The man who taught you to Always Be Closing is just locking up a deal to direct a script he has written about the Jiu-Jitsu fight world of Los Angeles. Playwright, screenwriter and, now director, David Mamet has signed onto Sony Pictures Classic to direct Redbelt, says Variety.

Redbelt is an American samurai film set in an underworld of villains. Chewetel Ejiofor stars as a Jiu-Jitsu master who runs a self-defense studio. When he is conned by movie stars and fight promoters, he must fight to regain his honor. More casting is in the works and Sonly Pictures Classic plans for a summer 2008 release for the $10 million action movie. Production is slated to start in May in L.A.