Mr. Miyagi & Daniel LaRusso

Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by Pat Morita, is a wise and gentle karate sensei who becomes a father figure, mentor, and best friend to Daniel LaRusso, a bullied teenager who moves to California. Miyagi teaches Daniel not only the physical techniques of karate, including the iconic crane kick, but also profound life lessons centered on honor, balance, and self-control, using unconventional methods like "wax on, wax off" to build muscle memory and discipline. Daniel, initially seeking self-defense against the Cobra Kai dojo and its leader Johnny Lawrence, grows under Miyagi's guidance into a skilled fighter and an honorable man, ultimately winning the All-Valley Tournament and carrying his mentor's legacy forward.