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 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: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
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 Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is the only one of its kind—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of Kyudo.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of senior students.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karatedo at our Florida dojo is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karate Class Schedule
• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursday 6:30pm – Intermediate Karate
• Karatedo All – Self Defense/Kumite on Fridays at 6:30pm
Private classes are also available by appointment.
Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing
Iaido 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 teaches controlled, precise movements for drawing, cutting, and returning the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, 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
• 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 develop fluid, deliberate motion, 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
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Balancing mind, body, and soul
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.
Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines
The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for Japanese Swordsmanship self-study or guided review with sempai. To preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
As a educational nonprofit, 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 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
Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, practicing discipline and responsibility.
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:
• 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 inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, 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: What martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and 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: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a structured, step-by-step manner to ensure student safety, clear understanding, and steady growth.
FAQ 3: What makes Kyudo (Japanese Archery) at Florida Budokan unique?
Florida Budokan is home to the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida. Students train in the Yosoku style of Kyudo and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breath control, etiquette, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a competitive sport.
FAQ 4: What style of Karate is practiced at Florida Budokan?
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, formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
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 precision and awareness. 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, discipline, courtesy, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. Karate Zen meditation, etiquette, and supportive training are integrated into every Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class.
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 only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or assistance with sempai.