Sogo Budoklubb Stockholm

Sogo Budoklubb Stockholm is a non-profit martial arts club in Vasastan specialising in Katori Shinto Ryu — one of Japan's oldest surviving sword schools, with roots dating back to the 15th century. Training is built around traditional kata forms and practised with implements including Bokken (wooden sword), Katana, Kodachi, Bo, Naginata and Yari. Beginners start with Bokken and Jo and can then progress further into the complete Katori system.

The club trains in the gymnastics halls of Adolf Fredriks Musikskola on Västmannagatan and holds classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 19:00 to 21:00. The format is instructor-led and without any competitive element — unlike modern variants such as Kendo. The chief instructor is Peter Spangfort, 7th dan in Aikido, and the club is affiliated with the Sugawara Budo Institute in Japan, whose founder Sugawara Tetsutaka is the overall head of the tradition.

Suited to those seeking a deep and historically grounded martial arts practice, ideally with an interest in Japanese budo culture and long-term technical development rather than quick results.