Stationed in the Philippines, 18-year-old U.S. Army private Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff) is escorting a supply convoy when it is ambushed by rebels - one of whom he recognises as a Black Ninja warrior. Instinctively, Joe defends himself using the esoteric martial art of Ninjitsu - an ability that puts him under suspicion by his commander and fellow soldiers. Alone in his fight against corruption, the boy finally discovers the secret of his mysterious past - a secret that pits him against the evil Black Start Ninja in the ultimate martial arts battle.