Films & Events

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Troy Thomas, Beyond The Belt – The Legend of Karriem AbdAllah is a powerful and deeply personal documentary chronicling the life and legacy of Al-Mu’assis Karriem AbdAllah, a trailblazing martial artist from Newark, New Jersey. Recognized as the first American to create his own martial arts system, AbdAllah emerged from the streets of Newark to become a pioneering fighter, coach, and cultural figure whose influence extended far beyond the dojo.

The film explores AbdAllah’s groundbreaking career, including his historic appearance as a fighter in the world’s first televised MMA bout during the “Thriller in Manila” scorecard, where he faced Jeff Smith. Through rare archival footage, firsthand accounts, and exclusive interviews, the documentary examines how his innovative fighting style produced champions and reshaped competitive martial arts. It also confronts the racial and social climate of the era, reframing AbdAllah’s bold, unapologetic persona as both self-protection and empowerment in a system that often sought to marginalize Black excellence.

More than a sports biography, Beyond The Belt is a story of resilience, cultural impact, and generational inspiration—highlighting how AbdAllah’s philosophy, discipline, and defiance helped uplift both the martial arts world and the broader Black community. Under Thomas’s direction, the film serves as both historical preservation and tribute, cementing AbdAllah’s place as a transformative and often overlooked pioneer in American combat sports history.

73 min.