Mindful Japanese Archery Practice

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Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core of training at Florida Budokan FLORIDA BUDOKAN is a non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.

At our two dojos, we make a simple promise: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. 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 a historic and respected Japanese martial art. At Florida Budokan, students study traditional Kyudo techniques under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Our Kyudo dojo is the only one of its kind—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the enduring practices of the Japanese way of the bow.

Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness

Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breath discipline, etiquette, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm

Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of sempai.

Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts

Traditional Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) 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.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Karate Class Schedule

• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Karatedo (All Levels)
• Thursday 6:30pm – Intermediate Karate
• Karatedo All – Self Defense/Kumite on Fridays at 6:30pm

Private classes are also available by appointment.

Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo

the art of Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu Iaido lineage 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 focuses on exact techniques for drawing, striking, and sheathing. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the ZNBDR, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.

Iaido Lesson Schedule

• 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 the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: 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 respect cultural traditions.

Budo – Philosophy and Practice

The collective martial spirit is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• Growing centered awareness
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training

Every training session reflects the spirit of Budo through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.

Training and Community at the Dojo

The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To maintain traditional standards, 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 asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, helping maintain our dojos, and supporting fellow students.

Tuition and Membership Information

Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.

• Regular tuition: $85/month
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March

Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, practicing discipline and responsibility.

Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center

Florida Budokan is situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning 20 acres.

The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Tatami room for cultural practice Karate and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• 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, Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is discipline, body development, cultural immersion, or mental focus, your path begins here.

Our Address and Cultural Center

???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
Eustis, Florida 32736 – 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in classical Budo. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan 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 beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a systematic, step-by-step manner to ensure safety, clear understanding, and consistent progress.

FAQ 3: What sets Florida Budokan Kyudo apart?

Florida Budokan is home to the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida. Students train in the general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breathing, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a sporting activity.

FAQ 4: Which Karate system is taught at the dojo?

Karate training follows traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing strong martial character, including core martial virtues.

FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?

The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with control and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido 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: What role does Budo play in classes?

Budo is the guiding principle behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, 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 Cultural Center. The dojo is open only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or guided review with senior students.

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