Shotokan Karate for Body, Mind, and Character

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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 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: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.

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 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 the Japanese way of the bow.

Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness

Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• 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 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
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite

Private classes are also available by appointment.

Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing

Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the 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 emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.

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 complete range of sword methods: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.

Budo – Philosophy and Practice

Japanese Budo is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Service and community commitment
• Cultivating inner calm
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit

Every class at Florida Budokan reflects the spirit of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.

Training and Community at the Dojo

The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To maintain traditional standards, Florida Budokan is open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.

Community Involvement at Florida Budokan

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.

Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees

Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.

• $85 per month – regular membership
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• 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 situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese 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, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or mental focus, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.

Our Address and Cultural Center

???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 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, Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and holistic growth.

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 introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, and steady growth.

FAQ 3: Why is Kyudo training special at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan is home to the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida. Students train in the Yosoku style of Kyudo and are officially affiliated with the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breathing, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a sporting activity.

FAQ 4: Is Shotokan Karate taught at Florida Budokan?

Karate training follows traditional Shotokan Karate Japanese Swordsmanship 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 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 well-rounded foundation to Japanese Swordsmanship.

FAQ 6: Why is Budo important at Florida Budokan?

Budo is the guiding principle behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, self-control, respect, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Meditative practice, etiquette, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.

FAQ 7: What are the location and operating hours?

Florida Budokan is located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 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 half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.

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