Developing Focus Through Iaido

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At Florida Budokan, Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and the spirit of Budo form the essence of our martial arts programs 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 commitment: Authentic Japanese martial arts in a safe, professional, and systematic setting. You bring commitment and hard work—we bring inspiration, guidance, and a place to thrive.

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 Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of Kyudo.

Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness

Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, inner calm, 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 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 taught through traditional Shotokan Karate methods, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These powerful affiliations tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Developing Character through Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karate Training Times

• 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.

Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing

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 Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.

Iaido Lesson Schedule

• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• 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 complete range of sword methods: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.

The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts

Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training

Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.

Dojo Operations & Community Expectations

The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To maintain traditional standards, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.

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
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due 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 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
• 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 inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. 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 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 time-honored Budo philosophy. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, and Budo 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, 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 body alignment, breath control, etiquette, 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 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 controlled partner training, 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 precision and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu Iaido under the TIBDR. Training also includes Batto-do through the ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach to traditional sword practice.

FAQ 6: What role does Budo play in classes?

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. Meditative practice, etiquette, and supportive training are integrated into every Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class.

FAQ 7: When can visitors attend the dojo?

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, workshops, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.

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