At Florida Budokan, Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and the spirit of Budo form the essence of our martial arts programs our Florida dojos is a nonprofit dojo offering authentic Japanese martial arts, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.

At our combined training halls, we make a commitment: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.

Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery

The classical discipline of Kyudo is a historic and respected Japanese martial art. At Florida Budokan, students study traditional Kyudo techniques under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is the only one of its kind—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, built to preserve and share the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.

Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice

Japanese Archery emphasizes proper form, controlled breathing, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and focus. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners

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

Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts

Traditional Karate at Florida Budokan is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, 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 leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes basic movements, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.

Karate Class Schedule

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

Private classes are also available by appointment.

Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing

Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.

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 Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.

Iaido Lesson Schedule

• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All

Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship – Discipline and Culture

The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: correct manners, historical techniques, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, maintain focus, and respect cultural traditions.

The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts

Budo is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• Developing mental balance
• Balancing mind, body, and soul

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

Dojo Operations & Community Expectations

The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for self-study or guided review with sempai. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, Florida Budokan is available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.

Supporting the Dojo & Community

As a non-profit educational organization, Florida Budokan relies on the Kyudo 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 structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.

• Regular tuition: $85/month
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)

Maintaining the dojo through soji and samu is required, reflecting the spirit of Budo.

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 twenty acres.

The grounds include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Art and instructional spaces
• Japanese meditation & water garden

This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reflect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.

Start Training in Japanese Martial Arts at Florida Budokan

If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or personal transformation, your training journey begins today.

Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks

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

FAQ’s

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

Florida Budokan offers classical Japanese martial traditions rooted in traditional Budo principles. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and personal development.

FAQ 2: Is previous training required to start?

Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a systematic, 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 only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida. Japanese Archery Students train in the general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breathing, formal reigi, and meditative practice, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a competitive sport.

FAQ 4: Is Shotokan Karate taught 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), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), while developing strong martial character, including core martial virtues.

FAQ 5: What is Iaido, and how is Japanese Swordsmanship taught?

Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with control and intent. 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 ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach 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 moral character, self-control, courtesy, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and mutual respect 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 only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.