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 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736.
At our dual 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
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 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, designed for safeguarding and teaching the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and focus. Unlike Western-style 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, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization 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 basic movements, kata (forms), and controlled sparring. Classes integrate strength training with character building—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Mondays 6:30pm – Karate Advanced
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite
One-on-one instruction available by schedule.
Iaido at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art
Japanese sword-drawing art is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.
Iaido – Precision and Control
The art teaches controlled, precise movements for drawing, cutting, and returning the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.
Iaido Class Times
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship – Discipline and Culture
The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. 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
The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
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.
Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines
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 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.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)
Students participate in cleaning and maintenance, teaching respect and community values.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, spanning a 20-acre property.
The grounds floridabudokan include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Art studios & classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection
This cultural retreat allows students and visitors to decompress, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel called to practice 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 train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, 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: 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 sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword Karate arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, proper etiquette, 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 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 Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breath control, etiquette, and Zen meditation, 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 Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, 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 precision 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, workshops, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for individual practice or guided review with senior students.