The Karate Kid franchise has stood the test of time. These iconic movies and series have spawned memorable scenes. The Crane Kick is one that's truly an epic addition that audiences love to see.
The Power of the Crane Kick:
Many fans recognize Ralph Macchio's iconic role as Daniel LaRusso! It's a big part of the story! You can even get a chance to watch Macchio use it. The most famous and memorable is during his match in the first "The Karate Kid".
There have also been instances in Cobra Kai that show how effective this skill can really be.
It doesn't stop there, this kick can make a real impact on those who aren't so sure how to stop it! You'll find that it's hard to stop it. What also makes the Crane Kick special, is that it's not just about karate, there are a variety of techniques it is built on!
Six Uses of the Crane Kick in the Karate Kid Universe
Here's a breakdown of every time the "Crane Kick" appeared in "The Karate Kid"! Let's see how it impacts these memorable characters!
6. Johnny Lawrence's (Kind-Of) Crane Kick When Training With Daniel
If you don't remember, Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka) had an interesting connection to Daniel LaRusso!
You might remember those moments. He's had lots of screen time in "Cobra Kai" where this rivalry really comes full circle.
This legendary character, Johnny, found himself in season 4, episode 3! But was there anything about him using the kick that made it so special?
You might think Johnny would be looking for that "extra boost"!
That special moment for audiences is to see Johnny make the beginnings of this iconic Crane Kick stance while training! This would have been so impressive! Johnny would have used the same kick he lost to! Even after losing to Daniel, his struggles make it apparent that he had mastered it! This makes the whole Cobra Kai universe super intriguing. You won't want to miss it if you are a fan of Johnny, Daniel or "The Karate Kid".
This time the special moment came as Johnny had to watch Daniel leave! So while there's a moment of disappointment that Johnny doesn't complete the kick! However, the kick has been shown to work, but if it doesn't? Well that doesn't take away from Johnny's history in Cobra Kai!
5. Daniel's Failed Crane Kick Against Chozen Toguchi
You have to watch "The Karate Kid" franchise. It will bring some wild characters and exciting storylines.
- Daniel finds himself battling it out. He's not just facing another enemy! but another talented karate artist Chozen Toguchi.
- The first time viewers see the Crane Kick fails! The move is not a sure thing as we see here!
- Chozen (played by Yuji Okamoto). He brings an epic new level of complexity to this story, starting as one of the "Karate Kid"'s biggest foes to turning into Daniel's allies! This is just one of the many transformations he's faced in "Cobra Kai."
If you look at it from a fan's perspective! It would have been fun, for Daniel to take out another enemy. This really is a special case because it seems that this kick failed!
There's more to it than a "win" or "lose" with the kick. The best part is that Daniel realized his limitations! There was a point where he needed more than just that iconic move, and we got to see Daniel go to another level, in the story! This gave him a new way to approach fights. And if it didn't? Well, it shows that Daniel, as a hero, doesn't depend on the Crane Kick as his only solution.
4. Miguel's Crane Kick In The All-Valley
There was so much buzz, even amongst fans, when "Cobra Kai" was making a comeback! The series was making a comeback and so much to give its fanbase. This series features a new generation of karate masters in training.
It seems there's a special set of challenges when an epic movie gets turned into a television series!
- Fans of "The Karate Kid" wanted to see how those original, big moments from the films! You know, the show really nailed it! It gave viewers so much more to enjoy and the new players on the screen.
- One of these new, big characters, is Miguel (played by Xolo Maridueña). He is Johnny's student! If he is being trained by Johnny. It makes sense he would eventually learn that classic "Crane Kick."
It wouldn't make sense to keep Daniel's victory. That could change if one of Johnny's students used this skill as the All-Valley was winding down.
What the series creators managed to do. That gave it an edge over many fans expected is a creative and special way to bring back the Crane Kick, even for fans! That wasn't just the "Crane Kick. It meant a great deal to "Cobra Kai". It made the move just that much more awesome!
3. Dre Parker's Spin On The Crane Kick In The Kung Fu Tournament
It’s been ages since "The Karate Kid" and Jackie Chan really wanted to be involved! The series was relaunched in 2010! While many had been thinking it was a new remake. This eventually blended the two stories as it is still considered a part of the larger canon. And the Crane Kick is even more amazing in "The Karate Kid."
As Jackie Chan gave a unique take on the original! He showed audiences an iconic Kung Fu technique and really added a touch of flair to this classic move. It was amazing! Jaden Smith's character, "Dre" brought this to life. Fans were all wowed with how powerful he was but why was Dre using a kick that had ties to karate! What's super cool, is that this skill appears in "The Karate Kid. In the 2010 version, you can even see Jackie Chan's Mr. Han as he is the teacher for Dre Parker. It looks like there's not a strong connection between the Miyagi, who introduced "Daniel" to this kick! It really puts the "Karate Kid" in a new spotlight. So, how did Dre know it! Well, he’s a master of Kung Fu and he's even a pretty good fighter! This is even more cool! What is interesting about "The Karate Kid"? What it really points to is that the franchise has been constantly adapting, giving viewers a look into so much new content and creativity, as the film is coming back! Fans of the movie. will be able to see Jackie Chan reprise this iconic role in the next movie, coming out in 2025!
2. Daniel's Defeat of Terry Silver
Fans love a good rematch!
You have to watch "The Karate Kid Part III," if you aren't familiar. It had an epic foe called Terry Silver! And then we see this character. Thomas Ian Griffith brought his character to life and as we go to the newest season, "Cobra Kai. Fans can see how his return adds a new layer to the ongoing conflict with "Daniel!"
What makes the Crane Kick a truly great move! You will have to tune in to season 4, to watch this play out! Fans won't want to miss Daniel facing "Terry Silver!" And for those who were invested, in "The Karate Kid," you can get a feel that there was an almost immediate, satisfying sense of closure.
- In an awesome showdown that involves this amazing kick and a mix of those signature moves that really highlight Daniel's martial arts talents. You've got to see what kind of powerful skills that come from the "Miyagi".
- You see just how compelling this dynamic can be, there's so much energy between "Terry" and "Daniel,".
- The move really stands out, too! Terry Silver (the biggest villain, arguably in the series) goes down with this incredible and awesome "Crane Kick."
- For the long-term fans of "The Karate Kid," it would be incredibly hard to pick this scene!
For a while now, "Cobra Kai" has brought back a lot of the characters that helped shape this beloved series!
There's no one that stands out! They have all become icons! But when you look back, it may seem like there is one character that holds the mantle, "Terry Silver," is someone whose presence helped propel the series and is now viewed as a core element of the "Karate Kid" world.
1. Daniel's Victory Over Johnny in the All-Valley Final
No doubt that fans will go to "The Karate Kid" whenever they want a feel-good story! What happens in that story was amazing, but it really seems like no move is better than Daniel using the "Crane Kick!" It came about as he went against Johnny in that iconic final match.
It's a great moment, giving fans something to really remember as "Daniel and "Johnny had their showdown! This event is truly what helped make "Cobra Kai" such a special, remarkable series. Those who haven't watched this amazing show should put it on their watchlist as it features this Crane Kick!
The "Crane Kick" isn't just some amazing feat to watch, it has so much emotional and nostalgic resonance!
What makes it truly special! You see Daniel was already hurt but the move was a key for success.
Fans won't be able to deny, just how compelling this moment was. It seems this is a series full of amazing elements but nothing really stands out like the "Crane Kick."
When you combine all of these "Karate Kid" characters and moments! You see just how awesome and powerful the "Crane Kick is! That one moment from those original films has helped make the "Karate Kid" universe. A success! You've got to appreciate these stories and the talents that created them, for all that they are and for the epic moments that have stood the test of time, like the "Crane Kick!"
