John Avildsen’s lost footage from the cult classic The Karate Kid

Karate Kid director John Avildsen posted more than 90 mins of rehearsal footage that he and the cast worked on before principal photography started on 1983. I’ve posted all of the youtube clips below, which give a glimpse into the development of a Hollywood cult classic feature film. Notable among the footage clips are the actors rehearsing scenes that never make it into the 1984 movie, which provide insight into plot holes from the final version.

Robert Mark Kamen wrote the script for The Karate Kid, which starred Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison, Chad McQueen, Tony O’Dell, Israel Juarbe, William Bassett, Larry B. Scott, Juli Fields, Dana Andersen, Frank Burt Avalon, Jeff Fishman, Ken Daly, Tom Fridley and Pat E. Johnson.

Check out the clips, below.

Part 1


Daniel and his mother arrive in Reseda. Daniel gets invited to a beach party.

Part 2


Daniel’s first day at school. Ali and Daniel chat in the cafeteria.

Part 3


Daniel throws away his bike. Mr. Miyagi fixes it. The Halloween dance.

Part 4


The Halloween beat-down scene.

Part 5


Miyagi and Daniel visit the Cobra Kai dojo. Daniel and Ali run into the Cobra Kai at school. Daniel begins his training.

Part 6


The training continues.

Part 7 and 8


Ali and Daniel go on a date. Miyagi reveals to Daniel the true nature of wax-on, wax-off.

Part 9


Daniel learns balance. Drunk Miyagi.

Part 10


Daniel learns to punch. Daniel’s birthday.

Part 11


Daniel and Ali make up. The tournament begins.

Part 12


The tournament and Johnny’s semi-final match.

Source: Slate