South Florida’s home of traditional Japanese swordsmanship.
Miami Budokan is a not-for-profit martial arts and cultural academy specializing in traditional Japanese swordsmanship. The core of our mission is to preserve these arts through an unbroken line of transmission keeping true to their martial roots in Japan while applying them in a relevant form to the modern western practitioner.
Our Sword Arts
Miami Budokan teaches iaido, the traditional Japanese martial art of drawing the sword, cutting, and returning it to its scabbard with grace and power in a peaceful manner. We teach the standardized Zen Nippon Kendō Renmei (ZNKR) iaido curriculum used for testing and promotion by the All United States Kendo Federation as well as the Musō Shinden-ryū koryu.
We also teach Ryūshin Shōchi Ryū, a kobodu (or “ancient style”), under the direction of Soke Kunikazu Yahagi. Ryūshin Shōchi Ryū’s lineage that traces back to the early Edo period in Japan.
Dojo Leadership
Miami Budokan instructors have a broad range of experience, training, rank and backgrounds to help you reach your training goals. All of our instructors hold fully certified ranks and teaching certificates in the arts they teach.
Rodney Castillo
Head Instructor and Board Member
AUSKF Iaido 4 DAN
AUSKF Kendo 3 DAN
RSR Kobudo 6 DAN Renshi
Pedro Sors
Instructor, President
AUSKF Iaido 4 DAN
RSR Kobudo 4 DAN Renshi
Ben Sardinas
Instructor, Treasurer
AUSKF Iaido 4 DAN
AUSKF Kendo 2 DAN
RSR Kobudo 4 DAN Renshi
Jenyer Paez
Instructor
AUSKF Kendo 3 DAN
AUSKF Iaido 2 DAN
RSR Kobudo 4 DAN Renshi
Juan Pablo Vaccari
Instructor
AUSKF Iaido 2 DAN
RSR Kobudo 5 DAN Renshi
As a traditional iaido dojo, Miami Budokan maintains close connections with our technical advisors in Japan.
Kunikazu Yahagi
Technical Advisor
Shuseki Shihan, Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (Kobudo)
Kendo 7 DAN Kyoshi (ZNKR)
Kazuhiza Kaneda
Technical Advisor
Iaido 8 DAN Kyoshi (ZNKR)
Join the Dojo
Miami Budokan welcomes new students. Guests are welcome to observe our general classes (Tuesday and Saturday) or to participate on a trial basis – bring comfortable athletic clothing (sweatpants recommended) and a willingness to learn. Contact us prior to visiting so that we know to expect you.
Dojo fees are collected monthly and include access to all general classes and open practices. Multiple family member discounts are available. There are no signed contracts, as fees are collected on a month-to-month basis.
- Adults: $100
- Students: $75
- FIU Kendo Members: $50
All Miami Budokan members are required to register with the All United States Kendo Federation (~$100/year) for the purpose of insurance, testing, and seminar participation. Ask any instructor for more information. Students participating in Ryushin Shouchi Ryu events and testing should also become members of the RSR organization.
We are committed to the inclusion and support of all students regardless of race, color, age, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or citizenship .
Calendar
Schedule and Contact
Starting the last week of February 2024, weekday iaido classes will be held on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Saturday and Sunday schedules remain the same.
Miami Budokan holds iaido classes on:
- Wednesdays, 8:30pm-9:30pm
- Saturdays, 1:00pm-3:00pm
- Sundays, 9:00am-10:30am (open training, no guests)
Housed in the Japan Cultural Center, Miami Budokan is located in the Coral Terrace neighborhood of Miami, Florida.
Miami Budokan
7360 SW 24 Street, Suit 25B
Miami, FL 33155
(786) 461-8147
info@miamibudokan.com
Get In Touch
Reach out to us with any questions or to sign up for your free trial class.
