Nine Circles Ltd

10/09/2026

WE'RE HIRING!

Could your passion for Budo become your career?

We're looking for a Nine Circles Associate to join our UK HQ team.

A hands-on role with opportunities to grow into customer service, ecommerce, product customisation, photography and events across the UK and Europe.

Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, we're interested in people who are curious, practical, and genuinely invested in what we do.

We'd love to hear from you!

Find out more and apply: https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/careers

08/09/2026

This year is a special one for the Thistle Cup as it marks it’s 20th year! Hosted in Aberdeen as part of an incredible weekend of kendo, the event will be featuring a seminar with Kazuo Yamazaki Sensei, 7th Dan, Tokyo.

We’re proud to announce that Nine Circles is once again sponsoring the Thistle Cup Taikai with some special prizes in 2026. We are also offering an opportunity for all attendees to benefit from free shipping to the venue with our ever popular pre-order option.

Simply order online as normal and at checkout, choose "Thistle Cup - Pre-Order" to get free delivery directly to the event. To pick up your goods, please seek out one of the organisers. Pre-orders will close strictly on the 14th of September, so we have enough time to ship before the event. Don’t wait too long!

Cults Academy, Aberdeen
18–20 September

Don’t forget to register!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 🏆
Visit www.aberdeenkendoclub.org.uk

Aberdeen Kendo Club, with the support of The British Kendo Association, is happy to welcome Kazuo Yamazaki Sensei, 7th Dan, Tokyo, for a weekend of kendo in Aberdeen.

📍 Cults Academy, Aberdeen
📅 Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September

The weekend will feature a seminar with Yamazaki Sensei, followed by the 20th Thistle Cup Taikai - a great opportunity for kendoka of all levels to train, learn and compete together.

The weekend will include:

🔹 Friday – Welcome Keiko with Yamazaki Sensei
🔹 Saturday – Seminar with Yamazaki Sensei
🔹 Sunday – 20th Thistle Cup Taikai

📅 Registration deadline: Thursday 17th September

👉 See the event page for the latest information and registration details: https://fb.me/e/4PMkPP0LM

We look forward to welcoming kendoka from across the UK and beyond for another fantastic weekend of kendo in Aberdeen!

04/09/2026

Do you know how to care for your Sageo?

Woven from silk, cotton, or modern fibres, it accompanies the practitioner through every training session. Its condition, texture, and appearance deserve the same attention given to the rest of the sword. A well-maintained Sageo not only looks right on the hakama, it also helps preserve the feel and function of your equipment through regular practice.

The biggest enemy of your Sageo are rough edges and abrasions so stay on the lookout for the Velcro which can hook fibres and any roughness, especially in the Kurigata (or the dreaded Hitodome) to prevent Sageo failure.

COTTON
Regular practice means your Sageo can pick up sweat and oils, but you should keep washing to a minimum. Wash only when needed, using cool water and a mild, diluted detergent. Never wring. Gently press out excess water and dry flat on a clean towel.

SILK
Silk Sageo are delicate, so they need to be handled with care. Avoid soaking, twisting, or wringing them. For small marks, gently spot-clean with a damp cloth and let the Sageo air dry naturally, away from heat. If the braid becomes stiff, gently work it between your hands to restore some flexibility, no washing is necessary.

SYNTHETIC
Polyester and nylon Sageo are more resistant to moisture and everyday wear. If washing is necessary, hand wash with cool water and air dry. Avoid using open flames to melt fibres as this poses a serious fire risk and can make sections very hard and unusable.

Need a replacement for an old Sageo? Don’t forget to check our range:

UK Store - https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/iaido/iaido-accessories/sageo.html
EU Store - https://www.ninecircles.eu/iaido/iaido-accessories/sageo.html

30/08/2026

SHINKAWA IAITO – 10% OFF

Looking for a new Iaito? For the Summer Sale Finale, both of our Shinkawa Iaito models are back on offer!

Whether you're looking for the elegant Ajiro or the refined Ryu model, this is your chance to save 10% on your next training sword.

This is the final week of our August Summer Sale, so don't miss your last opportunity to take advantage of this offer.

Which Shinkawa model would you choose: Ajiro or Ryu?

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/summer-sale.html
https://www.ninecircles.eu/summer-sale.html

28/08/2026

Deer customers 🦌

Our office will be closed this Monday for the Bank Holiday, and we’ll be back in the office and ready to help from Tuesday.

But before you enjoy the long weekend, don’t forget: our Summer Sale also ends on Monday! Don’t miss your last chance to grab a great deal before the sale ends.

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/summer-sale.html
https://www.ninecircles.eu/summer-sale.html

Enjoy the long weekend!

24/08/2026

Summer Sale Spotlight: White Oak Jo – 15% OFF

Why choose White Oak?

White Oak is valued for its strength, resilience, and smooth feel in the hands, making it one of the most popular choices for regular Aikido and Jodo practice.

Our White Oak Jo (2.4 & 2.5) is now 15% OFF during the Summer Sale.

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/summer-sale.html
https://www.ninecircles.eu/summer-sale.html

21/08/2026

THE SUMMER SALE FINALE IS HERE!

Missed one of our August offers?

Good news: they're all back for one final week!

For our Summer Sale Finale, we've brought back ALL of the discounts from the previous weeks, giving you one last chance to save on your favourite training equipment.

Up to 50% OFF selected products, including:

Single Shinai – 15% OFF
Kyoto-Pro Series Bastion Bogu Set & Parts – 15% OFF
Shinai Bags – 10% OFF
Kendogi & Hakama – 15% OFF
Mugen Koubu Sets, Iaidogi, Hakama and Obi – 20% OFF
Shinkawa Iaito models – 10% OFF
Natural Red Oak Weapons – 20% OFF
Aikido Uniforms – 15% OFF
Ninpogi – 15% OFF
Hybrid Shinken – 10% OFF
Kyoto-Pro Series Kote – Cobra – 50% OFF

AND MORE! Check all offers in our website:

UK Store: https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/summer-sale.html
EU Store: https://www.ninecircles.eu/summer-sale.html

⏰ Final week only. Once the Summer Sale ends, these offers are gone.

19/08/2026

LOOK AFTER YOUR SHINAI

A little care can go a long way when it comes to your training equipment.

Before each practice, take a moment to check your shinai for:

- Splits or cracks in the bamboo
- Loose or damaged parts
- Rough or damaged areas
- Any signs that it may no longer be safe to use

Never train with a damaged shinai. Regular inspection is an important part of safe Kendo practice.

And if your current shinai is ready for retirement…

All Single Shinai are 15% OFF this week!

UK Store: https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/summer-sale.html
EU Store: https://www.ninecircles.eu/summer-sale.html

17/08/2026

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SHINKAWA IAITO RYU

Looking for an iaito that combines traditional aesthetics with quality craftsmanship?

The Shinkawa Iaito Ryu is designed for practitioners who value the balance, handling and attention to detail that make an Iaito a pleasure to train with.

NOW 10% OFF - Part of Week 3 of our August Summer Sale.

Ready to upgrade your training sword?

UK Store: https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/p-sk-1.htm
EU Store: https://www.ninecircles.eu/p-sk-1.html

15/08/2026

WEEK 3 OF OUR AUGUST SUMMER SALE IS HERE!

A new week means a new selection of offers! Whether you're refreshing your everyday training gear, adding to your equipment collection or looking for something special, there's something for everyone this week.

This week's offers:

All Single Shinai – 15% OFF
Shinai Bags/Sword Bags – 10% OFF
Tengu Aikidogi - 9oz Cotton – 15% OFF
Kyoto-Pro Series - Cobra Kote - 50% OFF
Mugen Kobo Deluxe Obi – 20% OFF
Natural Red Oak Junior Daito – 40% OFF
Shinkawa Iaito - Ryu model – 10% OFF
Extra Thick Straw Mats – 20% OFF (UK only)

⏳ Available from 15–21 August only.

UK Store: https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/summer-sale.html
EU Store: https://www.ninecircles.eu/summer-sale.html