Drifter TKD (2008)

Jesse Tyler, a martial arts enthusiast who lives in Los Angeles, California, and enjoys success in local karate competitions, faces turmoil in his life as a young business executive. The only child in a wealthy family, he has always been pressured to succeed in every aspect of his life. His father's expectations were imprinted in him early in life and graduating at the top of his law class wasn't enough to satisfy his father. Over the years he has learned to suppress his feelings and desires to live in his father's shadow and to strive to become who his father wants him to be. In a board meeting Jesse's father, Thomas Tyler, announces that he will be stepping down as CEO and names Jesse as his successor. Jesse is stunned and disillusioned at the idea of running the corporation. To add to Jesse's chaotic feelings, his father announces that Tylertech has acquired ten of the largest taekwondo schools in the greater L.A. area. Jesse has been in martial arts for close to 20 years and he understands the traditions and values that these schools uphold. He knows that the acquisition would not have gone over well with the school owners. Additionally, he is distressed in the fact that his Sabum Nim ("master'), Harrison Luke, is one of the casualties in this hostile take over. Jesse has been in martial arts for close to 20 years and he understands the traditions and values that these schools uphold. He knows that the acquisition would not have gone over well with the school owners. Additionally, he is distressed in the fact that his Sabum Nim ("master'), Harrison Luke, is one of the casualties in this hostile take over. Harrison, holds to his true path in life and leaves town to continue his journey as a martial artist. He goes on a quest for serenity, peace of mind, and to re-connect with a relative in a small town in AZ. Jesse learns of his Sabum's displeasure about the take over and sets off to make things right. While in Arizona Harrison finds more disruption and corruption than he left behind. Harrison chooses to settle into a small homeless community and befriends, Kelly, a young runaway. Jesse catches up to Harrison and expresses his dismay in what his father has done. Together they continue their passion and live their lives as martial artists. The duo faces the town's most affluent family, the Pennington's, in a quest to restore order and protect the rights and freedom of the homeless and the young runaway. The Pennington's have dishonestly taken over Luke's uncles parcel of land and have heartlessly allowed him to die in the homeless community. The Pennington's eldest son, Carlos, operates a very successful prostitution ring utilizing the young homeless and runaway girls. Due to their power and influence in this small town, the Pennington's have encouraged the law enforcement officers to turn a blind eye to their illegal activities. With the "keys to the city" the Pennington's have the freedom to do as they please, that is until Jesse and Luke take a stand. To add to the pandemonium of battling the Pennington's, Jesse struggles for his independence from his father's strong influence. While developing a relationship with Kelly, Jesse discovers that his father has hired a private investigator to find him and take him back to L.A. At first Jesse, Luke, and Kelly decide to abruptly leave the small town in order to avoid any conflict with the investigator. Their departure is unexpectedly cut short when Carlos and his boys abduct Kelly. Jesse and Luke head back to town in pursuit of Kelly. The private investigator observes Kelly in the car with Carlos and his boys and realizes what has transpired. He confronts Jesse and uses Kelly's abduction as leverage to take Jesse back to his father. Together with Luke they come up with a plan to rescue Kelly. With the help of some people from the homeless community Kelly is rescued from Carlo's grasp and his unethical schemes. However, the clash isn't over. Jesse needs to decide to flee or fight. While Jesse is going through a myriad of emotions, he has an epiphany. For the first time in life he comprehends what it truly means to be a martial artist. It is a way of life and he must BECOME the art itself. Through this transformation Jesse recognizes that he needs to fight and correct the wrongs that have accrued over time. Through these series of events Jesse learns about believing in himself, standing up for what is right and choosing his own path in life. He boldly heads back to L.A. an evolved man, ready to face his father and take on any challenge that may come his way.