Iaido Practice for Mental Clarity

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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 our Florida dojos 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. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.

Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery

Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is among Japan’s most traditional archery arts. At Florida Budokan, students train in the general style (yosoku) under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall 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

Kyudo emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.

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 stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of sempai.

Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo

Karatedo at our Florida dojo is taught through traditional Shotokan Karate methods, affiliated with the IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These prestigious connections connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.

Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character

Shotokan-style Karate training emphasizes basic movements, formal patterns, 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 Battodo Association. Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.

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 ZNBDR, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.

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 full spectrum of techniques: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, maintain focus, and copyright classical values.

Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts

Japanese Budo is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• 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.

Dojo Operations & Community Expectations

The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for self-study or guided review with sempai. To preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.

Community Involvement at Florida Budokan

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Florida Budokan relies on the generosity and involvement of its members. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, helping maintain our dojos, and supporting fellow students.

Tuition and Membership Information

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, reflecting the spirit of Budo.

Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center

Florida Budokan is housed inside Arching Oaks Japanese Culture Center, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, spanning twenty acres.

The grounds include:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features

This sanctuary 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 called to practice traditional 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 develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, body development, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or mental focus, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.

Florida Budokan Location & Contact

???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: What martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in traditional Shotokan Karate Budo principles. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and holistic growth.

FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?

Previous martial arts experience is not necessary. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a systematic, 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 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 meditative practice, 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 fundamental techniques, 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 precise sword-drawing techniques with precision and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu Iaido under the TIBDR. Training also includes Batto-do through the ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach to traditional sword practice.

FAQ 6: How does Budo philosophy influence training?

Japanese Budo philosophy is the ethical and philosophical foundation behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes ethical conduct, discipline, courtesy, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. 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.

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