Shotokan Karate Training for Beginners and Advanced Students

Wiki Article

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 FLORIDA BUDOKAN is a non-profit, traditional Japanese martial arts organization, 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

The classical discipline of Kyudo 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 only Kyudo dojo in the State of Florida, designed for safeguarding and teaching the enduring practices of Japanese Archery.

Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness

the art of Japanese archery emphasizes body alignment, breath discipline, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates meditative breathing, helping practitioners cultivate presence, inner calm, and mental clarity. Unlike modern archery, Kyudo views each release as a manifestation of mental balance.

Kyudo Training Schedule

• Kyudo for all students – Sunday 2:00pm
• Thursdays at 6:30pm – Kyudo Beginners

Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior 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 tie practitioners to classical Japanese masters, including Tokugawa Shogunate descendants.

Shotokan Karate for Body, Spirit, and Character

classical Shotokan training emphasizes fundamental techniques, prearranged sequences, and controlled sparring. Classes blend physical conditioning with the deeper virtues of martial character—self-control, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Karate Training Times

• Karate Advanced at 6:30pm on Mondays
• Tuesday 6:30pm – Karatedo for all levels
• Karate Intermediate on Thursdays at 6:30pm
• Friday 6:30pm – Karatedo All Levels Self-Defense & Sparring

Individual lessons can be arranged.

Iaido at Kashimon Dojo – Traditional Sword Art

the art of Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu sword-drawing techniques under the TIBDR. Our dojo is distinguished as the first official Toyama Ryu Iaido branch outside Japan.

Mastering Japanese Swordsmanship with Iaido

The art emphasizes careful, deliberate movements with the sword. Students also train in Zen Nihon Batto-Do methods, through the ZNBDR, expanding their understanding of Japanese Swordsmanship.

Iaido Lesson Schedule

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

Japanese Swordsmanship – Precision, Discipline & Cultural Heritage

Kenjutsu and related sword arts represents a long history of samurai practice. At Florida Budokan, this includes the complete range of sword methods: correct manners, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a refined understanding of timing, distance, and intention. Students develop fluid, deliberate motion, cultivate mental calm, and copyright classical values.

Budo – The Collective Spirit of Japanese Martial Arts

The collective martial spirit is the unifying philosophy behind all these disciplines, and it is taught through every class.
Budo emphasizes:
• Virtuous behavior
• Responsibility to one’s community
• Developing mental balance
• Harmonizing body, mind, and spirit

Every class at Florida Budokan incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through structured practice, meditation, and mutual respect.

Florida Budokan Dojo Guidelines

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.

Volunteer Spirit

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Florida Budokan depends on student and community support. All students are asked to assist with events or dojo maintenance annually, participating in community and dojo activities, and enhancing the training environment.

Tuition and Membership Information

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

• Monthly tuition for standard members: $85
• Discounted tuition $75/month for students and veterans
• $50 per month for each extra family member
• Annual membership and dojo insurance $65/year, payable in March

Dojo cleaning (soji) and upkeep (samu) are expected responsibilities, practicing discipline and responsibility.

Arching Oaks Japanese Art and Cultural Center

Florida Budokan is housed inside Arching Oaks Japanese Culture Center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning 20 acres.

The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Tatami room for cultural practice and tea rituals
• Creative studios and learning classrooms
• Meditation gardens and water features for reflection

This immersive space allows students and visitors to relax and unwind, reconnect, and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Begin Your Journey in Kyudo, Karate, Iaido & Budo

If you feel drawn to Kyudo, Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to develop your skills in a traditional setting. Whether your goal is self-mastery, physical fitness, learning authentic Japanese arts, or inner growth, your path begins here.

Our Address and Cultural Center

???? 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 historical legitimacy, proper etiquette, 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 introductory instruction, and training is delivered in a structured, 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 general style (yosoku) and are officially affiliated with the Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, etiquette, and meditative practice, treating archery as a spiritual path rather than a competitive sport.

FAQ 4: What style of Karate is practiced at Florida Budokan?

Karate training follows traditional Shotokan Karate under recognized organizations including the 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: 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 foundation to Japanese Swordsmanship.

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, service to others, and mind-body-spirit balance. Zen meditation, etiquette, and supportive training are integrated into Japanese Swordsmanship every Kyudo, Karate, Iaido, and Japanese Swordsmanship class.

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 only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and events. Students may arrive half an hour early and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for self-study or assistance with sempai.

Report this wiki page