Karate and Budo Ethics

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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 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736.

At our two dojos, we make a simple promise: Offering genuine Japanese martial arts in a structured and secure environment. You bring commitment and hard work—we bring inspiration, guidance, and a place to thrive.

Kyudo at Florida Budokan – Traditional Japanese Archery

Kyudo (Japanese 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, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of the Japanese way of the bow.

Japanese Archery as a Path of Mindfulness

Kyudo emphasizes proper form, breathing, reigi, and a mindful practice to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate awareness, calmness, and focus. 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 encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early and may stay 30 minutes after class for self-study under the guidance of senior students.

Karate and Shotokan Karate – Traditional Striking Arts at Makoto Dojo

Karatedo at our Florida dojo is taught through traditional Shotokan Karate methods, affiliated with the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These prestigious connections connect our students directly to authentic lineages, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

Karatedo Lesson Schedule

• Monday 6:30pm – Advanced Karate
• Karatedo (all levels) on Tuesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursdays 6:30pm – Karate Intermediate
• Karatedo All – Self Defense/Kumite on Fridays at 6:30pm

Individual lessons can be arranged.

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 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 Class Times

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

Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship – Discipline and Culture

Japanese Swordsmanship represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: correct manners, time-honored sword movements, cutting practice (tameshigiri), 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 embedded in our instruction.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Balancing mind, body, and soul

Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy 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 serving the community.

Florida Budokan Tuition and Fees

Our tuition is designed to be affordable while supporting quality instruction.

• $85 per month – regular membership
• Veterans & Students (Middle, High, College): $75/month
• Family member rate: $50/month
• 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 Japanese Archery 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 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 immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

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

If you feel inspired by Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan-style 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 martial arts 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: Is previous training required to start?

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 systematic, progressive manner to ensure safety, clear understanding, 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 Yosoku style of Kyudo and are officially affiliated with the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai. Kyudo training emphasizes posture, breath control, 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 traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the Kokusai Budoin–International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) and the GIMA-HA Japan. Classes focus on fundamental techniques, 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 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 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, 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, workshops, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain 30 minutes after class for individual practice or guided review with senior students.

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