Wax on and Off with the Original Karate Kid

I wouldn't classify myself as a huge sports nut but I do enjoy watching hockey on TV (can you blame me... I'm originally from Canada). With that said, it's not surprising to find me enraptured by some sports movies. The storyline always follows the same pattern about the underdog rising to win it all through impossible odds. No matter how many times that formula is used in Hollywood it can be very effective if the story is solid. One such shining example is the original Karate Kid from 1984, starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, as directed by John G. Avildsen, the same man who made Rocky bigger than life.

Despite its title, The Karate Kid is more about the progress of learning rather than the art of fighting. It is not an inaccurate misnomer but definitely a clever one to draw in curious viewers with its simple designation. I'm sure many people expected one thing and got something else entirely. I, for one, was pleasantly pleased with the results.

Let me clarify that last statement: yes, the ending results were predictable and almost clichéd, and I don't think anyone wanted it any other way considering how the nature of the film unfolded. However, while the ending provided that necessary sense of closure, the film is all about the journey and self-discovery of one's self.

Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) is uprooted from his hometown of Newark, New Jersey to Reseda, California where his mother's new job is located. Already he becomes the target of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), a karate student at the Cobra Kai dojo, who doesn't take it kindly that his ex-girlfriend Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue) has an interest in this new kid. As a result Daniel becomes a living, punching bug to Johnny and his cohorts in the Cobra Kai, repeatedly enduring beatings from them.

Mr. Miyagi (Morita), the Okinawan handyman at Daniel's apartment complex, witnesses one of the beatings and makes short work of the Cobra Kai. Hoping to end this conflict, both Daniel and Miyagi confront John Kreese (Martin Kove), the Cobra Kai's sensei, hoping to resolve this conflict but Kreese believes that any concept of mercy is for the weak. Sensing that conflict is the only way to appeal to Kreese's sensibilities, Miyagi suggests a match between Daniel and Johnny at the "All Valley Karate Tournament" in two month's time. The stipulation is that Daniel is to be left alone to train. And this is where the story starts to take shape.

It's not so much about the karate training that is interesting, though Miyagi's eccentric method catches Daniel-and everyone else-off guard. No, it's the development of the person that becomes the key component in Daniel's "training." Since the beginning of the movie, Daniel is person looking for something and somewhere to fit in. He lost his father, has his life uprooted and is filled with anger he doesn't know how to express. Miyagi gives him a way to release that negative energy but becoming that reluctant surrogate father. Surprisingly, they are both helping each other heal together from emotional wounds inflicted upon them.

In the end it really isn't about winning or losing, as Miyagi states. It's about doing your best. I know a lot of people don't like hearing that especially after losing but Miyagi makes a good point. We all strive to be the best and be recognized for it. When it doesn't happen we become disappointed and maybe even despondent. It's human nature. But it's that self-confidence-not arrogance or cockiness- that becomes a person's strength to overcome all adversity. This is the difference between Miyagi's way and the Cobra Kai's philosophy. In the end, when it is all said and done, it is about having balance in your life.

Miyagi: "You remember lesson about balance?"
Daniel: "Yeah."
Miyagi: "Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better."

I won't lie when I say that winning feels awesome. Having played in various sporting tournaments can attest to that feeling. But I have also cherished the journey and sportsmanlike camaraderie between players. In a sense, this is what Daniel LaRusso comes to learn with his training under Miyagi's watchful eye. The Cobra Kai's have it all wrong. Mercy isn't for the weak at all. Mercy is the sportsmanship and possibly friendship that Daniel was looking for throughout the entire film.