Inspiration of the Day #74

“Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don’t forget to breathe, very important.”
– Miyagi (The Karate Kid)

I am sure that most people can agree that breathing, under almost any circumstance, is very important. We sort of need it to live. I get it, but that is not what makes this quote so important, or special. The Karate Kid is one of those movies that maybe seems like not much thought went into the making, but it is actually so much deeper than most movies of that time period.

The Karate Kid follows a young boy and his mother as they are making a life change. New home, new area, new school, no friends, not a lot of money, and no father. Any one of those makes for a tough transition but when you mix them together and thrust them on a teenage boy, it is a recipe for a very tough experience. For young Danny, it was no exception.

He ends up bullied by a group of rich kids, he falls for a rich girl who is dating one of the rich kids, he is shorter, smaller, and your garden variety dork by the standards of the day. The Karate Kid isn’t just about fighting and karate. It is about how difficult circumstances can take you down different roads and these roads depend on the choices you make. No matter what your circumstances, you are responsible for the path.

No one makes your choices for you, even if it may seem that way from time to time. To me, the main themes in The Karate Kid were relationships, family, and finding the spirit within yourself to be a person of honor and integrity. It is OK to be ready for a fight. When looking for trouble, you will find it. Just because you are peaceful, doesn’t mean others will treat you that way. And just because others aren’t peaceful, doesn’t make it is OK to be violent.