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 501(c)(3) nonprofit for traditional Japanese martial arts, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.
At our two 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 (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 train in the general style (yosoku) under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is the only one of its kind—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the timeless teachings of the Japanese way of the bow.
Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, controlled breathing, etiquette, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo Training Schedule
• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of instructors.
Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts
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 GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. These strong lineages tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring
One-on-one instruction available by schedule.
Iaido at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art
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 ZNBDR, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.
Iaido Class Times
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
Japanese Swordsmanship represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: proper etiquette, time-honored sword movements, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, maintain focus, and honor the heritage.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts
Budo is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Cultivating inner calm
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class teaches the principles of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.
Dojo Operations & Community Expectations
The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for self-study or guided review with sempai. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.
Volunteer Spirit
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan Shotokan Karate depends on student and community support. All students are encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, participating in community and dojo activities, and serving the community.
Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees
Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• Discounted tuition $75/month for 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 a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art studios & classrooms
• 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 develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or personal transformation, your training journey begins today.
Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks
???? 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 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, traditional dojo conduct, and holistic growth.
FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?
Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a systematic, step-by-step manner to ensure safety, clear understanding, and consistent progress.
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, breathing, 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 classical Shotokan methodology under recognized organizations including the IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, Kyudo and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including core martial virtues.
FAQ 5: What is Iaido, and how is Japanese Swordsmanship taught?
The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword 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 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, special programs, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or guided review with senior students.