When my family first rented the VHS of “The Karate Kid,” I was 9 years old. Watching it then, I naively thought of it as just a great “sports story”. But recently, Michael and I watched it again with our teens, and we both noticed a powerful theme in the movie we never recognized back in the 80’s.
The Absent Father
As the movie begins, we see Daniel and his mom leaving New Jersey for California without a single mention of his dad. At his new home, his mom worries about him getting into trouble or struggling to fit in. Clearly, they have little money, best exemplified in the slow, sputtering station wagon. We know these, and others, as common symptoms of an absent father. And, this sad situation is so prevalent. In fact, I never thought twice about Daniel’s invisible dad when I watched it originally.
Enter Mr. Miyagi
Our first experience of Mr. Miyagi, the man who services Daniel’s family apartment, comes when Daniel needs help with a practical problem. The “old man” saves the day with his handy expertise. But, how can one forget him saving the day when Daniel gets pummeled by the teen bullies?!? As impressive as this might be, it’s the relationship sparked here that propels Daniel’s life in a new direction. Had Mr. Miyagi simply fought battles for Daniel, this young man would have missed out on tremendous growth.
The Growth Journey
Yet he does grow!!! And, how? Doing simple, tedious, long hours of hard work. Daniel, so grateful for the offer of help learning karate, goes along with the work for days. He gives up his precious time to wax on and wax off, paint a fence, sand the deck, and paint the house. Doesn’t this sound like your life sometimes? It certainly can be mine. If I am dying to my wishes for my precious time and doing what I should do, I internally can be like Daniel. I do it, but I grumble.
The Surprise Gift
If you’re thinking the gift is something shiny, “Not yet!” (I hear Mr. Miyagi’s accent while I type). The greatest gift Mr. Miyagi gives Daniel, besides their relationship, is innate skills through discipline. These Daniel will carry for a lifetime. Learning to wax on and wax off didn’t just affect his karate deflecting; it gave him fortitude, patience, confidence in something new and countless other skills that alter his character.
The Revelation
Arguably the best part of this movie is when Mr. Miyagi reveals his secret motivation behind all of Daniel’s handyman projects – it was training! I remember being in awe. I remember the look on Daniel’s face when he realizes what has happened to him. The genius of Mr. Miyagi! Trusting and obeying the “old man” was the best thing Daniel has ever done.
It’s all in the Name
Mr. Miyagi calls him “Danielson.” I can’t hold back the tears. I forgot this point until right now, as I type. Daniel’s been “adopted” by a good father. He protects Daniel, he teaches Daniel, he requires much of Daniel, but gives enough for Daniel to rise to the occasion. Daniel thrives, becoming more than he could have imagined without Mr. Miyagi. The car given is the icing on the cake, after hours of training and discipline, because Mr. Miyagi loves Danielson. A good father does both – guides and gives.
The Shrine Fortress
This just keeps getting better… In Japanese, the word Miyagi means “shrine, fortress.” Daniel is nurtured by Mr. Miyagi, soul and body, loved, trained and sent forth. The relationship of father and son is the greatest gift and Daniel recognizes it. In the final scene of the movie, after the final round of karate, Daniel yells the words Mr. Miyagi, “We did it!” He knows it wasn’t his commitment and skill alone that won the prize. He cooperated with the guidance and gifts of a good man, a good father. And Mr. Miyagi is just a glimpse of Our Father – wise, strong, trustworthy, good.
What does this have to do with JPII’s masterwork: Man and Woman He Created Them? Stay tuned for the next email, with Part 2.