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.

Florida Budokan Kyudo – Japanese Archery & the Way of the Bow

Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is among Japan’s most traditional archery arts. At Florida Budokan, students train in the general style (yosoku) under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.

Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice

the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners

Students are invited to come half an hour before class and may practice additional techniques after class under the guidance of instructors.

Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo

Karatedo at our Florida dojo is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Developing Character through Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and controlled sparring. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karate Training Times

• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• Karatedo All – Self Defense/Kumite on Fridays at 6:30pm

One-on-one instruction available by schedule.

Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo

Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (TIBDR). Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.

Japanese Swordsmanship Through Iaido

The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Batto do techniques, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.

Iaido Class Times

• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Iaido all levels

Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage

The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.

Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts

The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Kyudo Balancing mind, body, and soul

Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.

Training and Community at the Dojo

The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.

Volunteer Spirit

As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.

Membership & Tuition Details

Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.

• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)

Students participate in cleaning and maintenance, reflecting the spirit of Budo.

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:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• 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.

Start Training in Japanese Martial Arts at Florida Budokan

If you feel drawn to Kyudo, classical Karate, Iaido, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, physical fitness, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.

Florida Budokan Location & Contact

???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: What martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers classical Japanese martial traditions rooted in traditional Budo principles. 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 authentic lineage, 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 beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a structured, step-by-step manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, and steady growth.

FAQ 3: What makes Kyudo (Japanese Archery) at Florida Budokan unique?

Florida Budokan is home to the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida. Students train in the Yosoku style of Kyudo and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breath control, etiquette, and Zen meditation, treating archery as Japanese Swordsmanship 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 fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled partner training, while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

FAQ 5: What sword training is available at Florida Budokan?

The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with precision and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu Iaido 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: Why is Budo important at Florida Budokan?

Budo is the guiding principle behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, self-control, respect, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Meditative practice, etiquette, and supportive training are integrated into every Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class.

FAQ 7: What are the location and operating hours?

Florida Budokan is located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736, within the Arching Oaks Cultural Center. The dojo is open exclusively during class times, workshops, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or guided review with sempai.