In the bustling streets of New York City, a determined young martial artist named Bruce "Leroy" Green (played by Taimak) undergoes rigorous training with his instructor, who intriguingly shoots arrows at him. After Leroy spectacularly catches a blue arrow in midair, the teacher declares that he has successfully completed his training and is ready to face the world. However, Leroy is not content, as he feels he has yet to attain "the Glow," a mystical state indicating he is the best fighter alive. To achieve this, his mentor hands him a gold medallion and instructs him to find Master Sum Dum Goy, who will assist him on this quest.
As Leroy seeks guidance, he attends a screening of a film featuring his idol, Bruce Lee, but this peaceful moment is shattered when the local martial arts rival, Sho'nuff (portrayed by Julius Carry), also known as the "Shogun of Harlem," bursts into the theater, hungry for a fight. Sho'nuff, convinced that Leroy is his only threat, challenges him directly, but Leroy, upholding his pacifist beliefs, refuses to engage in unnecessary violence. Even when the audience turns against Sho'nuff, Leroy cleverly slips away unseen through an emergency exit, leaving Sho'nuff vowing revenge.
Amidst the chaos, Eddie Arkadian (played by Christopher Murney), a successful video game producer, is maneuvering his way into the music industry. He aims to manage singer Angela Viracco (played by Faith Prince) but faces obstacles from the discerning VJ, Laura Charles (played by Vanity). In a twisted attempt to force Laura's hand, Arkadian sends henchmen to abduct her. As fate would have it, Leroy crosses paths with Laura during the abduction attempt, bravely stepping in to save her. After the brawl, he hails a taxi for her assistance before slipping away, leaving behind his gold medallion, which Laura discovers.
The following day finds Leroy conducting a martial arts class where he imparts wisdom to his students about fighting only when absolutely necessary. This mantra is quickly tested when Sho'nuff and his gang storm the class, demanding Leroy pay homage to him. Leroy's refusal stirs up trouble, putting his loyal friend Johnny Yu (played by Glen Eaton) at risk. The escalation culminates in Leroy kneeling as Sho'nuff humiliates him.
As Leroy's journey unfolds, he shares breakfast with his family, including his younger brother Richie (played by Leo O'Brien), who has set his sights on winning a date with Laura by entering the "7th Heaven" dance contest. Upon spotting Laura in a commercial, Leroy implores Richie to take him to the studio, which Richie misinterprets as Leroy’s unrequited crush on Laura. Despite his initial reluctance, Richie ultimately agrees, but on the condition that they keep their brotherly connection a secret.
At the studio, as Leroy waits nervously at the back, he witnesses one of Arkadian's men, "Rock," forcefully shoving Laura into a van, accidentally dropping a folder belonging to Eddie Arkadian Productions. This incident drives Leroy to infiltrate Arkadian's operations. After numerous confrontations that test his values, Leroy is finally forced to acknowledge his feelings for Laura and confronts the reality of his situation amid rising tensions between him and Sho'nuff.
Despite harboring intentions to focus solely on mastering his skills, Leroy is reluctantly drawn into defending himself as Arkadian, filled with vengeance, orchestrates a plan to intimidate and eliminate him. Faced with personal and external challenges, Leroy must harness the mastery that lies within. In a climactic showdown in an abandoned building, an intense battle emerges between Leroy and Sho'nuff. As Leroy fights for both his honor and the safety of those he cares about, he discovers the true essence of mastery, leading to a breathtaking transformation where he finally achieves "the Glow."
In the denouement, after a series of exhilarating encounters, which includes Leroy catching a bullet with his teeth, he triumphantly apprehends Arkadian, paving the way for the story's resolution. As the night falls, Leroy presents Laura with flowers, signaling the start of a new chapter for them both. With a proud declaration from Richie recognizing Leroy as not just his brother but also "the Master," this journey culminates in victory, camaraderie, and self-actualization.
