KYUDO Series
Kyudo - The Way of the Bow is one of the oldest Japanese
traditional martial arts.
Rich in history and tradition is ideal expression of Japanese culture.
In the past Japanese bow was used for many reasons - war, hunting, contests of skill.
Today, kyudo is more practiced as a method of self-development, in mental, physical and spiritual way. The ultimate goal in kyudo is to polish your mind. No matter how long you shoot, without the right mind, the dignity of shooting never will be gained.
In kyudo attitude, movement and technique, the three elements, are unite in a state of perfect harmony. A true shot in kyudo is not just one that hits the target, but one where the arrow can be said to exist in the target before its release.
One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery. In Kyudo there is no hope. Hope is not the point. The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth – Shibata Sensei.
Men and woman of all ages are able to practice kyudo.
Physical strength is not a factor. The kyudo path is one of self-discovery and ultimately self-realization. Although the path may be long, there are vast rewards along the way. It all begins with the first shot.
Kyudo, © 2005
SUMO Series
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s oldest, most distinct and ritualistic martial art. Is still heavily centered around Shinto religion.
Most elite wrestlers are highly trained athletes between 20 to 35 years old. The wrestlers are living in special sumo stables where the rules are very strict, especially for lower ranked wrestlers. Ranking depends solely on the number of matches wins during official tournaments. Even a grand champion may fall from the top ranks if, during the match of these tournaments, his losses outnumber his wins. The wrestling ring, called “dohyo” is made of a mixture of clay and sand spread over the top. Circle is 4.55 meters in diameter and bounded by rice-straw bales, which are buried in the clay. The training regiment for sumo wrestlers is strict and rigorous and is mostly supervised by retired sumo wrestler. The youngest fighters are often required to rise as early as 4am to train and are expected to act as assistants for older wrestlers.
The world of sumo is split broadly between the junior wrestlers, who serve, and the senior wrestlers, who are served. Life is especially harsh for new recruits, to whom the worst jobs tend to be allocated, and there is a high drop rate at this stage. Besides working out, sumo fighters are eating large amounts of food (high protein food ) and go to bed right after eating in order to gain mass.
Sumo, © 2004
SLEEPING TRAIN Series
The view of people who have their head tilted down and their eyes shut, took my attention since i first time arrived in Tokyo. Regardless of age or sex, Japanese people sleep on the trains without concern and it’s quite common. There are many of them.
For most of these people it’s the only way to get some relax during the busy day.
I started photographing sleeping people because it’s something different that i was experienced so far. It is unusual and exotic. Fascinating, in some way. In my country and i guess in western countries people are more carefully to keep an eye on the world around them.
Sleeping Train, © 2004
BEHIND TOKYO'S DOOR Series
A lot of persons live their lives hiding their sexual dreams and desires. To follow up these fantasies in everyday life is impossible and puts them at risk of ridicule. What they need is confidential environment to pursue a socially unacceptable pleasure. Out there is a side of Tokyo that you have never seen. Fantasy world where it is safe to do things that could be otherwise destructive.
Underground fetish clubs are atmospheric places. Entering one you are met by the sight of sexy and imposing women or man in amazing outfits of leather, rubber or PVC. Saturday night fever for sex curious, body freaks, fetish fans, transvestites and more. People who come here want to walk around naked, masturbate a front of each other, dress up or just watch the sex show. They want at least to enjoy the company of powerful, dominant women or man, and often to be whipped, humiliated and hung from the ceiling by them. They come to make a contacts, to make a new friends. For some it is the part of their sexuality, for others it is experimental foray into fantasy. They all enjoy it. Whether you are experienced in the scene or just plain curious you are welcome to join for a night of madness. Non-judgmental party open to gay, lesbian, bi, straight, transgender and anyone in between.
Tokyo sexual underground having been in business for many years and become a prominent feature of the Japanese culture. It is gaining popularity. More people exploring the possibilities of underground fetish parties, more are becoming less shy to talk about it.
Behind Tokyo's Door, © 2006
SHIBARI Series
SHIBARI means "to tie" in Japanese. The concept to tie the people’s body is originally from the old way to tie criminals’ hands or ankles or waists not to escape. So at that time, the ropes had functioned just like handcuffs.
And it had developed its meaning and style into “Japanese bondage” gradually. They do not use chains or leather for this Japanese traditional bondage. The thing all you need is a rope…the rope long enough.
The SHIBARI show is very erotic, but it is not just like SM show.
With amazing techniques, just one rope can make many different styles of SHIBARI.
Who reaches the high stage is admired as a maestro. And only maestros can make SHIBARI into art.
You can find the many patterns appear on the bodies. The patterns have got breathtaking beauty.
Just like the outer beauty, many can find the very unique one in SHIBARI.
The beauty called real emotions.
Some people can be mentally free and get some extreme ecstasies by feeling certain pains with the ropes. Only with one condition, the pain makes pure emotions overflow from their bodies and soul. The rope should not be too tight or too loose. The tightness should be right to provoke the emotions deep inside their hearts.
And just like those emotions, everything in this small world is real. Bodies, pains, sweat, tears, scream, joy, and of course, supreme ecstasies...
Women here on stages are not professional, just girls next door.
They are more than willing to be tied and disclose their own real feelings.
Nothing is planned or designed for this SHIBARI show.
There are just human bodies and emotions...tied bodies and real emotions.
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