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 pledge: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.
Florida Budokan Kyudo – Japanese Archery & the Way of the Bow
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 Kyudo Kai. Our Kyudo dojo is the only one of its kind—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the timeless teachings of Kyudo.
Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness
Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike modern 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
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 connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue
classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karate Training Times
• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring
Private classes are also available by appointment.
Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing
Japanese sword-drawing art is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.
Iaido – Precision and Control
The art teaches controlled, precise movements for drawing, cutting, and returning the sword. Students also train in Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.
Iaido Training Schedule
• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
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, 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 respect cultural traditions.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Japanese Budo 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
• Balancing mind, body, and soul
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 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 Iaido special programs.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, 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
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Annual membership and dojo insurance $65/year, payable in March
Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, practicing discipline and responsibility.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning 20 acres.
The grounds include:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection
This cultural retreat allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, reconnect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel called to practice Kyudo, Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, 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, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or personal transformation, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.
Our Address and Cultural Center
???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736
FAQ’s
FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in traditional Budo principles. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Is previous training required to start?
No prior experience is required. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a systematic, step-by-step manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, and consistent progress.
FAQ 3: What sets Florida Budokan Kyudo apart?
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 Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, etiquette, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a mindful discipline 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, Budo and controlled partner training, while developing strong martial character, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
FAQ 5: What is Iaido, and how is Japanese Swordsmanship taught?
The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with control and intent. At Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (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?
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 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, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or assistance with sempai.