Pioneering Contributions to Body Modification and Spirituality

Fakir Musafar was a trailblazer in body modification and ritualistic practices, coining the term “Modern Primitives” in 1979. His philosophy of using the body to explore spirituality shaped the way people viewed body art, piercing, branding, and other modifications as tools for personal expression and spiritual growth. His influence extended to films like Dances Sacred & Profane and Body of God, as well as the groundbreaking publication Modern Primitives (1986), earning him the title of the “Father of the Modern Primitive Movement.”
Years of Body Play
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Artistic Legacy, Global Impact, and Media Presence

Fakir Musafar was not only a pioneer in body modification but also a talented fine art photographer who captured the beauty and transformation of the human body. His photographic work documented both his own modifications and those of others, creating a powerful visual record of the movement he helped shape. His collection SPIRIT + FLESH was published by Arena Editions, and his photography was exhibited at the renowned Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles. Fakir’s art elevated body play to a respected form of contemporary visual art. Fakir’s global influence extended through live performances and media appearances. In 2007, he toured the U.K., performing to sold-out audiences and attracting participants from across Europe. He appeared on major media outlets like NBC, CBS, and Discovery Channel, and gave two in-depth KMVT interviews in 2010, where he discussed the connection between body and spirit. His legacy is further immortalized in a Canal+ documentary, which profiles 60 years of his work. Fakir’s groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire the body modification and art communities worldwide.

Body and Spirit: Fakir Musafar’s Exploration

In 2013, Fakir Musafar discussed life beyond the body in a KMVT interview with Alan Ross Hugenot. At the 2014 SUSCON, his talk Suspensions & Pulls explored suspensions as a path to spiritual growth. Later that year, he collaborated with CoRE for a PUJA ritual performance, blending art and spirituality to connect body and spirit.

Meet Our Team

Ken Coyote

Director, Lead Instructor

Native of California — B.A. Psychology UC Santa Cruz — Fakir Basic 1993 — Advanced work with Fakir & Erik Dakota in 1994-1996 — Developer and innovator of course instruction and materials including the Advanced and Comprehensive Body Piercing curricula, Health & Safety Guidelines, and Aftercare for Body Piercing — Photographer, Diver, Writer

Dustin Allor

Instructor

California native — Began her piercing career in 1994 at age 17 — Attended Fakir Basic in 1997, Advanced in 1998 and apprenticed under Ken Coyote in Santa Cruz — Professional piercer in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Australia — Associates Degree in Jewelry From Austin Community College — Owner/Designer of Phoenix Revival Jewelry

Jef Saunders

Instructor

Native of Rhode Island — Fakir Basic 1999, Advanced & Branding 2000 — Founded Rockstar Body Piercing in Providence, Rhode Island — Owns and operates Gamma Piercing in Michigan and Wisconsin — Guest piercer and educator all over the world — Blogs body piercing insight and social commentary — APP Business Member and APP Board of Directors Contributor to The Piercing Bible, 2nd ed.

Becky Dill

Instructor

Native of California — Attended Fakir Comprehensive Piercing Intensive in 2015 — Professional piercer since 2003 — Piercing & Owner of Lemonade Piercing in Lafayette, CA — Founder of the Bay Area Piercers Group — APP Business Member since 2009 and currently serving on the APP Board of Directors

Ian Bishop

Instructor

Native of Tennessee — Middle Tennessee State University and student of Herbal Medicine — Attended Fakir Basic 1994, Fakir Advanced 1997, Fakir Basic Branding 1996 — Owns and operates ICON Body Piercing in Nashville and Murfreesboro —  APP Member

Lani Soleil

Instructor

Native of Peru — Piercing since 2009 — Owns and operates La Linea Body Art in Las Vegas —  Attended Fakir Comprehensive 2016, Fakir Advanced 2024 — APP member since 2015

Laura Jane

Instructor

Native of Michigan — Attended Fakir Basic 2010, Advanced 2012  — Owner of Gamma Piercing in Michigan and Wisconsin — Cool Mom (not a regular mom) — APP Member

William (Grin) Grindatti

Instructor

Native of Detroit Michigan— Graduate of Michigan College of Art and Architecture and licensed architect — Ardent branding, tattooing and scarification enthusiast with 20 years of practice in these arts — Attended Fakir Basic 2009, Advanced 2010 — Branding instructor — Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner

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