Practicing the Art of Kyudo

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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 non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, 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. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.

Florida Budokan Kyudo – Japanese Archery & the Way of the Bow

Kyudo (Japanese Archery) is a historic and respected Japanese martial art. 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 body alignment, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners

Students are invited to come half an hour before class 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, 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

Private classes are also available by appointment.

Iaido – Japanese Sword-Drawing Art at Kashimon Dojo

Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu Iaido lineage under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (TIBDR). Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.

Japanese Swordsmanship Through Iaido

The art teaches controlled, precise movements for drawing, cutting, and returning the sword. Students also train in Batto do techniques, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.

Iaido Class Times

• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Iaido for beginners on Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All

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: correct manners, historical techniques, blade cutting drills, and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and honor the heritage.

The Spirit of Budo in Japanese Martial Arts

Japanese Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Service and community commitment
• Growing centered awareness
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit

Every class at Florida Budokan 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 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 thrives on volunteer participation. All students are invited to support the dojo through volunteer work, helping maintain our dojos, 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 situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese 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
• Art and instructional spaces
• Japanese meditation & water garden

This immersive space allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, 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), classical Karate, 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, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or personal transformation, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.

Florida Budokan Location & Contact

???? Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 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, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, traditional dojo conduct, and holistic growth.

FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?

Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes new students as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, and training is delivered in a systematic, step-by-step manner to ensure 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 general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breathing, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a mindful discipline rather than a sporting activity.

FAQ 4: Which Karate system is taught at the dojo?

Karate training follows traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of 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 sword training is available at Florida Budokan?

Iaido is the Japanese discipline Shotokan Karate 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, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Meditative practice, etiquette, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.

FAQ 7: What are the location and operating hours?

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 senior students.

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