Daniel-san!

Remember when Karate and Ninjas use to be really popular in the 80’s and 90’s? There were all kinds of TV shows and movies that involved that stuff. Things like The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series (1987), Films like The 3 Ninjas (1992), Beverly Hills Ninja (1997) and video games like Street Fighter II (1991) and Mortal Kombat (1992). Every kid in town was taking Karate lessons and making homemade nunchucks. Its pretty funny when one company has an idea that hits with the mainstream, everyone else runs out to make their copy. Now the craze is vampires (give me Ninjas over Vampires any day).

But my most favorite Karate movie is the cinema classic, The Karate Kid from 1984. Mr. Miyagi is like an Asian Obi-Wan Kenobi, he’s the man and I love him (both of them actually).

This film has everything you want in a fun 80’s teen movie. You got a lovable hero (Daniel), a wise teacher (Miyagi), classic bad guys (Johnny Lawrence and the douche kids), a love interest (Ali, with an I) and a sweet Karate tournament...o, and did I mention the famous Crane Kick. 80’s teen movies really are the best; I don’t care what anyone says.

You would be lying through your teeth if you didn’t admit to often daydreaming about being entered into the All-Valley Karate Tournament, defending yourself against Johnny Lawrence as he is told to “sweep the leg” (but sensei!). Wipe the sweat off your brow; take a deep breath...its time to remember all that Miyagi has taught you to battle the evil Cobra Kai Dojo.

One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Daniel becomes tired of waxing the car and painting the fence and decides to quite the training. With a loud yell of “Daniel-san” by Miyagi, he is summoned back and is enlightened to what he has been taught. “Daniel-san” is now the quintessential way to get someone’s attention when you are trying to show them the way.

Keeping in mind what I said about Revenge of the Nerds and our love of the underdog, the same theory is at play in our love for this film. Daniel-san finds himself in the pits of despair, a stranger in a new land but is able to regain his footing and fulfill his destiny as the All-Valley Karate Champion.

At the end of the day, deep down inside of your heart and soul…I know you’re a fan of this film. Enjoy the clip

Dont forget...You’re the best around, Nothings gonna ever keep ya down.