40 Years of The Karate Kid and Its Lessons of Faith

Wax off the dust of a beloved 80s classic that planted the seeds of a trilogy and to a new generation of fans a series they can stream.

The summer of 1984 turned up the heat with a beloved classic called, “The Karate Kid” that not only taught us what karate was for and its purpose but also how it can be applied to life in general. There can be a hint of faith added to many of these lessons. The movie became the highest-grossing movie of the year with more than $130 million at the box office. Pat Morita would be nominated for an Academy Award for best-supporting actor.

Though I have not grown up in the 80s I have always appreciated the pop culture and many defining classics that came out in that decade. In my opinion, they’ll age better than many of the things out today that are toxic and not satisfying. I digress.

The Karate Kid tells the story of Daniel LaRusso, a teenager from Newark, NJ. He and his single mother moved to California as she took a job. LaRusso is not thrilled about the move as the film will show acting like his life is over. It would begin to change. He gets invited to a beach party by someone at the condo. It was there he met Ali, a member of the cheerleading squad. They would play around with a soccer ball, but her ex-boyfriend Johnny Lawrence gets jealous and wants her back. When Daniel intervenes, he gets beaten by him. It would open the door to being a target by Johnny and his friends who are members of Cobra Kai.

As Daniel escapes a near-beaten-to-death experience, Mr. Miyagi, a janitor from the condo, steps in to save him and beats Johnny and his friends. Through Mr. Miyagi, LaRusso would learn many lessons from not only karate but also life. As LaRusso trains to prepare for the tournament, he forms an unlikely friendship and mentorship like no other.

In the end, LaRusso would win the tournament by defeating Lawrence after months of intimidation and bullying. Lawrence would begin breaking away from his sensei, John Kreese after he encouraged him to execute dirty tactics that would have given him the advantage to win his second straight crown.

The movie provides us with some lessons of faith that were interwoven into the timeless classic and the development of LaRusso.

Have Faith

When LaRusso went from Newark, NJ to Reseda, CA, he was unsure, anxious, and even sad about the change. He would easily get frustrated and lack self-confidence. At times, we can be like Daniel LaRusso. We go from one school to another, move to another state or city, the list goes on. What God wants us to do is to place our trust in him and he will make things happen.

Over time, LaRusso did that. Despite a rough start, he would pursue a romantic relationship, approach a janitor who becomes a mentor and friend, and even win the respect of his adversary.

Be Committal

Upon agreeing to train LaRusso, Mr. Miyagi used the metaphor of a crushed grape when it came to him doing everything he said. In turn, LaRusso goes through different menial tasks such as waxing cars, painting fences, and sanding the floor.

Discipleship

LaRusso needed to learn karate to prepare for battle. He was in the battle of his life. All he needed was someone to teach him the proper karate to counter the Cobra Kai’s motto, “Strike first, strike hard, no mercy”.  Let’s face it. Christ warned us about the devil many times in the gospel (John 10:10). The good news is Christ gives us the armor of God (read Ephesians 6:10-18).

Even LaRusso knew that he needed guidance and a mentor. He was guilty of things just as much as Johhny Lawrence was. One example is when he hoses Lawrence with water in the bathroom.

LaRusso had an orphan spirit. He dealt with the problem through fear, force, and conflict. The main objective of Miyagi’s training was to expose the poor training of the sensei of Cobra Kai.

In a sense, LaRusso was engaged in spiritual combat. The influence of Satan was alive and well through the aggressive and saturated training of John Kreese.

Balance

The one thing many fans would recall from the movie is the crane. Yes, there was some meaning to it when LaRusso learned it. Mr. Miyaki would remind him about balance.

Here is an exchange between him and Danielson. This was the scene when LaRusso was celebrating his birthday.

Miyagi: [Daniel has just gotten his driver’s license and Miyagi has given him a car for his birthday] Just remember, license never replace eye, ear, and brain.

[Daniel has suddenly become quiet]

Miyagi: What matter?

Daniel: I’m just scared. The tournament and everything.

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. Understand?

When we look back at the scene, it has a deeper meaning than many of us. Every time our faith is off balance, the devil attacks.

Fans of war films or those that center around the military can think of the devil as a top officer who sees a target or area for combat. One critical thing is finding the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. When the officer shares the weakness, they must exploit it during battle.

Every time we are off balance with our faith, the devil exploits it. It can be avoided when we pray, receive the sacraments, follow God, attend Mass, and say no to him and his empty promises.

This movie will get you cheering. It is a timeless classic. It goes into faith lessons that we must never take for granted. I highly recommend this movie. It is the best around.