Hōjō-jutsu

The 3^rd Headmaster Matsuzaki Kin’emon also incorporated the Ittatsu Ryū Hōjō-jutsu, a system method of rope restraining techniques for subduing an opponent and transportation of suspected criminals.

The curriculum is divided in 2 sections, Haya-nawa and Hon-nawa. Different lengths and thickness of rope are used in the two sections. Also, material, color and type of rope can vary with the rank of the practitioner, rank of the suspect or season. Special methods are used to coil the rope to be ready for deployment and some additional parts, such as a hook or a ring, can be attached at the extremity for certain techniques. For every section there are several knots and deployment methods, in addition to specific forms.

The Haya-nawa are “fast” rope methods to restrain an opponent during an arresting action. Therefore, the ties need to be quick to apply and should sufficiently immobilize the suspect until reinforcement arrives. There are 4 forms in this section, as well as many variations and applications.

The Hon-nawa are rope restraints to securely transport a suspect. These ties are more complex and intricate and require a higher level of skills. In feudal Japan it was considered shameful to be bound by a rope and transporting a suspect, especially of high status, was to be done with respect and the bounding ropes played an important role. A multitude of ties and forms were developed and chosen carefully according to the status of the suspect, crime committed, gender, etc. There are 19 forms in this section, with many variations.

The 25^th Headmaster Shimizu Takaji, taught the Japanese Police forces and developed a subset of techniques to be used in more contemporary settings. Still nowadays instruction in using the rope is given within Police forces to officers and a rope is often present in their kit alongside more modern restraints.