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Hojojutsu: The Warrior's Art of the Rope
In feudal Japan the Martial Art of Hojojutsu was taught for the capture and immobilization of prisoners by using a rope.
Developed by the armed forces during the period of the "Warring States" (XV sec.), It was
subsequently adopted by the city police in the Edo Period (1603-1868) as an aid during the
arrest, transportation and detention of a suspect.
Rich in illustrations and photographs, this text describes for the first time in the West, the history, philosophy, instruments and practice of the Art of the Rope.
235 pages, over 250 illustrations and photographs, the text includes the translated reproduction of a genuine and very rare a secret teaching manual of one of the most renowned Schools of Hojojutsu created in 1797.
235 pages, over 250 illustrations and photographs, the text includes the translated reproduction of a genuine and very rare a secret teaching manual of one of the most renowned Schools of Hojojutsu created in 1797.
- GenresMartial ArtsNonfiction
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2016
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42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 25, 2022
"...after many years of training, binding and being bound, I will be, perhaps,
a freer man."
Only this year have I started reading books related to traditional martial arts and this may be one of my favorites. The illustrations are beautiful, equal parts clear and confusing. The intricate techniques displayed convey so much about a tradition that valued the preservation of honor even within a prisoner. It carefully explains the shift of a combative technique into one seen far more commonly in its watered-down shibari derivative. It shows how knots are woven with stories, with esoteric tradition and with social understanding. Restraints based on who the prisoner was as well as the crime committed. The fall of the individual bringing shame to the group. And it aims to answer why one in our modern world would undertake the paradox of finding personal freedom in practicing techniques of binding.
It became a text of social philosophy described through loops and slip-knots. It is a book I hope to return to and a book I am glad I've read.
a freer man."
Only this year have I started reading books related to traditional martial arts and this may be one of my favorites. The illustrations are beautiful, equal parts clear and confusing. The intricate techniques displayed convey so much about a tradition that valued the preservation of honor even within a prisoner. It carefully explains the shift of a combative technique into one seen far more commonly in its watered-down shibari derivative. It shows how knots are woven with stories, with esoteric tradition and with social understanding. Restraints based on who the prisoner was as well as the crime committed. The fall of the individual bringing shame to the group. And it aims to answer why one in our modern world would undertake the paradox of finding personal freedom in practicing techniques of binding.
It became a text of social philosophy described through loops and slip-knots. It is a book I hope to return to and a book I am glad I've read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2022
The author did a great job of explaining the history and purpose around the use of knots and ropes for martial arts, police, and combat. In the last section of the book, the original text images are provided with the translation. Overall, I found this easy to read, but not possible to learn the specific knots.
September 24, 2024
Great illustrations! Fascinating history and knowledge.
The methods of tying shared in this book are so unique, and the emphasis on speed and accuracy makes these knots even more alluring to learn, for practical use as well as traditional and artistic!
The methods of tying shared in this book are so unique, and the emphasis on speed and accuracy makes these knots even more alluring to learn, for practical use as well as traditional and artistic!
October 29, 2023
explained the history very well but i found it a bit dry and uninspiring unfortunately
June 3, 2023
If you're interested in martial arts and the "Art of the Rope" itself, then this book is fantastic. Very in-depth about just about every facet of Hojo-jutsu, with relevant illustrations all along the way.
However, for me personally, I was far more interested in the history aspect, and unfortunately there isn't a ton. The history that the author did go over was very interesting, and I enjoyed those parts quite a bit, but the rest of it just didn't appeal to me as I'm not too concerned with what the ropes were made out of or how it relates to BDSM.
However, for me personally, I was far more interested in the history aspect, and unfortunately there isn't a ton. The history that the author did go over was very interesting, and I enjoyed those parts quite a bit, but the rest of it just didn't appeal to me as I'm not too concerned with what the ropes were made out of or how it relates to BDSM.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews