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 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736.
At our dual dojos, we make a pledge: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. 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 train in the general style (yosoku) under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes proper form, breathing, reigi, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, 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 invited to come half an hour before class and may practice additional techniques after class under the guidance of instructors.
Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts
Traditional 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 kihon (basics), 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)
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• 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 taught at Kashimon dojo through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.
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
The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.
Budo – Philosophy and Practice
The collective martial spirit is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• Cultivating inner calm
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every class at Florida Budokan reflects the spirit of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.
Training and Community at the Dojo
The dojo is available half an hour before and after class for individual practice or review with senior students. To Budo preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
As a non-profit educational organization, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, participating in community and dojo activities, and supporting fellow students.
Tuition and Membership Information
Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.
• Regular tuition: $85/month
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March
Maintaining 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:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here
If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), classical Karate, Iaido, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is self-mastery, physical fitness, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, your training journey begins today.
Florida Budokan Location & Contact
???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: What Japanese martial arts does Florida Budokan offer?
Florida Budokan offers classical Japanese martial traditions 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 emphasize authentic lineage, traditional dojo conduct, and holistic growth.
FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?
Previous martial arts experience is not necessary. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a systematic, progressive manner to ensure safety, proper learning, and consistent progress.
FAQ 3: Why is Kyudo training special at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan is home to the only Kyudo dojo in the State of 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 Shotokan Karate a spiritual path rather than a competitive sport.
FAQ 4: What style of Karate is practiced at Florida Budokan?
Karate training follows classical Shotokan methodology under recognized organizations including the IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled partner training, 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 drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with precision and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido 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, respect, service to others, 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: What are the location and operating hours?
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 half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.