My series ‘XXXX’ began when the I had the opportunity to work with the acclaimed Renzo Gracie academy in New York City. I was given unique access to photograph training sessions and ring-side cage fighting (MMA) matches. Using long exposures and lithographic degrading techniques, the violent act of cage fighting no longer exists. Bodies blur and blend, transforming each individual fighter's movements into a harmonious and beautiful choreographed dance. Under the aesthetic visual beauty of the images lays the vulnerable primal struggle for the male identity.