Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core of training at Florida Budokan Florida Budokan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for traditional Japanese martial arts, located at 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736.
At our dual dojos, we make a pledge: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
Kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery is one of the oldest and most revered Japanese arts. At Florida Budokan, students practice the Yosoku style under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Kyudo dojo is the only one of its kind—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, purposefully established to copyright the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and focus. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of instructors.
Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo
Karatedo at Florida Budokan is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These prestigious connections connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled sparring. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karate Training Times
• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring
Private classes are also available by appointment.
Iaido at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art
Japanese sword-drawing art is taught at Kashimon dojo through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (TIBDR). Our dojo is honored as the first official Toyama Ryu Iai-Battodo Renmei branch in the Americas.
Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship with Iaido
The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the ZNBDR, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.
Iaido Lesson Schedule
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage
Japanese Swordsmanship represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and honor the heritage.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Balancing mind, body, and soul
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class teaches the principles of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual Shotokan Karate respect.
Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines
The dojo is available half an hour before and after class for individual practice or review with senior students. To preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Florida Budokan relies on the generosity and involvement of its members. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.
Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• $85 per month – regular membership
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March
Maintaining the dojo through soji and samu is required, practicing discipline and responsibility.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art studios & classrooms
• Japanese meditation & water garden
This immersive space allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here
If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is discipline, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or mental focus, your path begins here.
Florida Budokan Location & Contact
???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 Budo North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, proper etiquette, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, and steady growth.
FAQ 3: What sets Florida Budokan Kyudo apart?
Florida Budokan is home to the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida. Students train in the general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, etiquette, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a competitive sport.
FAQ 4: What style of Karate is practiced at Florida Budokan?
Karate training follows classical Shotokan methodology under recognized organizations including the IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including core martial virtues.
FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?
The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of precise sword-drawing techniques with control and intent. At Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu sword arts under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (TIBDR). Training also includes Batto-do methods through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), providing a well-rounded foundation to Japanese Swordsmanship.
FAQ 6: How does Budo philosophy influence training?
Japanese Budo philosophy is the ethical and philosophical foundation behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes ethical conduct, discipline, courtesy, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.
FAQ 7: Where is Florida Budokan located, and when is the dojo open?
Florida Budokan is located at 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736, within the Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center. The dojo is open only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or assistance with sempai.