Tapout is an American business enterprise specializing in producing clothing and miscellaneous gear targeted at the mixed martial arts community, as well as a magazine devoted to mixed martial arts fighting (formerly Bodyguard magazine). Charles Lewis, Jr. (also known as "Mask") and Dan Caldwell (also known as "Punkass") founded the company in 1997 in San Bernardino, California. The company is currently based in Grand Terrace.[1] From a gross of $30,000 in 1999, Tapout's earnings rose to $100 million in 2008. The company has a worldwide network of licensed retailers, including Dillard's and Champs.
In 2007, Tapout launched a reality television series, also called Tapout, on Versus. Each episode follows Mask, Punkass and their third partner, "Skyskrape", as they scout fighters to add to their sponsorship roster.
Tapout signed "Internet legend" Kimbo Slice to a sponsorship deal in 2008. Tapout will be creating an exclusive Kimbo clothing line.
On March 11, 2009 Charles Lewis, Jr. was killed in his Ferrari in a high-speed automobile collision in Newport Beach, California. A female companion was ejected from the car and taken for medical treatment but Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of a second car, a white Porsche, which was believed to have been traveling alongside Lewis's car, was arrested on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Third Member of Tapout Clothing is Timothy "Skyskrape" Katz.