Iaido and Traditional Sword Philosophy
At Florida Budokan, Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and the spirit of Budo form the essence of our martial arts programs Florida Budokan is a nonprofit dojo offering authentic Japanese martial arts, located at the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our combined training halls, we make a pledge: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) – The Way of the Bow at Florida Budokan
The classical discipline of Kyudo is a historic and respected Japanese martial art. At Florida Budokan, students train in the general style (yosoku) 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, purposefully established to copyright the timeless teachings of Kyudo.
Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness
Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.
Kyudo Lesson Times
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of senior students.
Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo
Karatedo at the Florida Budokan organization is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by 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 leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Developing Character through Shotokan Karate
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes basic movements, kata (forms), and partner practice. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karate Class Schedule
• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring
Individual lessons can be arranged.
Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo
the art of Iaido is taught at Kashimon dojo through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (TIBDR). Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.
Iaido – Precision and Control
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 Lesson Schedule
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• Friday 6:30pm – Iaido all levels
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, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Service and community commitment
• Growing centered awareness
• Balancing mind, body, and soul
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class teaches the principles of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.
Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines
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 available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
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.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• 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, practicing discipline and responsibility.
Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
Florida Budokan is situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning 20 acres.
The grounds include:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here
If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), 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 self-mastery, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or personal transformation, your training journey begins today.
Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks
???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What Japanese martial arts does Florida Budokan offer?
Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in traditional Budo principles. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, 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, breath control, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating 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 IMAF and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, and Japanese Archery 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: 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, workshops, and scheduled activities. Budo Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for individual practice or guided review with senior students.