Issue 004
June 2005
Tattoos have been around since ancient times and have enjoyed a fashionable revival with celebrities, sportsmen and women, pop stars, rock stars and let’s not forget fighting men adorning their bodies with ink. From the simplest designs to the most intricate crafted by Japanese tattooist, its all there, and on all kinds of people.
Fighters Only is to bring you the very best that grace the toned and fighting-fit bodies of Mixed Martial Artists. We will be scouring the rings, Octagons, the locker rooms, picture libraries and tattoo parlours for the best tattoos.
Gone are the days when tattoos were unacceptable in western culture. Many famous, high-profile people in music and sports have tattoos and tattoos have become more socially acceptable. Rock bands have long embraced the tattoo, with the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rose Tattoo and Biohazard being examples where all members have a well-developed collection of tattoos. Ultimate strong man and comic strip defender of sweetheart Olive, Popeye’s meant he sailed the Atlantic. Robbie Williams looked to Maori culture for inspiration in choosing his. English football ace David Beckham has the names of his children while Winston Churchill’s mother discreetly covered hers with a bracelet. All three bear a personal history etched in skin — a practice as old as man, but until recently, one that was relegated to sea salts, criminals and whores.
In a 1997 survey of 29 NBA teams, the Associated Press reported that 35.1% of all NBA players had tattoos. Professional sports observers estimate that a similar percentage of America’s national league football, ice hockey and baseball players also have tattoos. These sports figures, who also constitute one of the country’s largest groups of well know sports personalities and wealthy individuals, have had a major impact on the nature of the tattoo business. Much like millionaire rock singers, movie stars and fashion models, they have created a new market for tattoo art studios for an affluent and demanding clientele.
But a tattoo is a permanent commitment. It is not something to take lightly. They can never be entirely removed without scarring or blemishes or just as much pain and discomfort as when they were first put on.
In this section we will show you the most interesting tattoos, talk to the fighter on whose body they feature and hopefully speak to the artist that put them there — bringing you a unique insight into why fighters have them done and what they mean to the fighter.
Noted grappler and Mixed Martial Arts fighter Jeff Monson is equally well known for his distinctive tattoos as for his many successes and awards. With numerous black and red tattoos adorning his hefty frame, his pale complexion is a canvas containing both his political views and references to his loved ones.
One of Jeff’s most striking pieces is the anti-capitalism tattoo on the back of his neck. A stencilled image of a faceless stick figure holding a gun to another’s head over the word ‘capitalism’ speaks volumes about his political leanings.
Coupled with the black and red star on his chest, the ‘Anarchy’ symbol on his left shoulder blade, and oriental script on his right shoulder translated as ‘Solidarity’ and ‘Freedom’,
it is clear Jeff isn’t your typical all-American flag-waver. “Yeah, I don’t really believe in government. I count myself lucky that I’m a fighter, as it means I never really got drawn into the whole system. If I wasn’t a fighter I’d definitely be active in politics though”.
He also has a life-sized handprint on his torso belongs to his girlfriend Ash (a matching print can be found on Ash’s ribs) and Japanese kanji for the names of his two children circle his left bicep.
