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 the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our two dojos, we make a simple promise: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is among Japan’s most traditional archery arts. At Florida Budokan, students practice the Yosoku style under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is the only one of its kind—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness
Japanese Archery emphasizes proper form, breath discipline, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 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 sempai.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These powerful affiliations tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.
Karate Class Schedule
• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Karatedo (All Levels)
• Thursday 6:30pm – Intermediate Karate
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite
One-on-one instruction available by schedule.
Iaido at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art
Japanese sword-drawing art 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.
Iaido – Precision and Control
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
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
Kenjutsu and related sword arts 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 respect cultural traditions.
Budo – Philosophy and Practice
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
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.
Dojo Operations & Community Expectations
The dojo is available half an hour before and after class for individual practice or review with senior students. To preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
As a non-profit educational organization, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, participating in community and dojo activities, and supporting fellow students.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March
Maintaining the Iaido dojo through soji and samu is required, reflecting the spirit of Budo.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection
This immersive space allows students and visitors to slow down, reflect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here
If you feel called to practice Kyudo, classical 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, body development, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or inner growth, your path begins here.
Florida Budokan Location & Contact
???? Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What Japanese martial arts does Florida Budokan offer?
Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a systematic, progressive manner to ensure safety, proper learning, and consistent progress.
FAQ 3: Why is Kyudo training special at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan is home to the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida. Students train in the general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breath control, etiquette, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a sporting activity.
FAQ 4: What style of Karate is practiced at Florida Budokan?
Karate training follows traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the IMAF and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), while developing strong martial character, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?
Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, Japanese Swordsmanship and returning the sword with control and intent. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu sword arts under the TIBDR. Training also includes Batto-do methods through the ZNBDR, providing a well-rounded foundation to traditional sword practice.
FAQ 6: How does Budo philosophy influence training?
Budo is the ethical and philosophical foundation behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes ethical conduct, self-control, courtesy, community responsibility, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Meditative practice, etiquette, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.
FAQ 7: When can visitors attend the dojo?
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 only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or guided review with senior students.