karate kid

Nearly 40 years ago (February 16, 1985, to be exact), the release of the first installment of The Karate Kid films brought combat sports to arguably its widest audience. Thanks to streaming services, the legend continues today with Cobra Kai. The sibling franchises have spawned millions of attempted martial artists worldwide hoping to master Mr. Miyagi’s “wax on, wax off” technique and the infamous “crane kick” that Daniel LaRusso inflicts upon his rival Johnny Lawrence in the championship climax. In fact, Ralph Macchio (LaRusso) and William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), then a pair of Hollywood babyfaces, were trying karate for the first time themselves during filming. And, thanks to a ton of movie magic – and perhaps more embellishment – they pulled off looking like pros marvelously. Run down...