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 FLORIDA BUDOKAN is a non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.

At our combined training halls, we make a simple promise: 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 (Japanese Archery) – The Way of the Bow at Florida Budokan

The classical discipline of Kyudo is one of the oldest and most revered Japanese arts. At Florida Budokan, students study traditional Kyudo techniques under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is unique—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.

Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness

Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and focus. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Lesson Times

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

Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of sempai.

Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo

Karate at Florida Budokan is taught through traditional Shotokan Karate methods, 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 Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes basic movements, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karatedo Lesson Schedule

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

One-on-one instruction available by schedule.

Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo

Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu Iaido lineage under the TIBDR. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.

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 Class Times

• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All

Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage

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, tameshigiri exercises, and a knowledge of correct timing, spacing, and intent. Students practice moving with mental stillness, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.

The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts

Japanese 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
• Cultivating inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training

Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.

Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines

The dojo is available Kyudo half an hour before and after class for individual practice or review with senior students. To maintain traditional standards, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.

Volunteer Spirit

As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, participating in community and dojo activities, and supporting fellow students.

Membership & Tuition Details

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

• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Annual membership and dojo insurance $65/year, payable in March

Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, teaching respect and community values.

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 studios & classrooms
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features

This immersive space allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here

If you feel inspired by traditional Japanese archery, Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, body development, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.

Florida Budokan Location & Contact

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

FAQ’s

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

Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and holistic growth.

FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?

Beginners are Karate welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a structured, step-by-step manner to ensure student safety, clear understanding, 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 Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, etiquette, and meditative practice, 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 Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including core martial virtues.

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

Iaido is the Japanese discipline of precise sword-drawing techniques with precision 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: Why is Budo important at Florida Budokan?

Japanese Budo philosophy is the guiding principle behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, self-control, respect, service to others, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, 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 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 scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.