Monk (job)

The Monk (モンク Monku), also known as Black Belt, is a Job class that appears in many of the Final Fantasy games.

Profile
Monks are characterized primarily by their affinity for fighting entirely bare-handed. The few weapons they do use consist of claws and knuckles that strap onto their hands. Despite their preference to fight without weapons, Monks can deal just as much damage in battle as any other physical class like Warriors or Dragoons, thanks to their massive physical strength. Monks wear light clothing consisting of robes and hats, and cannot equip heavy armor. To make up for this lack of protection, Monks have a very high amount of HP compared to other classes. Because of the minimal use of armor and weaponry, Monks are one of the cheapest classes to maintain and require little investment in new equipment. Monk abilities include Kick, which damages all enemies, Chakra, which heals the Monk and/or their allies, and they can increase their attack strength with the usage of Focus or Boost. Monks are also able to counter physical attacks, and in later games have individual skillsets of various special techniques.

Final Fantasy
The Monk is a physical attacker available at the beginning at the game. Eventually, the class can be upgraded to Master. Final Fantasy is notable for allow Monks to equip nunchucks, one of the few games where Monks use weapons besides claws and knuckles.

Final Fantasy II
Although not addressed as such, Josef has the trademark high strength and vitality of a monk, as well as high hand-to-hand combat skill, arguably making him a member of the class.

Final Fantasy III
The Monk is a class obtained from the Wind Crystal and specializes in hand-to-hand combat, equipping gloves and claws for battle. A more powerful version called the Black Belt can be obtained from the Earth Crystal.

Final Fantasy IV
Yang Fang Leiden appears as the first named Monk in the series, and hails from Fabul, a nation renown for their ranks of warrior monks. Several NPCs in Fabul appear as Monks, and Yang is fought as a boss under the name "Monk" during the game.

In the Lunar Ruins, a dungeon exclusive to the Advance release of the game, three monk enemies are fought during Yang's trial. The Drillmasters, the Soldier Monks, and the Super Monks.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Yang returns as a Monk, and is joined by his daughter Ursula. Three other Monks are also temporary party members. They are labeled as Monk A, Monk B, and Monk C and all share the same abilities.

Final Fantasy V
The Monk is a Job class that is obtained from a shard of the Wind Crystal. It specializes in barehanded combat and has high Attack power.

Final Fantasy VI
Sabin Rene Figaro appears as a Monk, and is a student to a martial arts master named Duncan, who also trained his son Vargas. Sabin uses the Blitz skillset, which lets him perform various attacks if the player inputs the proper button commands.

Final Fantasy VII
Tifa Lockhart is a Monk trained by Zangan, and the first female Monk. Her Limit Breaks consist of various physical attacks that increase in strength if the player properly stops a series of slot wheels.

Final Fantasy VIII
Zell Dincht uses his fists in battle, and his Limit Break Duel allows him to perform a sequence of attacks depending on which button combinations the player inputs within a time limit.

Final Fantasy IX
Amarant Coral is a combination of a Monk and a Ninja, and utilizes the Flair ability, which allow him to use special techniques at the cost of MP.

Final Fantasy XI
The Monk is a basic Job, and is given four ranks depending on the player's level, beginning with White Belt. All mandragora and some beastmen are classified as Monks.

Final Fantasy XII
Monks are able to use bare-handed attacks as always, but also utilize Poles and White Magic, as well as a number of Technicks. Their License Board has sixteen Battle Lores and twelve HP Lores, more than any other Job.

Final Fantasy XIII
Snow Villiers fights enemies bare-handed in the style of a Monk. He does not equip Claws or Knuckles; instead, he equips Coats that augment his strength.

Final Fantasy XIV
The Pugilist is a Discipline of War in Final Fantasy XIV which focuses on hand-to-hand combat.

Final Fantasy Tactics
Monk is available as an off-shoot from a Level 3 Knight.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
The White Monk is a Bangaa-exclusive class. It uses a combination of physical attacks and spiritual powers to battle.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
The White Monk makes a second appearance in this game. A new Job called the Master Monk is also available, and is arguably the most powerful melee class in the game.

Dissidia Final Fantasy
In the Duel Colosseum, when selected, the Monk Job Card will cause the next battle cards that arrive to the selection area to be weaker.

Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light
In The 4 Heroes of Light, the Fighter Crown Job excels in bare-handed damage and holds the famous Monk Chakra ability. However, a second job, properly named Monk appears as a magical-based job focused on empowering dead allies and enable them to fight.

Gallery
Mönch Monaco