Issue 007

September 2005

One could be forgiven for mistaking the softly spoken Michael Hobbs as not being a fighter. But, this quiet, polite and charming 25 year old from Jarrow is on a mission. Having given up his career as a platter to pursue his passion for fighting, he also discovered he had a passion for body art.

The art Michael has chosen to adorn his body is inspired by his passion for MMA. On his back are the portraits of those fighters who he has found inspirational and who are his heroes and favourites; Tank Abbott, Bas Rutten, Frank Shamrock and Rickson Gracie framing a couple of fighters in action and underlined by the motto, Power and Glory.

Michael’s zeal for fighting started at an early age when he used to box as a teenager and has led him to a 4-2-1 MMA record with his next appearance in the octagon due in Liverpool in October at CFC where he’ll be fighting against a Dutch opponent.

Such is his love for fighting he recently set up a gym for serious fighters where they can come and train with experts. But, whereas his body art is applied by only one tattooist Michael engages several sparring partners and coaches for different aspects of his game. Currently he spars with Bryan Moore, Stevie Howe, Willy Hunter and is coached by Barry Norman to mention but a few.

Clearly his approach to his game is methodical, almost business like just as is his approach to his tattooing. But not all his body art is done with meaning.

The tribal markings on his right arm he says were done ‘…because I liked them and they look good.’

On his left forearm is some unfinished work [not that his left hook leaves anything unfinished]. The skull, fire and NHB are all designed to signify the pain of fighting no holds barred – “Welcome to hell,” says Michael.

Further up on his upper left arm is a Union Jack which he says is who he is.

The coup de gráce of his tattoos has to be his left leg. Here is a piece of work that will and does attract attention. Done in the Japanese style it is of a Japanese carp (koi) along with chrysanthemums that snake their way up from his ankle to the top of his thigh. Right at the bottom of this is the Japanese calligraphy for warrior and Michael must be to have endured the pain that he felt when some of his tattoos were done, particularly his shin. His leg took around 15 hours of work in three hour sessions.

His back he says took ages: “I went to Chris Wright (the tattoo artist) every couple of weeks for what seemed like and eternity before it was finished.”

As for Michaels fighting career, well he is definitely a confident man with a methodical approach and has taken on board a poem that appears in Renzo Gracie’s book and recites this to himself before every fight:

How can a man ever be certain?

Certainty is beyond human grasp.

However that may be, it is usually the case that glory comes to those who act, not to the over cautious and hesitant.

Only by great risks can great results be achieved.

This poem is also found on the inside right forearm of Michael.

It is clear from speaking with, and looking at the tattoos of this young fighter that he is on a mission and certain to become noted in the octagon. And, his tattoos will also be noted; he plans more. “I’m thinking about having St George and the Dragon done on my chest,” says Michael. “Once you start having them done it’s like an addiction, and I don’t think I’ll have enough of them.”