Japanese swordmasters are coming to Thanet for the first event of its kind in the UK.

The two day seminar at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Margate, on April 12 and 13 is drawing participants around the world.

The Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai (KNBK) event will offer 12 hours of traditional Japanese sword training with world-renowned instructor, Carl Long Hanshi-Ho, KNBK chairman and 22nd So-Shihan, normally based in Pennsylvania in the United States.

The event is open to both experienced practitioners and newcomers, eager for a taste of this historical Japanese martial art.

Those signed up already include participants from San Diego, Florida, New York, Belgium, France, Holland and Gibralter.

Event organiser Jason Hulott, from Westgate, himself a Japanese swordsman said: “We are very excited to have Hanshi-Ho Long leading this two day, hands-on practical seminar, which we hope to turn into an annual event. Hanshi-Ho Long is the most senior and highest ranked student and the KNBK designated successor to Hanshi Shimabukuro."

Jason, 41, became involved after moving to Thanet about seven years ago when he joined the Kaigan Dojo, a Broadstairs club following the discipline.

For more information, visit the Facebook page UK KNBK Seminar and for full story, see next week's Thanet Extra.