Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core of training at Florida Budokan FLORIDA BUDOKAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for traditional Japanese martial arts, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.
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 at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
Kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery 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 training hall is unique—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, purposefully established to copyright the classical wisdom of Kyudo.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, 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
• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may practice additional techniques after class under the guidance of instructors.
Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo
Traditional Karate at Florida Budokan is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Mondays 6:30pm – Karate Advanced
• 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 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 Class Times
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and honor the heritage.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
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
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every class at Florida Budokan reflects the spirit of Budo through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.
Training and Community at the Dojo
The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To maintain traditional standards, 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, participating in community and dojo activities, and supporting fellow students.
Tuition and Membership Information
Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Additional family member: $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, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning 20 acres.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• Serene gardens with meditation and Japanese Swordsmanship water features
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reflect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel called to practice traditional Japanese archery, Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, physical fitness, cultural immersion, or mental focus, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.
Florida Budokan Location & Contact
???? 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 classical Japanese martial traditions rooted in traditional Budo principles. Training includes Kyudo (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: 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 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 posture, breathing, 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 Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing strong martial character, 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 Iaido 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?
Japanese Budo philosophy is the ethical and philosophical foundation behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes ethical conduct, self-control, respect, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and supportive training are integrated into every training session at the dojo.
FAQ 7: Where is Florida Budokan located, and when is the dojo open?
Florida Budokan is located at Karate 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 self-study or assistance with sempai.