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 501(c)(3) nonprofit for traditional Japanese martial arts, located at the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our combined training halls, we make a commitment: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
Kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery is a historic and respected Japanese martial art. At Florida Budokan, students study traditional Kyudo techniques under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is the only one of its kind—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, purposefully established to copyright the timeless teachings of Kyudo.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, breathing, formal respect, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate presence, calmness, and clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.
Kyudo Lesson Times
• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• 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 sempai.
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 Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These prestigious connections tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan-style Karate training emphasizes kihon (basics), prearranged sequences, and kumite (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
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursday 6:30pm – Intermediate Karate
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite
Individual lessons can be arranged.
Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo
Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu Iaido lineage under the TIBDR. Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.
Iaido – Precision and Control
The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Batto do techniques, through the ZNBDR, enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.
Iaido Lesson Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Iaido all levels
Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage
Japanese Swordsmanship represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: correct manners, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.
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
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Cultivating inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session reflects the spirit of Budo through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.
Training and Community at the Dojo
The dojo is available half an hour before and after class for individual practice or review with senior students. To maintain traditional standards, Florida Budokan is available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• $85 per month – regular membership
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)
Maintaining the dojo through soji and samu is required, reflecting the spirit of Budo.
Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
Florida Budokan is housed inside Arching Oaks Japanese Culture Center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Art and instructional spaces
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection
This immersive space 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 drawn Karate to Kyudo, classical Karate, Iaido, 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, strength and conditioning, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, your path begins here.
Florida Budokan Location & Contact
???? Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center
37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What Japanese martial arts does Florida Budokan offer?
Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, proper etiquette, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
Previous martial arts experience is not necessary. 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 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 general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breath control, formal reigi, and meditative practice, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a sporting activity.
FAQ 4: Is Shotokan Karate taught 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), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), 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 precise sword-drawing techniques with precision and intent. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu sword arts under the TIBDR. Training also includes Batto-do methods through the ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach to Japanese Swordsmanship.
FAQ 6: What role does Budo play in classes?
Budo is the ethical and philosophical foundation behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, discipline, courtesy, service to others, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, etiquette, and supportive training are integrated into every Japanese Archery training session at the dojo.
FAQ 7: When can visitors attend the dojo?
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 only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or assistance with sempai.