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 two dojos, we make a simple promise: Authentic Japanese martial arts in a safe, professional, and systematic setting. You bring commitment and hard work—we bring inspiration, guidance, and a place to thrive.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) – The Way of the Bow at Florida Budokan
The classical discipline of Kyudo is a historic and respected Japanese martial art. At Florida Budokan, students train in the general style (yosoku) 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, designed for safeguarding and teaching the timeless teachings of Kyudo.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
Japanese Archery emphasizes posture, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and focus. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.
Kyudo Lesson Times
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm
Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of sempai.
Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts
Traditional Karate at Florida Budokan is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These powerful affiliations connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
Shotokan Karate training emphasizes basic movements, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.
Karate Class Schedule
• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• Karatedo All – Self Defense/Kumite on Fridays at 6:30pm
Individual lessons can be arranged.
Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo
Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido 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, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.
Iaido Training Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship – Discipline and Culture
Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: formal dojo conduct, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a Iaido mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, maintain focus, and copyright classical values.
Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts
The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Growing centered awareness
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit
Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.
Training and Community at the Dojo
The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To maintain traditional standards, Florida Budokan is open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, helping maintain our dojos, and enhancing the training environment.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.
• $85 per month – regular membership
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Annual membership and dojo insurance $65/year, payable in March
Students participate in cleaning and maintenance, reflecting the spirit of Budo.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, spanning a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art and instructional spaces
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features
This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reflect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel drawn to Kyudo, 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 personal growth, body development, cultural immersion, or mental focus, Japanese Swordsmanship your training journey begins today.
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 Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and holistic growth.
FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?
Beginners are welcome. 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, proper learning, and steady growth.
FAQ 3: What makes Kyudo (Japanese Archery) at Florida Budokan unique?
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, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a sporting activity.
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 Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of 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 through the 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, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.
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 exclusively during class times, workshops, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or guided review with senior students.