Twelve-year-old Sasha is forced to leave Moscow for Pyatigorsk to live with his aunt while his doctor parents are on assignment in Africa. Local children, school bullying, and conflict with the leader, Marat, become part of his new life. When his parents disappear during a flood, the boy faces utter despair. Seeking strength, he discovers a passion-karate, where his strict sensei, Dmitriy, and his daughter, Masha, help him overcome his fears, develop his character, and find inner strength.