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Daniel LaRusso

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Articles About Daniel LaRusso
Main Continuity Miyagi-verse
Alternate Continuity TV Series - NES - Street Rumble

“ You're the best friend I've ever had. „
~ Daniel to Mr. Miyagi
“ I learn plenty, yeah, I learned how to sand your decks maybe. I washed your car, paint your house, paint your fence. I learn plenty! „
~ Daniel to Mr. Miyagi
“ No you don't want to hear the truth. All you want to hear about is how great it is. Well it may be great for you but it SUCKS for me! I hate this place! I HATE IT! I just want to go home. Why can't we just go home? „
~ Daniel to Lucille LaRusso
“ You know... When MY father died, I spent a lot of time thinking I hadn't been such a great son. It seemed to me like I could have listened a little more, spent a little more time with him together... I felt so guilty, you know, like he did everything for me and I didn't do anything for him. Then one day I realized... that I did the greatest thing I ever did for him before he died: I was there with him... and I held his hand... and said goodbye. „
~ Daniel to Mr. Miyagi
“ Mr. Miyagi, forget about it! We did it! We did it!! „
~ Daniel to Mr. Miyagi
“ I'm sorry if you don't like it but I've got problems, okay, and if you're not going to be part of the solution, just don't give me a hard time about it! „
~ Daniel to Mr. Miyagi

“ Oh, Johnny Lawrence calling someone else an asshole, that's rich, man... „
~ Daniel LaRusso
“ Hey, Mr. Miyagi... I know it's been a few months, but, better late than never, right? I've been thinking about you a lot lately... I, um... It's funny, when I was a kid you seemed to always have all the answers, y'know, I guess I thought when I got older I'd have it all figured out too. But now, I just... feel like I'm clueless. Makes me wonder, was it different for you, or were you just better at hiding it? „
~ Daniel LaRusso
“ You figure, with two people you have twice the defense, right? Wrong. One of the cornerstones of Miyagi-Do Karate is always moving in a circle. And with the wheel technique, you'll soon see that two people can be as strong as twenty. Now, are you ready? „
~ Daniel LaRusso to Samantha LaRusso and Robby Keene
“ You're not gonna do anything. Not while I'm around. „
~ Daniel LaRusso to John Kreese
“ You sent them to my house?! You came after my daughter... You wanted a fight, you son of a bitch, NOW you've got one! „
~ Daniel LaRusso to John Kreese
“ This is where I almost lost to fear. It was during my second tournament, I didn't even need to fight in the preliminary rounds, so I was fresh! I thought I was ready. But in the final match... my opponent was ruthless. Before I knew it, I was on that mat and fear had completely taken over. I was paralyzed, I couldn't move. The thought of getting up again and facing that guy just... scared the living daylights outta me. I just wanted to run off and hide... „
~ Daniel LaRusso recounting his fight with Mike Barnes
“ Now I'm supposed to give up my dojo and step down as a sensei... There's too much at stake to honor an agreement made with men who have none. If Cobra Kai is gonna to keep growing and getting stronger, I need to do whatever it takes to stop them. Even if that means going on offense. „
~ Daniel LaRusso
“ Why? To get back at your dad? Me? Miyagi-Do? Sam? The world? Because if that's the case, I have another Miyagi-Do secret that you can slip to your friends. Never put passion over principle, because even if you win, you lose. „
~ Daniel LaRusso to Robby Keene
“ Miyagi-Do existed before any of us... It'll be around long after we're gone. The roots are strong, so the tree will survive... „
~ Daniel LaRusso to Terry Silver
“ I wish you could see this, Mr. Miyagi. A whole dojo full of kids learning your lessons. „
~ Daniel LaRusso

Background

Daniel LaRusso is the main protagonist of The Karate Kid franchise. As a bullied high school student who recently moved to Reseda, California, Daniel was taken under the wing of wise karate master, Mr. Miyagi, who taught him the principles of inner peace and balance. Using the training he received, Daniel was able to overcome his bullies, and win two consecutive All Valley Karate championships.

Thirty years after Mr. Miyagi changed his life forever, Daniel got married, had two kids, and became the owner of the LaRusso Auto Group. Once the Cobra Kai dojo is reopened by his former rival, Johnny Lawrence, Daniel became the sensei of his own Miyagi-Do Karate dojo, teaching students to oppose Cobra Kai's violent practices.

Personality

Glorifies and respects Mr. Miyagi: Daniel saw Mr. Miyagi as not only his sensei, but a surrogate father and role model to him[1]. He respected him so much that he delayed going to college to be there for him when his father died[2], and outright gave up his college fund to purchase "Mr. Miyagi's Little Trees", to fulfil his mentor's dream out of a sense of gratitude[3]. He is extremely protective of Mr. Miyagi's legacy, violently lashing out against Johnny when he "insults" him[4]. He had almost forgotten Miyagi's own lessons of "finding your own way to grow" because of his desire to honor Mr. Miyagi's legacy and teach Miyagi-Do Karate exactly as it was taught to him[5].

Hot-headed: Though Daniel attributes his anger to Terry Silver and Cobra Kai manipulating him into something he isn't, Terry clarifies that Daniel has always been a hot-head, and that he only brought out what was already inside of him[6]. This can be seen when he punched and tackled Bobby after being tripped during soccer practice[7], or when Daniel punches Johnny after hearing him state the difficult truth about Mr. Miyagi[8]

Excels with balance: Though usually hot-headed and abrasive, Daniel often reaches a state of inner-peace and balance in critical moments[9], which gives him complete control over a fight[10].

Honest and truthful: Ralph Macchio explains that Daniel has the qualities of honesty and truthfulness. He has carried this earnest attitude into all of his future performances[11].

General Information

Name: Daniel LaRusso[12]

Nicknames: Daniel-san[13], Danny boy[14], Dan[15], Mr. LaRusso[16], Sensei Daniel LaRusso

Origin: The Karate Kid

First Appearance: The Karate Kid (1984)

Latest Appearance: Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Company: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Creator: Robert Mark Kamen

Actor: Ralph Macchio

Sex: Male

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 16 - 17 years old (The Karate Kid), 17 years old (The Karate Kid Part II), 17 - 18 years old (The Karate Kid Part III), 51 - 53 years old (Cobra Kai)

Birthdate: December 18, 1966

Homeworld: Earth

Residence: Newark, New Jersey (formerly), South Seas Apt. 20, Reseda, California (during The Karate Kid), Mr. Miyagi's house, Reseda, California (during The Karate Kid Part III), Larusso House, Encino Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California (during Cobra Kai)

Story Role: Underdog, Student, Protagonist, Mentor

Classification: Shop Co-Owner (formerly), Car Salesman, Karate Sensei

Species: Human

State of Being: Regular

Physiology: Humanoid Physiology

Occupation: Mr. Miyagi's Little Trees co-owner (formerly), Miyagi-Do Karate student (formerly), Cobra Kai student (formerly), LaRusso Auto Group owner, Miyagi-do Karate sensei

Affiliations: Lucille LaRusso (mother), Louie LaRusso Sr. (uncle), Louie LaRusso Jr. (cousin), Vanessa LaRusso (cousin), Nariyoshi Miyagi (Mr. Miyagi was the best friend Daniel ever had[17]. He was Daniel's karate sensei, a surrogate father for him, and a role model that he strives to live up to every day[18]), Amanda LaRusso (wife), Samantha LaRusso (daughter), Anthony LaRusso (son), Ali Mills (Daniel's former girlfriend[19], who he remains friends with to this day[20]), Kumiko (Daniel's former girlfriend[21], who he remains friends with to this day[22]), Jessica Andrews (One of Daniel's oldest friends[23], who is related to Daniel's wife and set them up together[24]), Johnny Lawrence (On and off friends, are partnered as sensei), Chozen Toguchi (Allied with Daniel, his "karate cousin" as Miyagi-Do students)

Enemies: Johnny Lawrence (Formerly. They were originally rivals fighting over Ali Mills[25], but that rivalry persisted in the modern day), Chozen Toguchi (Formerly. Chozen attempted to kill Daniel for dishonoring him[26], until they made up years later), Mike Barnes (Mike bullied and terrorized Daniel to force him to participate in the All Valley Tournament, then physically tortured him during their match[27]. They made up years later[28]), John Kreese (Kreese is the mentor of the opposing dojo, who terrorizes Daniel, and thus Daniel has a deep hatred for him[29]), Terry Silver (Terry manipulated Daniel into joining the Cobra Kai dojo, all to cause him pain[30]. Daniel and Terry's hatred for one another continues into the modern day[31])

Status: Alive

Alignment: Chaotic Good (Daniel has a good heart, having stood up for Ali when her radio was broken by Johnny[32], insisted on being with and consoling Mr Miyagi after his father's death[33], and using his college funds to instead purchase "Mr Miyagi's Little Trees" out of gratitude for his mentor[34]. He opposes Cobra Kai purely so that the kids of the world can be safe from its influence[35]. He can be a little abrasive, such as when he doused Johnny in water without provocation[36]. He is hot-headed, lashing out and destroying his bike out of anger towards Cobra Kai and his move to Reseda[37], and breaking a kid's nose after being pushed[38]. Though Daniel attributes his anger to Terry Silver and Cobra Kai manipulating him into something he isn't, Terry clarifies that Daniel has always been a hot-head, and that he only brought out what was already inside of him[39]. This can be seen when he punched and tackled Bobby after being tripped during soccer practice[40], or when Daniel punches Johnny after hearing him state the difficult truth about Mr. Miyagi[41])

Protection Level: Metropolitan Protector (In fighting and defeating Mike Barnes, Daniel prevented Terry Silver from teaching the violent principles of Cobra Kai across the San Fernando Valley[42]. He fought to do the same thing thirty years later[43]), currently Global Protector (Daniel now fights Terry Silver to thwart his plan of spreading Cobra Kai's values across the entire world, via the Sekai Taikai[44])

Threat Level: Street Threat in the Cobra Kai dojo (Under Terry Silver's influence, Daniel was starting violent fights without much provocation)

Codex Statistics

Grade: A

Tier: 10-A

Cardinality: Finite

Dimensionality: 3-D

Attack Potency: Peak Human level (Can break six blocks of ice at once[45]. Comparable to Chozen Toguchi, who could destroy a crumbling statue with a kick[46]. Could punch and kick through sturdy wooden boards[47]. Comparable to Chris, who could punch through several slabs of stone, and Kyler Park, who did the same with his head[48])

Durability: Peak Human level (Withstood an onslaught of brutal attacks from Mike Barnes, who could punch through bricks[49])

Striking Strength: Peak Human Class

Lifting Strength: Average Human

Travel Speed: Average Human

Combat Speed: At least Athletic Human (Comparable to Johnny Lawrence, who was given the nickname "White Lightning", due to his moves being considered fast even compared to the MMA fighter he was facing)

Reaction Speed: At least Athletic Human

Stamina: Athletic Human

Range: Standard Melee

Intelligence: Gifted Intelligence (Defeated two-time All Valley champion, Johnny Lawrence, after only a few months of training[50]. Soon after, he fought and defeated Chozen Toguchi, who mentored a group of black belt military soldiers[51]. Could easily defeat Dennis de Guzman, who was specifically hired to train the country-renowned "tournament terror", Mike Barnes[52]. Daniel is skilled enough to fight and defeat an entire hockey team at once[53], as well as a group of thugs who could physically overpower him[54])

Knowledge: Journeyman level reguarly, Master level in martial arts (Daniel is capable of training students[55], and can match the other greatest martial arts instructors of the world[56])

Powers and Techniques

Martial Arts (Was trained in the martial art of Miyagi-do karate[57], and briefly in Cobra Kai karate[58]), Accelerated Development (Was trained for only a few months in preparation for the All-Valley Tournament, and still managed to take first place against a two-time champion[59]), Weapon Usage (Can wield a bo staff[60], and has proficiently used a hockey stick as a weapon[61]), Vehicular Usage (Can ride a bike and drive a car[62]), Pressure Points (Learned the "Secret of Miyagi-Do Pressure Points" from Chozen Toguchi[63], which he can use to temporarily disable his opponent's limbs[64], thereby taking away their ability to wage war[65]), Limited Resistance to Extreme Temperatures (Shochu-Geiko has Daniel train to be able to fight in both extreme heat and extreme cold)

Notable Techniques

  • Crane Kick: The Crane Technique, also called the Crane Kick, is a Miyagi-Do Karate technique. The user stands on their right foot, lifts their left leg, opens their "wings" and takes balance. They then jump on their right foot and kick, their arms will go down on guard but the opponent will expect a left-foot kick. If done correctly, there is no defense.
  • Crane Kick

    Crane Kick

  • Drum Technique: The Drum Technique is a Miyagi-Do Karate technique created by the patriarch of the dojo, Shimpo Miyagi. After his accidental trip to China, Shimpo Miyagi returned with the secret of Miyagi family karate—a small Okinawan hand drum. The move involves the dodging of attacks while twisting one's body back and forth in similar fashion to the pellets of the handheld drum.
  • Drum Technique

    Drum Technique

  • Miyagi Pressure Points: The Secret of Miyagi Pressure Points is a technique created by ancient Miyagi ancestors, to fend off Japanese invaders. With no other way to stop the invaders, they discovered these pressure points as a way to take away their ability to wage war. By striking hidden pressure points around the body, a practitioner can temporarily disable an opponent's limbs.
  • Miyagi Pressure Points

    Miyagi Pressure Points

Other

Standard Tactics: By principle, unless aggravated, Daniel will never strike first in battle. He always fights defensively, seeking ways to end a fight as quickly and peacefully as possible, resorting to the "Secret of Miyagi-Do Pressure Points" if his opponent insists on fighting. Only when angry or offended will he attack first, and attack aggressively. Daniel also usually uses his signature moves to end a fight.

Weaknesses: Daniel's hot-headedness can knock him off-balance and make him lose a fight[66], or ruin friendships as he lashes out in heated moments[67].

Note

Though Miyagi-verse characters are expert martial artists, this is because of their nigh-supernatural skill and rate of growth, not their actual power output. Generally, they are only above-average in strength, relying on their technique. For instance, Tory Nichols, one of the stronger characters of the series, breaks her hand punching through solid stone[68].

Battle Records

14-8-1-2


  • Unnamed fighter - Fight[69]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Daniel was given a warning for running out of the ring twice.
  • Jerry Robertson - Fight[70]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
  • Jimmy - Fight[71]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
  • Tommy - Fight[72]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Tommy scored one point on Daniel during the fight.
  • Dutch - Fight[73]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Dutch scored one point on Daniel during the fight.
  • Johnny Lawrence - Fight[74]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Johnny scored two points on Daniel during the fight.
  • Mike Barnes - Fight[77]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Mike scored and lost numerous points on Daniel to inflict as much pain as possible.
  • Trey, Cruz, & Derek - Fight[78]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Beach Country Club, Los Angeles, California
  • Thugs - Fight[79]
    • Conditions: Daniel fought alongside Johnny Lawrence.
    • Location: Unmarked auto repair shop, Los Angeles, California
  • John Kreese - Fight[80]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Cobra Kai dojo, San Fernando Valley, California
    • Note: Daniel stopped himself from delivering the finishing blow, after Miguel and Samantha arrived.
  • Hockey Players - Fight[81]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Hockey arena, San Fernando Valley, California

  • Johnny Lawrence - Fight[84]
    • Conditions: Daniel was restrained by Johnny's friends.
    • Location: Unmarked field, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Mr. Miyagi arrived to help Daniel after he passed out.
  • Chozen Toguchi - Fight[85]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Miyagi dojo, Tomi Village, Okinawa, Japan
    • Note: Mr. Miyagi arrived to help Daniel after he lost.
  • Mike Barnes - Fight[86]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Mr. Miyagi's Little Trees, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Mr. Miyagi arrived to help Daniel after he lost.
  • Mike Barnes - Fight[87]
    • Conditions: The entire battle was staged by Terry Silver.
    • Location: Mr. Miyagi's house, Reseda, California
    • Note: Terry Silver arrived to help Daniel after he lost.
  • Mike Barnes - Fight[88]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Cobra Kai dojo, San Fernando Valley, California
    • Note: Mr. Miyagi arrived to help Daniel after he lost.
  • Terry Silver - Fight[90]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Stingray's Apartment, San Fernando Valley, California

  • Johnny Lawrence - Fight[91]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: Mr. Miyagi's house, Reseda, California
    • Note: Daniel and Johnny both landed the final point on one another at the same time.

  • Bobby Brown - Fight[92]
    • Conditions: Tournament rules.
    • Location: All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Bobby was disqualified for deliberately injuring Daniel's leg, allowing for Daniel to move onto the finals without having to finish their match.
  • Johnny Lawrence - Fight[93]
    • Conditions: None.
    • Location: Reseda Heights, Reseda, Los Angeles, California
    • Note: Samantha and Robby stopped them before the fight could escalate.

References

  1. ↑ Cobra Kai season 1
  2. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  3. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  4. ↑ Cobra Kai season 6
  5. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  6. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  7. ↑ The Karate Kid Part (1984)
  8. ↑ Cobra Kai season 6
  9. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  10. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  11. ↑ Cobra Kai Season 6 Radio Times interview
  12. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  13. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  14. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  15. ↑ Cobra Kai season 1
  16. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  17. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  18. ↑ Cobra Kai season 1
  19. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  20. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  21. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  22. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  23. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III(1989)
  24. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  25. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  26. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  27. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  28. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  29. ↑ Cobra Kai
  30. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  31. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  32. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  33. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  34. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  35. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  36. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  37. ↑ The Karate Kid Part (1984)
  38. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  39. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  40. ↑ The Karate Kid Part (1984)
  41. ↑ Cobra Kai season 6
  42. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  43. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5 Trailer
  44. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5 Trailer
  45. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  46. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  47. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  48. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  49. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  50. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  51. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  52. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  53. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  54. ↑ Cobra Kai season 2
  55. ↑ Cobra Kai season 2
  56. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  57. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  58. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  59. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  60. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  61. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  62. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  63. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  64. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  65. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  66. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  67. ↑ Cobra Kai season 6
  68. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  69. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  70. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  71. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  72. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  73. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  74. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  75. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  76. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  77. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  78. ↑ Cobra Kai season 2
  79. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  80. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  81. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  82. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  83. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  84. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  85. ↑ The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
  86. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  87. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  88. ↑ The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
  89. ↑ Cobra Kai season 3
  90. ↑ Cobra Kai season 5
  91. ↑ Cobra Kai season 4
  92. ↑ The Karate Kid (1984)
  93. ↑ Cobra Kai season 2
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