Renshi's Tattoo Asylum - Ki Ink & Steel

Renshi's Tattoo Asylum, also known as Ki Ink & Steel, is a private tattoo studio tucked in Dagenham, Essex, run by tattoo artist Micky "Renshi" Hall. The studio is air-conditioned, fully licensed and registered with the local authority, and works by appointment. Micky began getting tattooed at a young age, later worked as a body piercer, and was eventually offered the chance to tattoo at a local studio before striking out on his own. He named his shop Ki Ink and Steel, "Ki" translating from Japanese as spirit. After 13-plus years at a previous Church Street location, where the studio hosted numerous international guest artists, it moved into its current smaller, private premises.

Whether the goal is a small, delicate wrist piece or a full back piece or sleeve, the studio offers guidance and expertise to help clients plan their next tattoo. The atmosphere is described as relaxed and chilled out, with an emphasis on treating clients well and putting "nice tattoos on nice people." Micky's wife Dayna manages the shop, handling everything outside of the tattooing itself, and his father Mick was also a longtime presence helping with day-to-day running of the business. Having once combined piercing and tattooing, Micky now focuses entirely on tattoo work, continuing to develop his craft from his own corner of Dagenham.