Living the Way of Budo
Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core 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 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 among Japan’s most traditional archery arts. At Florida Budokan, students practice the Yosoku style under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Our Kyudo dojo is unique—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the classical wisdom of Japanese Archery.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes body alignment, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of senior students.
Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts
Traditional 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 lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled sparring. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• 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 – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo
Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu Iaido lineage under the TIBDR. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.
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, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.
Iaido Training Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
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, time-honored sword movements, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, maintain focus, and copyright classical values.
Budo – Philosophy and Practice
The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught Japanese Swordsmanship through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Growing centered awareness
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class teaches the principles of Budo through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.
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 open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, helping maintain our dojos, and supporting fellow students.
Tuition and Membership Information
Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.
• 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 a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• Japanese meditation & water garden
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 Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is discipline, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or mental focus, your path begins here.
Our Address and Cultural Center
???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What martial arts are taught 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: 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 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 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 Shotokan Karate archery as a mindful discipline rather than a sporting activity.
FAQ 4: Which Karate system is taught at the dojo?
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 kihon (basics), kata (forms), and controlled partner training, while developing strong martial character, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
FAQ 5: What sword training is available at Florida Budokan?
Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with precision and awareness. 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 ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach to traditional sword practice.
FAQ 6: What role does Budo play in classes?
Budo is the guiding principle 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 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 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 assistance with senior students.