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 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.
At our combined training halls, we make a simple promise: Authentic Japanese martial arts in a safe, professional, and systematic setting. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
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 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 classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.
Kyudo Training Schedule
• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners
Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may remain for extra practice after class under the guidance of senior students.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karate at our Florida dojo is taught through traditional Shotokan Karate methods, affiliated with the IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These prestigious connections connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.
Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character
Shotokan-style Karate training emphasizes basic movements, kata (forms), and partner practice. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.
Karatedo Lesson 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
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
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage
Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Budo is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.
Dojo Operations & Community Expectations
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.
Volunteer Spirit
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan relies on the generosity and involvement of its members. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, assisting with upkeep and programs, and enhancing the training environment.
Membership & Tuition Details
Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.
• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• $75 per month – students and veterans
• Family member rate: $50/month
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)
Students participate in cleaning and maintenance, teaching respect and Japanese Archery community values.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, spanning a 20-acre property.
The grounds include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Art studios & classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection
This cultural retreat allows students and visitors to decompress, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo
If you feel called to practice Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, 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), traditional Shotokan-style 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?
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, clear understanding, 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 general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, formal reigi, and meditative practice, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a sporting activity.
FAQ 4: Is Shotokan Karate taught at Florida Budokan?
Karate Iaido 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), kata (forms), and controlled partner training, while developing strong martial character, including core martial virtues.
FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?
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 Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), providing a well-rounded foundation to Japanese Swordsmanship.
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: 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 30 minutes after class for self-study or assistance with sempai.