"I concentrated on the gate where the athletes are waiting before entering the arena to go to fight. This is a special place where there reigns a different atmosphere. As martial artists, it makes me think of this location where samurai are waiting before entering the battle field.

I also focused on the eyes. Even if you know someone, when that person is about to compete, there is really something different in the eyes that words can not describe, but that images can.

What is interesting is that there are different ways of getting ready for every single athlete. Some are relaxed and smiling, others are concentrated, some tape their hands and fingers, like a ritual. There are also a lot of interactions with the coaches, who give the last advice.

No matter how relaxed an athlete is, you can be as relaxed as you want, but there is always tension as well. The black and white approach gives more impact to those moments. Colours can be distracting."

For photos of Antalya and all IJF events, go to ijf.org/galleries