Balance of Power on AllMovie

In this martial arts actioner, a karate teacher who has committed his life to improving the lives and futures of inner-city kids by using martial arts to teach self-discipline and respect finds his world torn apart when Hatsushita (Denis Agana), a powerful local crime lord, begins trying to recruit him to get involved in his crooked fight. When Niko, the teacher, does not respond to Hatsushita's first request, the gangster resorts to a terrible act of violence against the instructor's favorite student. Thus persuaded, Niko goes to work for Hatsushita. Though a gifted teacher, Niko is at first outmatched by the gangster's more experienced thugs, especially Takamura, the one who murdered Niko's student. Still it is to Takamura's martial arts advisor that Niko goes for help. With the master's guidance, Niko slowly prepares for the climactic final match.