Shotokan Karate Practice Explained

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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: 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

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 Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, built to preserve and share the timeless teachings of Kyudo.

Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness

Japanese Archery emphasizes posture, controlled breathing, reigi, and a calm-centered mindset to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and focus. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a expression of centered focus.

Kyudo (Japanese Archery) Classes

• 2pm Sundays – Kyudo (all levels)
• Kyudo Beginners on Thursdays at 6:30pm

Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior and may practice additional techniques after class 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 lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), formal patterns, and partner practice. Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Karate Class Schedule

• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• 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

Japanese sword-drawing art is practiced at the Kashimon Dojo of Florida Budokan through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. Our dojo is recognized as the first accredited Toyama Ryu branch in the Americas.

Japanese Swordsmanship Through Iaido

The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Batto do techniques, 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 refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. 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 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.

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 encouraged to contribute a few volunteer hours each year, participating in community and dojo activities, and serving the community.

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.

Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center

Florida Budokan is situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, America’s largest Japanese cultural center, spanning twenty acres.

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

This sanctuary allows students and visitors to slow down, reconnect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

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

If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), classical Karate, Iaido, traditional swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of Japanese martial culture, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, your training journey begins today.

Visit Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks

???? Florida Budokan – Arching Oaks Japanese Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: What martial arts are taught at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers traditional Japanese Budo 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: Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?

Beginners are welcome. 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 safety, clear understanding, and consistent progress.

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 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 kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), 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 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, self-control, courtesy, community responsibility, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, traditional manners, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.

FAQ 7: Where is Florida Budokan located, and when is the dojo open?

Florida Budokan is located at 37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736, within the Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center. The dojo is open exclusively during class times, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for self-study or assistance with sempai.

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