Kyudo (Japanese Archery), along with Japanese Archery, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and the collective martial culture of Budo, forms the heart of training at FLORIDA BUDOKAN our Florida dojos is a nonprofit dojo offering authentic Japanese martial arts, located at the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our two dojos, we make a pledge: 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
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 Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Our Kyudo dojo is the only one of its kind—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, purposefully established to copyright the timeless teachings of Kyudo.
Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, controlled breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, calmness, and focus. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
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 Florida Budokan 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.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and controlled sparring. Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Mondays 6:30pm – Karate Advanced
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring
One-on-one instruction available by schedule.
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 Battodo Association. Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.
Iaido – Precision and Control
The art teaches controlled, precise movements for drawing, cutting, and returning the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.
Iaido Lesson Schedule
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• 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, time-honored sword movements, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central floridabudokan to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• Cultivating inner calm
• Balancing mind, body, and soul
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class 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 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, participating in community and dojo activities, 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:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for tea & Iaido incense
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection
This cultural retreat allows students and visitors to decompress, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel called to practice traditional Japanese archery, Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, 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, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, your path begins here.
Our Address and Cultural Center
???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What Japanese martial arts does Florida Budokan offer?
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?
Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive 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 a spiritual path 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 IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of 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?
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 comprehensive approach to traditional sword practice.
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 supportive training 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 exclusively during class times, workshops, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.