Kumite

Power. Control. Domination. In the small college town of Scarborough, the Global Martial Arts Center trains world champions, hosts acclaimed state competitions all while ruining lives as students achieve the coveted rank of black belt. Bernard Giovanni, former champion, military trainer, and famed lawyer is more than the school's owner and instructor, he is their master. As their sensei, he runs his school with manipulation and confusion, poisons the lives of his students with his domineering and twisted desires. The school is a vacuum of obligation to its owner and cesspool for exploitation of the innocent. When misfortune befalls Bernard at the death of his beloved wife, the school comes together find solace in their martial arts family. The black belts however, have other concerns about Bernard, who is not behaving like a grieving husband. Over time his behaviors rage become uncontrollable and obivious, much to the chagrin of his pupils. At the pinnacle of his career and strange behavior, Bernard dies in a bizarre car crash. While his students deal with the passing of their beloved sensei, estranged friend, and lover to some, each one breathes a sigh of relief with a harrowing story to tell. As the stories unfold, friendships are tested and alliances are created. When the true life of Bernard Giovanni is uncovered, suspicions and suspects emerge in the wake of the tragedy. Beneath all the manipulation and martial arts the burning question stands: Was Bernard's death an accident or act of vengeance?