Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core 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
Kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery is one of the oldest and most revered Japanese arts. 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 only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breathing, reigi, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, calmness, and focus. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm
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 instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, 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 Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.
Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character
Shotokan-style Karate training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and partner practice. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
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
Individual lessons can be arranged.
Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo
the art of Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.
Japanese Swordsmanship Through Iaido
The art teaches controlled, precise movements for drawing, cutting, and returning the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the ZNBDR, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.
Iaido Training Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage
Japanese Swordsmanship represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: correct manners, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of 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
• Cultivating inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.
Training and Community at the Dojo
The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To ensure Kyudo a high-quality learning environment, 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 encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.
Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• $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, practicing discipline and responsibility.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning 20 acres.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art and instructional spaces
• Japanese meditation & water garden
This immersive space allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Start Training in Japanese Martial Arts at Florida Budokan
If you feel drawn to Kyudo, classical Karate, Iaido, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, your training journey begins today.
Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks
???? Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in classical Budo. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, and 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, step-by-step manner to ensure student safety, clear understanding, and steady growth.
FAQ 3: What sets Florida Budokan Kyudo apart?
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 meditative practice, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a competitive sport.
FAQ 4: What style of Karate is practiced 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 fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?
The art of 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 Japanese Swordsmanship 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 mutual respect are integrated into every Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class.
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, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.