WHO WE ARE
Katori Shintō-ryū Philippines Sugawara Sogo Budo Yushinkan Dojo is the official Philippines branch of Sugawara Sogo Budo Institute in Japan, and has been teaching Katori Shintō-ryū in Manila since 1998.
Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū (天真正伝香取神道流) or Katori Shintō-ryū is one of the oldest extant Japanese martial arts, and an exemplar of bujutsu. It was founded by Iizasa Ienao, born in 1387 in Iizasa village (modern Takomachi, Chiba Prefecture), who was living near Katori Shrine (Sawara City, Chiba Prefecture) at the time.
It is a comprehensive martial system. This means that unlike modern martial arts which concentrate on one specific area of training, study is made of a broad range of martial skills.
The main emphasis of the school is kenjutsu (sword techniques). A wide range of other weapons such as the kodachi (short sword), rokushakubo (6-foot staff), o-naginata (halberd), yari (spear) are being taught as part of the curriculum, but the sword remains the central weapon.
Katori Shintō-ryū is the source tradition of many Japanese martial arts. It has always welcomed everyone regardless of social class and affiliations.
