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 501(c)(3) nonprofit for traditional Japanese martial arts, located at the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our combined training halls, we make a commitment: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. You bring commitment and hard work—we bring inspiration, guidance, and a place to thrive.
Florida Budokan Kyudo – Japanese Archery & the Way of the Bow
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is one of the oldest and most revered Japanese arts. At Florida Budokan, students study traditional Kyudo techniques under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is unique—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Japanese Archery emphasizes proper form, breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, tranquility, and focus. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
Students are invited to come half an hour before class and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of senior students.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karate at Florida Budokan is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These powerful affiliations link students to historical martial heritage, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character
classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• 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
Iaido is taught at Kashimon dojo through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. Our dojo is honored as the first official Toyama Ryu Iai-Battodo Renmei branch in the Americas.
Japanese Swordsmanship Through Iaido
The art focuses on exact techniques for drawing, striking, and sheathing. Students also train in Batto do techniques, through the ZNBDR, enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.
Iaido Lesson Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage
The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: correct manners, historical techniques, blade cutting drills, and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students learn how to move with centered awareness, maintain focus, and honor the heritage.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts
The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• Kyudo Cultivating inner calm
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every class at Florida Budokan reflects the spirit of Budo 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 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 invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.
Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees
Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.
• $85 per month – regular membership
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• 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 located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning 20 acres.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese Shotokan Karate training halls
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Art and instructional spaces
• 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), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, body development, 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 martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. 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?
No prior experience is required. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, 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 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 kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
FAQ 5: What sword training is available at Florida Budokan?
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 Iaido under the TIBDR. Training also includes Batto-do through the ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach to traditional sword practice.
FAQ 6: What role does Budo play in classes?
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. Zen meditation, traditional manners, 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 Cultural Center. The dojo is open only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or guided review with senior students.