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Kamakura Hachimangu (a Shinto shrine) is a focal point of Japanese martial arts. Pro stock photographer Andy Barker took me and fellow student Vikas for a trip back in time.
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The target was a pinewood board which shattered satsifyingly with every hit, showering the audience with splinters.
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There is much parading in build up to the brief bursts of action.
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Pages provide a bold splash of colour.
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I think smiling was strictly forbidden.
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This guy was carrying a bow but he didn't ride. Perhaps a footsoldier of some kind.
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The grimmest of the grim. I wouldn't want to meet this fellow in a dark alley.
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On the other hand, no amount of archer's garb could make this guy look less like a salaryman.
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If some of the archers looked severe, the archery master looked like God's older brother.
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Look Mummy, no hands!
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Crunch! I'm glad I wasn't standing on that side.
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Jubilation! There were three targets at intervals down the course, which was about 200 metres long. Most of the riders hit the first target...
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...but many of them missed the second if they were slow to take out the next arrow.
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Some riders hit all three targets however. This one is so pleased that he's almost forgetting not to smile.
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It was a long hot day, but a job well done.
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Riding off into the sunset.
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