Carl E. Long, Hanshi-HoSakura BudokanKingston, Pennsylvania, USA.Carl Long is the chairman and director for the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai (www.knbk.org) where he is responsible for the instruction and certification of instructors throughout the world.In addition to his study of sword and aiki affiliated arts, he has achieved advanced master level grades in Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu iaijutsu (8th dan), Shorin-ryu karate (8th dan),Shito-ryu karate (6th dan), Shindo muso-ryu jojutsu (5th dan), Okinawa kobudo (5th dan) and Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Iaido (8th dan).He has earned the titles of Soshihan from the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai and Hanshi-Ho from the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. Long is a eight-time recipient of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai's prestigious Yushu-Sho,the highest award granted by the DNBK for the performance of iaido during his travels in Asia, North America and Europe. In 2008, he was appointed as 'Kenshoin', official representative/inspector and coordinator for the Dai Nippon Budo Kai Iaido division. As 8th dan, he is currently the highest ranked iaido teacher in the DNBK International division and the first westerner to ever receive this recognition.Long has written articles for the column 'Cutting Edge' in Black Belt magazine since 2006. To learn more about Long, visit www.KNBK.org