There were two types of hojojutsu. The first was to do with capture, and involved a thin rope with a loop or hook at one end. This was used for what westerners would call a “take-down”. The second type was much more elaborate, used thicker rope, and was intended for long-term restraint of the captured prisoner. There were different schools using different techniques, and elaborate systems of matching ties to the social and military status of the prisoner.

Modern shibari developed out of the second type of hojojutsu. The first kind is still taught and practiced in a few places, and for some reason has become popular in Siberia.