LIFE Karate Kid
LIFE: Karate Kid
Everyone Loves ‘The Karate Kid’ • More than 40 years after it debuted—and with a winning series and a new movie upon us—the powerful story still inspires cheers from fans of all ages.
The Original Trilogy • Underdog Daniel LaRusso learned karate—and a whole new life philosophy—from his sensei-mentor, Mr. Miyagi.
The Key Players • Meet the heroes, love interests, and villains of the first three films.
‘The Karate Kid’ • Considered an underdog on-screen and off, Daniel LaRusso crane-kicked his way to an All Valley championship and incredible box office returns.
How the Crane Kick Took Flight • In an excerpt from Waxing On, the actor details the long process of trial and error needed to perfect the now iconic move.
‘The Karate Kid Part II’ • The action moves from the beaches of Southern California to Japan, as Mr. Miyagi reconnects with his roots andintroduces Daniel to his homeland.
The Martial Arts Movies That Came Before • The Karate Kid may have helped popularize karate in the U.S., but it was hardly the first film to highlight the ancient form of combat.
‘The Karate Kid Part III’ • Daniel and Mr. Miyagi return to the Valley and rehash plotlines in a tale that engages but feels too much like leftovers.
Life After ‘The Karate Kid’ • In an excerpt from Waxing On, the actor reflects on being typecast and struggling to land roles as a result.
The Next Generation • A new crop of challengers arose to see if they had what it took to be called the Karate Kid.
‘The Next Karate Kid’ • The film franchise goes in a whole new direction with the introduction of female protagonist Julie Pierce.
(1932-2005) Remembering Pat Morita • The actor, who notched more than 100 credits, died from kidney failure at his home in Las Vegas. He was 73.
‘The Karate Kid’ (2010) • Martial arts icon Jackie Chan takes on the role of sensei to young Jaden Smith.
Cobra Kai & Beyond • The student turns sensei as Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption—or, at the very least, a paycheck—by reopening the dojo where he first learned to fight.
‘Cobra Kai’ • The Karate Kid universe gets aninfusion of new blood—and welcomes back plenty of old faces—with the debut of the streaming series.
Cobra Kai’s New Faces • All the friends and foes to know in the Netflix series.
The Returning Villains • For such a good-natured guy, Daniel has made many enemies throughout the years. With the passage of time, some have had their rough edges smoothed. Others … not so much.
Cobra Kai’s ‘Karate Kid’ Connections • The series makes ample use of the film trilogy’s original characters, scenes, and settings—including these five standout references.
From Foes to Family • Stars William Zabka and Ralph Macchio reflect on their 40-year journey together.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ • Franchise favorites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan team up to train the next would-be champion.
PHOTO CREDITS
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Snapshot • In the years after Pat Morita’s death, Ralph Macchio recalled what it was like first reading opposite the actor: “Pat had it all,” Macchio wrotein his memoir. “The beats, the rhythm, the tone. A transformation that buried all preconceived notions. He inhabited this role—he was Mr. Miyagi.” Audiences discovered just that when The Karate Kid opened in theaters. (The official press preview ticket is seen above.) Morita was, and remains, a true mentor to all—both on-screen and off.