Edo period, which began in 1603 and lasted until 1868, crime was reduced to less severe offenses, so only two soldiers were required to apprehend the criminal. During this time, the hayanawa, a short rope, was used to restrain the enemy. The hon’nawa, a longer rope, was then developed for more comprehensive restraining.
Hojojutsu was incredibly important to Japanese culture in the medieval era, and the tradition was passed down through the generations. However, the Hojojutsu skills were often kept a secret, passed down only to those who were permitted to learn them. This art was only practiced by experienced martial arts experts and was used to capture, restrain and transport prisoners successfully.
How did Hojojutsu turn into Shibari & Kinbaku
The Japanese martial art of Hojojutsu evolved to become Shibari & Kinbaku – an expressive art form of rope tying that has a distinct erotic flair to it. The shift was primarily attributed to the pioneering works of Seiu Ito, who began his exploration into the art of Hojojutsu and then began to blend the aesthetic with the erotic, developing an exquisite form of binding that is specific to Japanese culture.
This shift from Hojojutsu to Shibari & Kinbaku has been greatly appreciated. People find the creative, complex, and visually striking ties far more captivating and attractive than the plain, functional Hojojutsu ties. Hence, Shibari & Kinbaku has become more popular over time. Depending on the arrangement and style of the rope, Shibari & Kinbaku can become a thrilling performance, whether for the audience or for sexual partners to enjoy between themselves.
What’s most fascinating about this form of art and binding is the inextricable blend of pain and pleasure that can be achieved within it. The sensations, trust, and erotic play in a Shibari & Kinbaku session are extraordinary. Additionally, the feeling of even semi-restriction can bring heightened arousal and a rush of sensations that can make the experience truly unforgettable.
Interested in more historical background, read on in our post Bondage History: From Punishment to Pleasure.
Is Hojojutsu Still Used Today?
Hojojutsu is still a part of modern Japan’s law enforcement system, practiced by police officers in its more updated form Torinawajutsu. A martial practitioner of Hojojutsu can efficiently and safely apprehend a suspected criminal through speed, skill, and knowledge of the correct ties.
At the core of Hojojutsu is the concept of honor– not only are the practitioners required to uphold the law and not bring physical harm to their subjects, but they must also take extra measures to ensure no mental harm is inflicted either. Therefore, to practice Hojojutsu, officers must be trained thoroughly and be able to demonstrate the necessary skill and proficiency.
Though certain parts of the Hojojutsu system have been updated to suit modern society better, the core principles remain the same. This includes being mindful of the force needed to secure the restraints, ensuring that the subject is not in danger after the restraints are applied, and being aware of the number of twists used and the length of rope used for the knots.
Even though the art of Hojojutsu is rarely seen in action, it is still very much alive today and practitioners and admirers of the ancient martial art of Hojojutsu respect and reveres its history and practice.
Hojojutsu in BDSM
In hojojutsu, a technique is employed to tie up a subject rapidly, combining fast and secure knots for an effective take-down. BDSM participants enjoy the rush of being tied up as it adds an extra burst of excitement and rawness to a BDSM scene. Since bondage techniques are often the focal point of BDSM scenes, there is an immense interest in the strong, secure bindings of hojojutsu. Well, there are other more preferred bondage techniques, such as the use of handcuffs, but rope is still an essential instrument for BDSM bondage.
Hojojutsu is also popular amongst BDSM adherents for its obviously martial character. In addition, the take-down technique is reminiscent of a specific type of power play, allowing the dominant partner to assert dominance over the submissive partner, who is physically restrained and unable to move. This dynamic can easily add an extra layer of intensity to conventional BDSM activities, resulting in an exploration that can be intense but ultimately safe and consensual.
From a hojojutsu rope and knot-tying perspective, attention to technique is often used to emphasize security, intensity, and willing surrender to the emotion of the moment. In the context of BDSM, the demand for an adept understanding of hojojutsu is paramount. Skillful BDSM riggers are expected to master the integral art of rope bondage to ensure that the experience is as beneficial and stimulating as possible for both parties. Hojojutsu is a powerful and beautiful rope bondage renowned for its artistic and aesthetic beauty. With the precise technique, a BDSM rigger can achieve something truly amazing.
Hojojutsu Techniques for Torture and Pain in BDSM
Hojojutsu techniques have been a popular component and form of BDSM play and are often employed to create a heightened and exciting experience for both the dominant and submissive. The rope (often jute or hemp) is used to bind the submissive into various positions, such as kneeling, standing, and even hanging, depending on the desired intensity. When applied in the right way, hojojutsu provides the submissive with increased pain and stimulation while allowing the dominant or Top to exert control and power.
The rope can be worked around the body using intricate and elaborate knots and loops, with the folds and tension of particular knots and wraps being used to induce intense sensations, even in small areas. Often referred to as “flesh kneading,” these tactile stimulations are often used to target erogenous zones or focus on areas of intense pain the submissive wishes to explore.
For practitioners seeking even greater control, hon’nawa, a more advanced and specialized technique of hojojutsu, can further bind and immobilize a submissive. Hon’nawa is considered an “intricate rope bondage” as it binds the body and restricts specific movements of the submissive while emphasizing the cause and effect of pain. This technique can provide domination, humiliation, and even physical torture, creating an experience that is deliberate, intense, and stimulating.
In short, hojojutsu offers BDSM practitioners unlimited potential and creativity, providing varying levels of intensity, stimulation, and intensity that can be adjusted to suit the desired needs of both the dominant and the submissive.
Some Examples of Special Hojojutsu Knots
The intricate hojojutsu rope patterns, loops, and knots we know today were developed to identify the severity and type of crime, the gender of the prisoner, the region in Japan where the prisoner was captured, and so on. Examples were ‘ruikei no jutsu’, which meant exclusively binding tightly or thoroughly, and ‘shibari dori,’ which meant grasping and tying to a weapon. This led to many knots being developed, but only a few were standardized to be recognized outside Japan.
Before we dive into some special techniques, see here the usage of hojojutsu shown by Sensei Taran McCarnun.
Some unique knots based on Hojojutsu practice but displaying a broad understanding of the human anatomy are leveraged today. Following are examples of hojojutsu knots and loops based on the two broad categories of Hayanawa and Hon’nawa.
1. Hayanawa restraining
These are quick rope techniques used to apprehend a person initially with a short rope. These are great for kickstarting a BDSM rope bondage scene.
- Initial hand loop
- Handcuff knot
These two reduce the force the restrained person can generate. Check out this video to learn how these are done.
- Constricting upper arm loops
- Neck loops
The last two put pressure on blood vessels and nerves when the restrained person struggles to escape. Here’s a sample video to learn how these loops are made:
2. Hon’nawa restraining
As mentioned earlier, Hon’nawa tying is more complex and uses a longer rope to restrain a person after successfully apprehending them with Hayanawa. Great for more intricate rope bondage in BDSM, Hon’nawa can involve the following:
- Applying consecutive loops around the chest that restrict and immobilize the arms and torso.
- Constricting loops around the arms, legs, and abdomen in the form of a ‘figure 8.’
- Creating complex knots that bind the wrists, waist, and neck.
- Linking a waist knot and a neck knot to secure the person further.
This video describes one great version of Hon’nawa. The channel also showcases other variations of Hon’nawa perfectly.
FAQs
What kind of rope is used for hojojutsu?
The standard ropes used in hojojutsu in feudal Japan were Jute and Hemp. However, in recent history, Cotton and Nylon have become more prevalent. Those interested in exploring the BDSM use of hojojutsu should use high-quality rope capable of holding the body weight of the submissive partner. Learn how to choose the best bondage rope here.
How long is the hojojutsu rope?
Hojojutsu ropes may vary in length depending on the technique being used. The 5m and 7m short quick ropes (hayanawa) can be used for most hojojutsu applications as they are easier to handle and tie. Longer ropes like 25m (hon’nawa) are used for more comprehensive hojojutsu, which require more advanced tying techniques and provide a greater range of movement restriction of the subject.
Is hojojutsu a form of shibari?
No, hojojutsu is not a form of Shibari; however, historically speaking, the techniques of hojojutsu led to the development and practice of Shibari. Through exploration and experimenting with the type of rope and techniques used in hojojutsu, people were able to bring out its potential in creating those intricate, beautiful patterns we see in today’s Shibari.
Conclusion
Hojojutsu is an ancient art that has transcended its use in martial and law-enforcement to become a reasonable choice within BDSM scenes. With its versatile nature and fascinating history, Hojojutsu is something worth exploring. With its intense ties and intricate knots, hojojutsu is a highly skill-dependent Japanese bondage that can both restrain and excite. Whether it’s a simple hayanawa tie or a form of torture in hon’nawa, this ancient martial art can be an exciting experience for practitioners. Hojojutsu has undoubtedly earned its place in popular culture and will continue to be enjoyed by enthusiasts of restraint and rope bondage for years to come.
Do you wanna give it a try, order your first beginners rope directly here on Amazon: