Japanese Swordsmanship: History, Technique, and Practice

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Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Shotokan Karate, Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship, and Budo together represent the core of training at Florida Budokan 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: Authentic Japanese martial arts in a safe, professional, and systematic setting. With your effort and focus, we provide guidance, encouragement, and a supportive dojo.

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 training hall is unique—it is the one and only Kyudo training hall in Florida, built to preserve and share the classical wisdom of Kyudo.

Practicing Japanese Archery with Awareness

Japanese Archery emphasizes body alignment, controlled breathing, formal respect, and a meditative approach to action. Every class incorporates Zen meditation, helping practitioners cultivate mindfulness, inner calm, and mental clarity. Unlike Western-style archery, Kyudo views each release as a reflection of inner harmony.

Kyudo Training Schedule

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

Students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early 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, supported by the Kokusai Budoin organization and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Karate Association of Japan. These strong lineages link students to historical martial heritage, including lineage tracing to Tokugawa leadership.

Shotokan Karate – Strength, Mind, and Virtue

classical Shotokan training emphasizes kihon (basics), prearranged sequences, and kumite (sparring). Classes integrate strength training with character building—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
• Fridays 6:30pm – Karatedo All – Self-Defense/Kumite

Private classes are also available by appointment.

Kashimon Dojo: Iaido – The Art of Japanese Sword Drawing

Iaido is instructed at Florida Budokan’s Kashimon Dojo through the Toyama Ryu Iaido lineage under the Toyama Ryu Iaido Battodo Renmei (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 focuses on exact techniques for drawing, striking, and sheathing. Students also train in Batto-do, through the ZNBDR, deepening mastery of traditional sword arts.

Iaido Lesson 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

Japanese Swordsmanship represents the classical legacy of Japanese warriors. At Florida Budokan, this includes the full spectrum of techniques: formal dojo conduct, historical techniques, tameshigiri exercises, and a knowledge of correct timing, spacing, and intent. Students practice moving with mental stillness, cultivate mental calm, and respect cultural traditions.

Budo – Philosophy and Practice

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
• Balancing mind, body, and soul

Every training session incorporates elements of Budo philosophy through etiquette, meditation, and supportive training dynamics.

Dojo Operations & Community Expectations

The dojo is open 30 minutes before and after every class for self-study or guided review with sempai. To ensure a high-quality learning environment, Florida Budokan is accessible only during classes, workshops, and special programs.

Volunteer Spirit

As a educational nonprofit, 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
• Additional family member: $50/month
• Membership & insurance for all programs: $65 annually, due March

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

Florida Budokan at Arching Oaks Cultural Center

Florida Budokan is situated at Arching Oaks, the premier Japanese cultural center, the largest zoned Japanese cultural center in the United States, spanning 20 acres.

The grounds include:
• Two fully equipped Japanese training halls
• Traditional tatami room for tea and incense ceremonies
• Art studios & classrooms
• Japanese meditation & water garden

This immersive space 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, the art of Japanese sword-drawing, Japanese Swordsmanship, or the broader traditions of classical Budo, Florida Budokan offers a place to practice with structure and guidance. 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 at Arching Oaks Cultural Center
37114 North Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, FL 32736

FAQ’s

FAQ 1: Which disciplines can I study at Florida Budokan?

Florida Budokan offers authentic Japanese Budo disciplines rooted in classical Budo. Training includes Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Karate and Shotokan 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?

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, 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 Great Japan Kyudo Federation. Kyudo training emphasizes body alignment, breathing, formal reigi, and Zen meditation, treating archery as a mindful discipline 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 IMAF and the GIMA-HA Shotokan-Ryu Kyudo Kyokai of Japan. Classes focus on kihon (basics), formal patterns, and kumite (sparring), while developing personal discipline, including respect, perseverance, humility, and courage.

FAQ 5: What sword training is available at Florida Budokan?

The art of Iaido is the Japanese discipline of drawing, cutting, and returning the sword with precision and awareness. At Florida Budokan’s Iaido dojo, students practice Toyama Ryu sword arts under the 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?

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: What are the location and operating hours?

Florida Budokan is located at 37114 N Thrill Hill Rd, Eustis, Florida 32736, within the Arching Oaks Cultural Center. The dojo is open only during scheduled training hours, special programs, and scheduled activities. Students may arrive 30 minutes before class and remain up to thirty minutes afterward for individual practice or guided review with sempai.

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