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 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: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.
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 Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is unique—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, purposefully established to copyright the timeless teachings of Kyudo.
Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, controlled 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
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of sempai.
Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts
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 lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character
classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and partner practice. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karate Class Schedule
• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite
One-on-one instruction available by schedule.
Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing
Japanese sword-drawing art is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu 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
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage
Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, Japanese Swordsmanship and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Budo is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• 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 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 supporting fellow students.
Tuition and Membership Information
Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain Japanese Archery excellence.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• Discounted tuition $75/month for 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.
Arching Oaks Japanese Art and 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:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here
If you feel drawn to Kyudo, classical 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 self-mastery, body development, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or mental focus, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.
Our Address and Cultural Center
???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in time-honored Budo philosophy. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, proper etiquette, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
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 IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
FAQ 5: What sword training is available at Florida Budokan?
Iaido is the Japanese discipline of precise sword-drawing techniques with control 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 well-rounded foundation to Japanese Swordsmanship.
FAQ 6: How does Budo philosophy influence training?
Budo is the guiding principle behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, self-control, respect, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and mutual respect 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 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.