Welcome to the Institute of Budo Studies
The home of authentic Japanese Swordsmanship in South Florida since 2003.
For over 20 years, the Institute of Budo Studies has cultivated close relationships with high-ranking instructors in Japan in order to ensure the authenticity of its instruction, provide opportunities for cultural exchange and to maintain its curriculum current with international standards.
At the Institute of Budo Studies, the concept of heijōshin — often translated as “presence of mind” — serves as a guiding principle in our practice. The term is composed of three kanji: 平 (hei), meaning “peaceful” or “even”; 常 (jō), meaning “constant” or “ordinary”; and 心 (shin), meaning “mind,” “heart,” or “spirit.” In the context of martial arts, particularly kendo, heijōshin reminds practitioners to maintain a calm, steady mind even in the face of adversity. It reflects our belief that composure under pressure is not only essential in budo but in life itself.
Curriculum
The Institute of Budo Studies is dedicated to the preservation and transmission of traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Through the study of kendo, iaido, and kobudo, we offer a comprehensive approach to martial arts that emphasizes technical skill, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Guided by the principle of heijōshin — a calm and steady mind — our training fosters discipline, character, and lifelong learning both on and off the dojo floor.
Kendo
Kendo (way of the sword) is a modern Japanese martial art, that uses bamboo swords (shinai) as well as protective armor (bogu). Today, it is widely practiced within Japan and has spread to many other nations across the world. Kendo combines martial arts practices and values with strenuous, sport-like physical activity.
Iaido
Iaido (Quick-Draw Sword Art or more commonly known as Japanese Swordsmanship) was developed as a defensive method to counter surprise attacks in 15th and 16th century Japan.
The purpose of Iaido was to slay an opponent with one stroke of the sword immediately after unsheathing it. In order to create such a defensive system, situations and circumstances of surprise attacks were studied to devise a systemized way to utilize the sword efficiently against many forms of attack.
Kobudo
Kobudo is a collective term for classical Japanese martial arts created prior to the Meiji Restoration in 1868 with the majority of them remaining unchanged since their creation during Japan’s Warring States period. These systems were generally unaffected by the standardization that took place during Japan’s modernization period.
The Japanese word kobudo consists of two characters: ko (ancient) and budo (martial arts or ways). Kobudo styles or ryu follow traditions developed in ancient times and utilize classical weapons.
Private Classes
Private classes are available to Institute of Budo Studies members of all levels. These classes offer the opportunity for one-on-one instruction in Japanese swordsmanship and are specifically tailored to the student’s experience, physical conditioning, and desired goals.