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 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736.
At our dual dojos, we make a commitment: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. You bring commitment and hard work—we bring inspiration, guidance, and a place to thrive.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
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 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 classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breath discipline, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, tranquility, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.
Kyudo Lesson Times
• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners
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 Florida Budokan is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes basic movements, formal patterns, and partner practice. 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
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• 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 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.
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 Class Times
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship – Discipline and Culture
Japanese Swordsmanship represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: correct manners, time-honored sword movements, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a knowledge of correct timing, spacing, and intent. Students learn how to move with centered awareness, maintain focus, and copyright classical values.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo is the guiding spirit behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Service and community commitment
• Growing centered awareness
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class teaches the principles of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.
Training and Community at the Dojo
The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for self-study or guided review with sempai. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.
Supporting the Dojo & Community
As a non-profit educational organization, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every 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 situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning 20 acres.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• Japanese meditation & water garden
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Start Training in Japanese Martial Arts at Florida Budokan
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, physical fitness, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.
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 (Japanese sword-drawing art), 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 floridabudokan 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 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 Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing strong martial character, including core martial virtues.
FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?
The art of 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 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, courtesy, 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: 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 only during scheduled training hours, Karate 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.