The ultimate 80s underdog story. Lanky Daniel La Russo's the new kid in Reseda and takes an interest in the ex-girlfriend of the local bully. Pretty soon he's tormented by him and his karate-chopping friends. Enter Mr. Miyagi to the rescue. Through extensive training Daniel turns into a martial arts master, taking down the evil Johnny Lawrence and bringing hope to the smaller kids on the playground.
The Karate Kid is a semi-autobiographical story based on screenwriter Robert Kamen's teen years in addition to a news article about a boy who earned a black belt to fight off local bullies. The film was a sleeper hit and became one of the biggest movies of 1984. An increasing interest in karate was seen following the release of The Karate Kid. A sequel was soon greenlit and a franchise ensued. The Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018-) has continued the saga of Daniel and Johnny to much critical acclaim.
The Karate Kid was filmed in Harrison, NJ, Sedona, AZ and Los Angeles, Reseda, Encino, North Hollywood, Canoga Park, Northridge, Malibu, Norwalk and Westlake Village CA
Location: The La Russo's Leave Newark
Address: Franklin Ave heading north to Hamilton St, Harrison, NJ
Location: Daniel's Apartment Complex
Address: 19223 Saticoy Street, Reseda, CA
Location: The Beach
Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA Leo Carrillo Beach
This location was also used in Grease (1978), Less Than Zero (1987) and Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)
Location: The High School
Address: 5607 Capistrano Avenue, Woodlands Hills, CA
Formerly Charles Evans Junior High
Location: The Orient Express Restaurant/Karate Dojo #1
Address: 5410 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo #2
Address: 5223 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA
Address: 5223 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA
2016
2023
Location: Ali's House
Address: 4072 Alonzo Avenue, Encino, CA
Location: Golf N Stuff
Address: 10555 W Firestone Boulevard, Norwalk, CA
A mecca to any kid... or kid at heart. I'd have my own parking spot if I lived near one.
Location: The Country Club
Address: 880 S Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village, CA Hyatt Westlake Plaza
This was also used as the Palm Springs hotel on Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)
Location: All Valley Karate Championship
Address: 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA
The Matadome at Cal State Northridge
You're the best! Around! Nothing's ever gonna bring you down!
A cool mural is painted on the wall at 17622 Ventura Boulevard in Encino...
Locations Visited: November 2015, March 2016, June 2021, April 2023, May 2024
Related Locations:
The Karate Kid Part II (1986), Cobra Kai (2016-), Bananarama - Cruel Summer (1984)
