Hojo jutsu / HOBAKU-JUTSU: An Overview
Compiled by Tatu
Background Midevil Japan was in constant civil war. Waring factions for possession of land continued until the late 16th century when Japan was was united under the rule of Toiyatomi Hedeyoshi. Hedeyoshi had become a general by age 27 and ruler of Japan by age 59. He established a rigid class system and a strong ethical system for Samurai. He encouraged Samurai to sharpen their martial skills. Hojojutsu, also known as Hobaku-Jutsu ,was one of those skills. Hojojutsu was the the art of binding the enemy with ropes after conquering him with jusitsu, sword or other weapons. Following the death of Hideyoshi in 1598, Tokugawa Leyasu, who was protector of Hedeyoshi's 5 year old son and heir to the throne, had him killed and then embarked upon a campaign to rule all of Japan. In 1600 Leyasu defeated Hideyori's followers in the "Battle of Sekigahara". In 1603 the Emperor appointed Tokagawa Leyasu, Shogun. Leyasu set up his Tokagawa government in Edo, which is now known as Tokyo. His Tokagawa Shoguns ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1867 with the Meiji restoration. The Edo period was marked by it's strong isolationism from the west. Samurai educated themselves in the martial arts, but also literature, especially confucianism, and participating in the "tea ceremony". Tokagawa's high ranking Samurai established the "Ometski" which means "all seeing eye" who in turn appointed all of the local magistrates. The magistrates employed the shenobik (Ninja) and set up an elaborate system of "metski" (spies). Emperor and over 300 noble families resided in secluded majesty at the Imperial Court in Kyoto. The nobles involved themselves in the arts, while the Shogun really ran the country. New forms of arts flourished, such as "kabuki" (theatre) and "ukiyo-e" (wood block paint art). The people were disarmed and were severely punished if caught carrying a sword.
District Magistrate Each District had a local magistrate. He carried: 1) Aa Jute with a purple cord and handle. This was the equivalent of a law enforcement badge. Police and Guards Under the magistrate were various local police and guards. They would carry: 1) A "jute" with a red cord and handle, red denoting a lower rank. Magistrates, police and guards carried a Taske cord, used to tie back the sleeves of their kimono and wore a "hachemache" which was a plain headband. Common Police The common local police wore a distinctive hair cut, wore no sword and tucked their kimono in their trousers. 1) They carried their hojojutsu cord under their Obi 2) Carried a red handled "jute", with no cord 3) "Gusari" which is a weighted chain 4) "Sodegarami" or a sleeve entangler on a 16' pole.
With the opening of Japan to the west and the Meji Restoration in 1867. The Meji Restoration restored the emperor to power and did away with the class system. Samurai were outlined and were taking common police jobs. With this the Art of Hojojutsu was lost.
*Note: This is a "paraphrase" of the voice text of the introductiory background to "Hojo Jitsu" in the video by Dragon Videos produced in 1988. The actual instructional videos I & II can be purchased at the Bugei Trading company at: http://bugei.com/subcategory_46.htm
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