The idea started in San Diego, California in 2001 amongst two friends from South Africa, Mike and Travis. With a long history in skateboarding, surfing, art, music and street culture the guys wanted to create clothing they couldn't find anywhere else. They wanted to return to the energy and brand attitude of the rebellious years, when skateboarders lived on the streets and mohicans would get you kicked out of Disneyland. Born out of simplicity and Iron Fist's first retail outlet, the trunk of Travis' car the brand was well received by a then starving youth culture who were bored of traditional action sports and streetwear brands. No market strategy and no big budget, Iron Fist started selling by itself on product and artwork alone.