Shotokan Karate Training for Beginners and Advanced Students

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Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core of training at Florida Budokan Florida Budokan is a non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.

At our two dojos, we make a pledge: 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

The classical discipline of Kyudo 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 classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.

Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness

Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breath discipline, etiquette, 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 reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm

Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of sempai.

Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts

Traditional Karate at the Florida Budokan organization is delivered using authentic Shotokan training techniques, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. These strong lineages connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karate Training Times

• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Karatedo (All Levels)
• Thursday 6:30pm – Intermediate Karate
• Karatedo All – Self Defense/Kumite on Fridays at 6:30pm

Private classes are also available by appointment.

Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing

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 honored as the first official Toyama Ryu Iai-Battodo Renmei branch in the Americas.

Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship with Iaido

The art focuses on exact techniques for drawing, striking, and sheathing. Students also train in Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.

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

The art of Japanese swordsmanship represents centuries of warrior tradition. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a knowledge of correct timing, spacing, and intent. Students learn how to move with centered awareness, maintain focus, and copyright classical values.

Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts

Japanese Budo is the guiding spirit 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 incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through practice, mindfulness, and character development.

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.

Supporting the Dojo & Community

As a non-profit educational organization, Florida Budokan thrives on volunteer participation. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, participating in community and dojo activities, and supporting fellow students.

Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees

Our tuition is structured to keep costs low yet maintain excellence.

• $85 per month – regular membership
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Annual memberships for Karate, Iaido, Kyudo, and insurance: $65/year (due every March)

Maintaining the dojo through soji and samu is required, reflecting the spirit of Budo.

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 studios & classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection

This cultural retreat allows students and visitors to decompress, reflect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.

Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo

If you feel called to practice traditional Japanese archery, Shotokan Karate, Iaido sword practice, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or inner growth, your path begins here.

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 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 Japanese Archery 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 classical Shotokan methodology 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 precision and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu Iaido under the TIBDR. Training also includes Batto-do through the ZNBDR, providing a comprehensive approach to traditional sword practice.

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, courtesy, community responsibility, 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, workshops, 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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