Iaido Classes at Florida Budokan

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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 the Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center in Eustis, Florida.

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 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 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 proper form, breathing, reigi, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and clarity. Unlike contemporary archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.

Kyudo Lesson Times

• Sundays at 2pm – 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 instructors.

Makoto Dojo: Karate and Shotokan Karate – Classic Striking Arts

Traditional Karate at Florida Budokan is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, 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 lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Karate Class Schedule

• 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.

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 focuses on exact techniques for drawing, striking, and sheathing. Students also train in Batto-do, through the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Association, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.

Iaido Training Schedule

• Tuesday 6:30pm – Iaido practice
• 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: proper etiquette, time-honored sword movements, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students learn how to move with centered awareness, strengthen concentration, and respect cultural traditions.

Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts

Budo is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is central to training at Florida Budokan.
Budo emphasizes:
• Moral character
• Duty to others
• Cultivating Japanese Archery inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training

Every training session teaches the principles of 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 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.

• 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 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
• Serene gardens with meditation and water features

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 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 develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is discipline, body development, appreciation of Japanese tradition, or mental focus, your journey starts at Florida Budokan.

Florida Budokan Location & Contact

???? 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 traditional Japanese martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and Japanese Archery, traditional Shotokan-style Karate, Iaido sword-drawing practice, and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize authentic lineage, proper etiquette, and personal development.

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 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 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 kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

FAQ 5: What is Iaido, and how is Japanese Swordsmanship taught?

The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword 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: What role does Budo play in classes?

Japanese Budo philosophy is the ethical and philosophical foundation behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes ethical conduct, 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, 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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