Beyond The Belt- The Legend of Karriem ABdAllah

"Beyond The Belt - The Legend of Karriem AbdAllah" is a powerful documentary that delves into the life and groundbreaking contributions of Al-Mu’assis Karriem AbdAllah, a martial arts pioneer from Newark, New Jersey. As the first American to create his own martial arts system, Karriem’s influence stretches far beyond the mat, deeply impacting both the martial arts community and the Black community at large. This film explores his extraordinary journey from the streets of Newark to becoming a world-renowned martial artist and trainer, developing a unique fighting style that produced countless champions.

Karriem made history as the fighter in the world’s first televised MMA bout during the legendary "Thriller in Manila" scorecard, where he faced off against the iconic Jeff Smith. His unapologetic, bold persona—often seen as arrogance—was a necessary response to the racial and social climate of America during his time. Through rare archival footage, personal accounts, and exclusive interviews, Beyond The Belt chronicles how Karriem AbdAllah's revolutionary techniques, unwavering confidence, and fierce determination forever changed the world of martial arts and empowered generations to come.