The Way of Kyudo and Budo

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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 non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.

At our dual dojos, we make a commitment: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. 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 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 distinctive—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the enduring practices of Kyudo.

Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness

Kyudo emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, etiquette, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, tranquility, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.

Kyudo Lesson Times

• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo

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

Traditional Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and partner practice. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Karate Class 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

Individual lessons can be arranged.

Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo

Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. 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 Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.

Iaido Lesson Schedule

• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• 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: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students practice moving with mental stillness, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.

The Spirit of Budo in 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
• 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 Kyudo 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.

Tuition and Membership Information

Our tuition is set to support high-quality training and community access.

• 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 Japanese Art and Cultural Center

Florida Budokan is housed inside Arching Oaks Japanese Culture Center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning twenty acres.

The grounds include:
• Dual authentic dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection

This sanctuary allows students and visitors to decompress, reflect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo

If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or personal transformation, your training journey begins today.

Florida Budokan Location & Contact

???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: What Japanese martial arts does Florida Budokan offer?

Florida Budokan offers classical Japanese martial traditions rooted in traditional Budo principles. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, and holistic growth.

FAQ 2: Is previous training required to start?

No prior experience is required. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as advanced martial artists. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive 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 sole Kyudo dojo in Florida. Students train in the Yosoku style of Kyudo and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breath control, 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), kata (forms), and controlled partner training, 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 awareness. 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, discipline, courtesy, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, traditional manners, 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 scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for individual practice or guided review with senior students.

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