At Florida Budokan, Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and the spirit of Budo form the essence of our martial arts programs our Florida dojos is a non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, 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. You bring commitment and hard work—we bring inspiration, guidance, and a place to thrive.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
Kyudo (Japanese 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 enduring practices of Japanese Archery.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, inner calm, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.
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 sempai.
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 tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes kihon (basics), prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
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 at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art
the art of Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. 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 Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.
Iaido Lesson Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students practice moving with mental stillness, cultivate mental calm, and copyright classical values.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Japanese Swordsmanship Developing mental balance
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class teaches the principles of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.
Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines
The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
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, assisting with upkeep and programs, and supporting fellow students.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.
• $85 per month – regular membership
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)
Maintaining the dojo through soji and samu is required, practicing discipline and responsibility.
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 fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel drawn to Kyudo (Japanese Archery), classical Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is personal growth, body development, learning authentic Japanese arts, or mental focus, your path begins here.
Florida Budokan Location & Contact
???? Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, traditional dojo conduct, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a systematic, progressive Japanese Swordsmanship manner to ensure safety, proper learning, and steady growth.
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, 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 traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, formal patterns, and controlled partner training, while developing strong martial character, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
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 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 harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and supportive training are integrated into every training session at the dojo.
FAQ 7: What are the location and operating hours?
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, 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.