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 two dojos, 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.

Florida Budokan Kyudo – Japanese Archery & the Way of the Bow

Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is among Japan’s most traditional archery arts. At Florida Budokan, students practice the Yosoku style under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is unique—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 proper form, breath discipline, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.

Kyudo Lesson Times

• 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

Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These powerful affiliations tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.

Developing Character through Shotokan Karate

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

• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• 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 at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art

Japanese sword-drawing art is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.

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 Lesson Schedule

• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• 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: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, cultivate mental calm, 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
• 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.

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 open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.

Community Involvement at Florida Budokan

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, 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
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March

Maintaining floridabudokan 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, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, spanning twenty acres.

The grounds include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection

This cultural retreat allows students and visitors to decompress, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo

If you feel called to practice traditional Japanese archery, Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or inner growth, your path begins here.

Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks

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

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers classical Japanese martial traditions rooted in time-honored Budo philosophy. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, traditional dojo conduct, and holistic growth.

FAQ 2: Is previous training required to start?

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 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 body alignment, breathing, 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 traditional Iaido Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), kata (forms), and controlled partner training, while developing strong martial character, including core martial virtues.

FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?

Iaido is the Japanese discipline of precise sword-drawing techniques with control and intent. At Florida Budokan’s Kashimon 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 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: 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 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.