The year after I graduated from college, I spent six months working for a small nonprofit outside Nairobi, and Ben was my next-door neighbor. When we first met, we immediately connected over our shared love of martial arts. Growing up, I spent ten years training in MMA, an experience that gave me a deep appreciation for the philosophies and techniques expressed within each fighting style. I approached Ben about making a documentary because I was curious to explore the ideological distinctions between Karate and Aikido and learn how he applied those philosophies to life in Nairobi.

Throughout the film, Ben shifts from the firm, oppositional mindset of Karate, which has adopted a competitive format, to the more gentle approach of Aikido, which seeks instead to transcend competition. Roughly translated, the word “Aikido” means “path of harmonious spirit.” As Ben puts it, Aikido’s goal is understanding, and its true value comes through practice as a lifestyle.