Iaido Dojo Training in Florida

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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 nonprofit dojo offering authentic Japanese martial arts, located at 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736.

At our dual dojos, we make a pledge: Provide traditional martial arts training safely, professionally, and systematically. Students provide dedication; we provide instruction, support, and a place to grow.

Kyudo (Japanese Archery) – The Way of the Bow at Florida Budokan

Kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery is among Japan’s most traditional archery arts. At Florida Budokan, students practice the Yosoku style under the official membership of the Dai Nippon Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.

Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice

the art of Japanese archery emphasizes posture, breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, calmness, and focus. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.

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.

Traditional Karate & Shotokan Karate at Makoto Dojo

Karatedo at our Florida dojo is taught through traditional Shotokan Karate methods, affiliated with the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These powerful affiliations tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.

Developing Character through Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate training emphasizes basic movements, kata (forms), and controlled sparring. Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karate Training Times

• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite

One-on-one instruction available by schedule.

Iaido at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art

Japanese sword-drawing art is taught at Kashimon dojo through the tradition of Toyama Ryu Iaido under the Toyama Ryu Battodo Association. 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 Batto do techniques, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.

Iaido Class Times

• Iaido on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Wednesday 6:30pm – Beginner Iaido
• Fridays 6:30pm – Iaido All

Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship – Skills and Heritage

Japanese Swordsmanship represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the entire practice of traditional sword arts: proper etiquette, ancient cutting methods, blade cutting drills, and a mastery of timing, ma-ai, and focus. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and respect cultural traditions.

Budo – Philosophy and Practice

The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Ethical conduct
• Duty to others
• Growing centered awareness
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit

Every class at Florida Budokan teaches the principles of Japanese Swordsmanship Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.

Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines

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 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 encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, assisting with upkeep and programs, and serving the community.

Membership & Tuition Details

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

• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• $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, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, spanning twenty acres.

The grounds include:
• Two traditional Japanese dojos
• Tatami room for tea & incense
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features

This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and experience traditional Japanese arts firsthand.

Your Path to Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Budo Begins Here

If you feel drawn to Kyudo, classical Karate, Iaido sword practice, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is discipline, 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: What martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and Japanese Swordsmanship. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and holistic growth.

FAQ 2: Can beginners join Florida Budokan?

Previous martial arts experience is not necessary. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a structured, progressive manner to ensure student safety, proper learning, 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 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 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, formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), 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 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, discipline, courtesy, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, 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 half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or assistance with sempai.

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