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 non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, located at the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our combined training halls, 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 practice the Yosoku style under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breathing, reigi, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and focus. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.
Kyudo Training Schedule
• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners
Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of senior students.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. These strong lineages 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 controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.
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
the art of 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.
Japanese Swordsmanship Through Iaido
The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Batto do techniques, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.
Iaido Training Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship – Discipline and Culture
Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: formal dojo conduct, ancient cutting methods, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a knowledge of correct timing, spacing, and intent. Students learn how to move with centered awareness, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo Iaido is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Cultivating inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.
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.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, helping maintain our dojos, and enhancing the training environment.
Tuition and Membership Information
Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.
• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Annual membership and dojo insurance $65/year, payable in March
Students participate in cleaning and maintenance, teaching respect and community values.
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 twenty acres.
The grounds include:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art studios & classrooms
• Japanese meditation & water garden
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel called to practice Kyudo, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is personal growth, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, your path begins here.
Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks
???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
Eustis, Florida 32736 – 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers floridabudokan classical Japanese martial traditions 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 historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, and holistic growth.
FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?
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 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 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 IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of 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?
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 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 moral character, self-control, respect, service to others, and mind-body-spirit balance. Meditative practice, etiquette, and supportive training are integrated into every Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class.
FAQ 7: Where is Florida Budokan located, and when is the dojo open?
Florida Budokan is located at 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736, within the Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center. The dojo is open exclusively during class times, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.