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 our Florida dojos is a nonprofit dojo offering authentic Japanese martial arts, located at the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.
At our two dojos, we make a simple promise: 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.
Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery
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 Kyudokai. Our Kyudo dojo is the only one of its kind—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, purposefully established to copyright the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.
Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness
Kyudo emphasizes proper form, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, tranquility, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.
Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes
• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo
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 instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These prestigious connections connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.
Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character
classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.
Karate Training Times
• Mondays 6:30pm – Karate Advanced
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• 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
Iaido is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. 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 Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the ZNBDR, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.
Iaido Lesson Schedule
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Iaido all levels
Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage
Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: correct manners, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and honor the heritage.
The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts
Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Service and community commitment
• Developing mental balance
• 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 available half an hour before and after class for individual practice or review with senior students. To preserve authenticity and quality instruction, Florida Budokan is open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, and events.
Community Involvement at Florida Budokan
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, 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 serving the community.
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
• $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.
Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan
Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, 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, 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, Iaido sword practice, 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, physical fitness, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, 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: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?
Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in time-honored Budo philosophy. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword Japanese Archery arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, proper etiquette, and personal development.
FAQ 2: Is previous training required to start?
Previous martial arts experience is not necessary. 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, clear understanding, 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 Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breath control, formal reigi, 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 traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled partner training, while developing personal discipline, 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 sword arts 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: 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 scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for individual Shotokan Karate practice or guided review with senior students.