You may have watched—or at least heard of––The Karate Kid, but how much exactly of an impact did it make? It certainly has a recognizable cast, from Jaden Smith playing Dre Parker, to Ralph Macchio playing as Daniel LaRusso. For decades, The Karate Kid has remained one of the most beloved martial arts franchises, leaving a mark on pop culture and showing themes of perseverance, honor, and competition.
The original Karate Kid film, released in 1984, introduced audiences to Daniel LaRusso, a teenager learning martial arts from the wise and patient Mr. Miyagi. The film centered around his struggles against Johnny Lawrence, a skilled fighter from the Cobra Kai dojo. One of the most iconic moments in cinematic history came from this film, with Mr. Miyagi’s famous “wax on, wax off” lesson, which became part of the lesson of mentorship and discipline. He taught LaRusso skills through car washing that, despite LaRusso’s initial confusion, later became useful in his karate career, instilling values of patience and perseverance in him through the process. This reiterates the philosophy of practice makes perfect.
A reboot of The Karate Kid arrived in 2010, starring Jaden Smith as Dre Parker and Jackie Chan as his mentor, Mr. Han. Unlike the original, the film took place in China, and focused on kung fu rather than karate, which expanded the franchise’s cultural influence. Jackie Chan’s portrayal of the mentor was praised, and the film introduced a new generation to the themes of bonding and self-discovery.
Decades after the original film, in 2018, Cobra Kai revived the rivalry between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, but with a fresh perspective. The series followed both characters as adults and explored their lives, struggles, and new martial arts lessons. Cobra Kai successfully modernized the franchise, bridging the gap between older fans and a younger generation. It showcased two opposing dojos battling for dominance while providing deep character development and nostalgia for longtime fans. Additionally, the show was reminiscent of Daniel LaRusso’s past role in The Outsiders, an iconic book about rivalry between Socs and Greasers, further connecting it to 80s pop culture.
From its start, The Karate Kid franchise has stood the test of time, influencing both cinema and martial arts culture. It has provided valuable life lessons on discipline, mentorship, and perseverance, proving that its core message remains relevant even decades later. Whether through classic films or the modern storytelling of Cobra Kai, the franchise continues to inspire audiences around the world. The franchise is set to release another part of the series on May 30, so HSMSE, stay tuned for Karate Kid: Legends!