Several forms of competition were employed in stone-lifting, each sometimes using a particular type of stone. Ishizashi (石差, "various stones") was the simplest form, requiring competitors to hoist a rock of about 70 kg (154 lb), known as a sashi-ishi (サシ石), from the ground to above the head. It was permissible for participants to pause and readjust their grip once the rock was at chest height.