Iaido and Japanese Swordsmanship for Modern Students

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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 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.

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 train in the general style (yosoku) under the official membership of the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Our training hall is unique—it is the sole Kyudo dojo in Florida, purposefully established to copyright the classical wisdom of Kyudo.

Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness

Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates zazen-style meditation, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, tranquility, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.

Kyudo Lesson Times

• Sundays at 2pm – Kyudo All Levels
• 6:30pm Thursdays – Beginner Kyudo

Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior 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 Florida Budokan is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai Japan. These powerful affiliations tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.

Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character

Shotokan-style Karate training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and partner practice. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Karate Class Schedule

• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• 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 practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the 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, 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, ancient cutting methods, 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

Budo is the core principle behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Cultivating inner calm
• Integrating physical, mental, and spiritual training

Every training session reflects the spirit of Budo through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.

Dojo Operations & Community Expectations

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 encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, 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
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due 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, Kenjutsu and Japanese sword arts, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. Whether your goal is discipline, body development, cultural immersion, or mental focus, your path begins here.

Our Address and Cultural Center

???? Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center – Florida Budokan
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 time-honored Budo philosophy. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan Karate, Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art), and classical Japanese sword arts. All programs emphasize historical legitimacy, traditional dojo conduct, 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 Budo 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 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, 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 kihon (basics), formal patterns, and controlled partner training, while developing strong martial character, including core martial virtues.

FAQ 5: How does Florida Budokan teach sword arts?

The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of precise sword-drawing techniques with control and intent. 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, respect, 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 exclusively during class times, 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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