Exploring Iaido and Batto-do

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At Florida Budokan, Kyudo, Karate, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and the spirit of Budo form the essence of our martial arts programs 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: 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 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 Kyudokai. Our Seibukan Kyudojo is distinctive—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.

Kyudo – Mindful Archery Practice

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

Kyudo Lesson Times

• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• 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 senior students.

Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo

Karatedo at Florida Budokan is instructed via classical Shotokan Karate practice, under the guidance of the Kokusai Budoin-International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These powerful affiliations 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, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes combine physical fitness with personal development—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karate Training Times

• 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 at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art

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 Renmei (ZNBDR), enhancing knowledge of classical sword techniques.

Iaido Training Schedule

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

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
• Cultivating inner calm
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit

Every class at Florida Budokan reflects the spirit of Budo through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.

Training and Community at the Dojo

The dojo is accessible 30 minutes prior and post-class for personal training or assistance from instructors. To maintain traditional standards, Florida Budokan is open to the public only during scheduled training hours, workshops, 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.

• $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)

Students participate in cleaning and maintenance, teaching respect and community values.

Arching Oaks – Home of Florida Budokan

Florida Budokan is located within Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center, the U.S.’s largest Japanese-themed arts facility, 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 immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo

If you feel called to practice traditional Japanese archery, Shotokan-style Karate, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to train with authenticity. Whether your goal is personal growth, strength and conditioning, 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 martial arts rooted in classical Budo. Training includes the art of Kyudo and 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?

Beginners are welcome. Florida Budokan welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Each discipline offers beginner-friendly classes, 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 posture, breathing, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a sporting activity.

FAQ 4: Which Karate system is taught at the dojo?

Karate training follows classical Shotokan methodology under recognized organizations including the IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, kata (forms), and controlled partner training, 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 Iaido foundation to Japanese Swordsmanship.

FAQ 6: How does Budo philosophy influence training?

Japanese Budo philosophy is the guiding principle behind all training at Florida Budokan. It emphasizes moral character, self-control, respect, service to others, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Meditative practice, traditional manners, and mutual respect are integrated into every training session at the dojo.

FAQ 7: What are the location and operating hours?

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, workshops, 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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