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 non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.
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.
Florida Budokan Kyudo – Japanese Archery & the Way of the Bow
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is a historic and respected Japanese martial art. At Florida Budokan, students study traditional Kyudo techniques under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our Kyudo dojo is the only one of its kind—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)
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of senior students.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karate at the Florida Budokan organization 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 kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
Karate Training Times
• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Karatedo (All Levels)
• 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 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, blade cutting drills, and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students learn how to move with centered awareness, 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:
• Virtuous behavior Kyudo
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.
Dojo Operations & Community Expectations
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 501(c)(3) non-profit, Florida Budokan relies on the generosity and involvement of its members. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, 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.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March
Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, practicing discipline and responsibility.
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 a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art studios & 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, 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 traditional Budo principles. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs Japanese Swordsmanship emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and holistic growth.
FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?
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 body alignment, breath control, etiquette, and meditative practice, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a competitive sport.
FAQ 4: Is Shotokan Karate taught at Florida Budokan?
Karate training follows classical Shotokan methodology 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 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 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?
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. Meditative practice, etiquette, and mutual respect 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 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736, within the Arching Oaks Cultural Center. The dojo is open exclusively during class times, workshops, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or guided review with sempai.