Master Ali Abdul Karim studied Shinobi-no-jitsu (Ninjitsu) from world famous and noted Grand Master Ronald Duncan since 1969. As fate would have it, Master Karim’s older brother Richard started him off in the martial arts in 1967 and later Master Karim went on to study Shotokan Karate from some of his local friends. Richard Lewis (brother of Master Karim) wanted him to take some formal classes. Master Karim used to watch Grand Master Duncan’s classes from the window at the Dojo at 519 Court St. near his home. Richard was going to take his younger brother to study with Grandmaster Ron Van Cliff and to their surprise the dojo was closed. Master Karim’s dream came true. Richard took Master Karim down the dojo on Court St. where he would begin his long journey on the warrior’s path. Master Karim spent a lifetime pursuing perfection in field of self defense and personal security. Through his study of Asian Martial Arts and Western Combat training, he later founded the Star and Crescent School of Essential Knowledge, along with his student, Brother Daud Jalaladin in 1974. Master Karim is the director and the head The Star and Crescent Martial Arts Federation of with schools along the East Coast. Star and Crescent is associated with and is a part of the Way of the Winds Federation that is supervised by Grand Master Ronald Duncan.

Ninjitsu is the ancient Japanese martial art involving security, surveillance, and commando warfare. Some of the arts that Master Karim has studied is Aikijutsu, Kempo Jutsu, Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, Aikido under Prof. Luqman Hakeem, aspects of Shiao Lin Chin Na, Fu Jiao Pau, Pa Qua Kung Fu, Eagle Claw, White Eyebrow Kung Fu, Tai chi quan, Shiao Lin Chi Gung, Wing Chung Kung Fu, and the Monkey Style to name only a few. It only seemed natural for Master Karim to pursue the modern Western approach to balance his training. Master Karim is an expert in SWAT team operations, pistol disarmament, and special reaction security. In 1982, the Military Police Corps unit of the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, NJ awarded him a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his outstanding performance as a primary instructor for the National Association of Tactical Teams (NATT), a special reaction team for combat. Master Kareem earned a certificate of achievement for the completion of the Advanced Urban Assault Rappel course, and Advanced Elevated Urban Operations course. Master Karim is a Licensed Private Investigator and is a CEO of his own Security firm.

With his training in personal self defense, security, and combat training, Master Karim is requested to teach seminars across the Eastern Seaboard and in the Caribbean. Master Karim has also helped to organize an educational plan for youths and adults about personal protection, self defense, and conflict resolution in the community. He is currently teaching the martial arts in Brooklyn, NY, and is truly a pillar in his community.