The Martial Arts Kid

Gr 7 Up—Robbie, a kid from Cleveland, gets in trouble one too many times, and so he's sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Cocoa Beach, FL. On his first night in his new home, he sneaks out after dark and gets punched in the face for flirting with high school alpha male Bo's girlfriend. Bo continues to bully Robby at school, which results in Robbie asking his uncle Glen, who runs a martial arts school, to teach him to defend himself. Uncle Glen is played by Don "The Dragon" Wilson, a world champion kickboxer. Cynthia Rothrock, holder of six black belts, plays Aunt Cindy. The story provides the two martial artists many opportunities to showcase their skills. Meanwhile, Robbie continues to court Bo's girlfriend, Rina. As Robbie progresses quickly at his training, he stumbles on a rival martial arts school, the Extreme Dojo, whose philosophy differs from Glen's school: it encourages a more violent and aggressive style. There is an ultimate showdown between the two schools, and the wise, defensive fighters trained by Glen triumph. Jansen Panettiere, as Robbie, is a fine actor, and the chemistry between him and Kathryn Newton as Rina comes across as genuine.