Five Circles Martial Arts

Sooooo many swords... A fantastic turnout for The Killing Season - OPEN BOUTING (Night 1 of 2)!!

Young Samurai testing today. So proud of these young men and all the work they put in. It's a privilege to work with you.

JOIN US!!

We have a big young samurai testing tomorrow. Testings are social events and a chance to come together. You're all invited to come and go, hang out and support our kids as they go through this.

We don't test very often. Maybe once or twice a year. So, this is a big deal for us. Here are the testers and the rank they are trying to achieve.

Ronan Beeson - Level 9 - Brown Belt
Eadin Menefee - Level 5 - Blue Belt
Ellis Newby-Jones - Level 5 - Blue Belt
Zane Williams - Level 5 - Blue Belt

All of our tests are comprehensive. Students have to perform all of their skills and forms. It takes a while. Also because of floor time and student availability the schedule is going to be a bit backwards.

09:00 - Day starts. Beeson Written exam. 10:00 - Beeson Levels 5-8
11:30 - Break
12:00 - All Students Level 1-4
14:00 - Physical Exam Finished, Other Students Written Exam.
15:00 - Exam Complete

Any black belts are also welcome to sit as judges. If you'd like to judge, it would be much appreciated. Just let me know ASAP.

Teaching Children: Preparing the Next Generation with Heart and Wisdom

As we lean toward our children today, we shape the future of tomorrow. In guiding them, we must do more than simply pass on physical skills—we must also nurture their minds and their hearts.

The wisdom of Te Junsoku [程順則 1663–1734], a Confucian scholar from Okinawa’s Ryūkyū Kingdom, still speaks to us today. Known as “The Sage of Nago” and “Father Educator,” Junsoku championed the art of Te—not only as a method of self-defense, but as a vehicle for personal growth and social harmony. In 1683, he wrote:

“No matter how you may excel in the art of Te, and in your scholastic endeavours, nothing is more important than your behaviour and humanity as observed in daily life.”

Let us teach our children well—not just in the ways of movement and technique, but in the scholarly and philosophical insights that guide ethical living. By instilling morality, empathy, and a sense of shared humanity, we prepare them not only to defend themselves—but to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. 🙏🙇

Patrick McCarthy
IRKRS Director