'The Karate Kid' (1984)

By the end of World War Two over 120,000 people of Japanese descent found themselves interned in camps across the continental United States, despite the vast majority being US citizens themselves. But as the end of the conflict brought with it a new appreciation for Japanese people and culture, it wasn't long before martial arts began to find their footing in mainstream Hollywood movies and TV shows. And with a screenwriter tormented by bullies who takes his own journey into karate, I wanted to discover what other true events had inspired this 80s cult classic and what the life of Mr Miyagi actor Pat Morita had in tandem with his onscreen counterpart. Did Daniel really have to perform household chores as part of his training? Was his first sensei a violent ex-marine who allowed for "no mercy"? And was that crane kick even legal?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down!

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