Kyudo (Japanese Archery) for Beginners

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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 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: Authentic Japanese martial arts in a safe, professional, and systematic setting. 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 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, controlled breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• 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 senior students.

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 Karate Association of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including leadership descendants of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—honor, patience, discipline, and bravery.

Karatedo Lesson Schedule

• Mondays 6:30pm – Karate Advanced
• 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 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 techniques, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.

Iaido Class Times

• Tuesdays 6:30pm – Iaido
• Wednesdays 6:30pm – Iaido Beginners
• All-level Iaido class on Fridays at 6:30pm

Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage

Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: correct manners, time-honored sword movements, cutting practice (tameshigiri), and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. 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 central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Service and community commitment
• Growing centered awareness
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit

Every class at Florida Budokan reflects the spirit of Budo through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.

Dojo Operations & Community Expectations

The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for self-study or guided review with sempai. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, Florida Budokan is available to visitors solely during instructional periods and events.

Supporting the Dojo & Community

As a educational nonprofit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, participating in community and dojo activities, and supporting fellow students.

Tuition and Membership Information

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

• Regular tuition: $85/month
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due 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, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning 20 acres.

The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art and instructional spaces
• Japanese meditation & water garden

This immersive space allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.

Start Training in Japanese Martial Arts at Florida Budokan

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 discipline, strength and conditioning, cultural immersion, or personal transformation, your path begins here.

Our Address and Cultural Center

???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
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 complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a systematic, progressive manner to ensure safety, proper learning, and consistent progress.

FAQ 3: Why is Kyudo training special at Florida Budokan?

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 body alignment, breathing, formal reigi, and meditative practice, 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 strong martial character, including core martial virtues.

FAQ 5: What sword training is available at Florida Budokan?

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 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, 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: 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 Japanese Archery guided review with senior students.

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