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. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) – The Way of the Bow at Florida Budokan
Kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of 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 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 enduring practices of Japanese Archery.
Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice
the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and focus. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 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.
Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo
Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the IMAF (International Martial Arts Federation) 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), prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Karatedo Lesson Schedule
• Mondays 6:30pm – Karate Advanced
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Karatedo (All Levels)
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring
Individual lessons can be arranged.
Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo
Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan 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.
Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship with Iaido
The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.
Iaido Class Times
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
Japanese Swordsmanship 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 refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and copyright classical values.
Budo – Philosophy and Practice
The collective martial spirit is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Duty to others
• Cultivating inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training
Every training session teaches the principles of Budo through structured Iaido 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 preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, helping maintain our dojos, and serving the community.
Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees
Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.
• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March
Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, practicing discipline and responsibility.
Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
Florida Budokan is situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, 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 immersive space allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.
Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here
If you feel drawn to Kyudo, classical Karate, Kyudo Iaido, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, physical fitness, cultural immersion, or inner growth, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.
Our Address and Cultural Center
???? 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 beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a structured, step-by-step manner to ensure student safety, clear understanding, and steady growth.
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 Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, etiquette, and meditative practice, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a competitive sport.
FAQ 4: Is Shotokan Karate taught at Florida Budokan?
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 Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (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 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 senior students.