Karate Krunch

     The movie “Karate Kid” is a classic underdog story about a boy named Daniel LaRusso who is bullied by a group of karate students.  The bullies are the well built, natural athlete types who give off the “bad boy persona”.

     The leader of the group of bullies is Johnny Lawrence, the best student at a martial arts school, “Cobra Kai dojo”.  They teach a merciless form of martial arts at Cobra Kai dojo, and the students practice their malicious skills beyond the doors of the school.

     In this film, the “bad boys” are the talented athletes.  Given that “Karate Kid” is an underdog story, Daniel learns how to fight and eventually defeats Johnny in the big karate tournament. However, in this blog, I am analyzing the group of bullies.

     The sensei at Cobra Kai dojo is John Kreese, an ex-Special Forces Vietnam Veteran.  Kreese teaches the boys how to fight unethically. His star student, Johnny Lawrence, along with the other bullies, is known for his skill as a fighter. Their skill is one example of the reputation that athletes typically have. Next, the group’s other characteristic that athletes are known for is being bullies. This particular group of boys uses their “sport” to hurt others.  Athletes aren't always known for using their sport of harming others; however, in this case, they are. In the end, the athletes who are known for their skill are also cast in a fearful light. This is indicative of the bad boy persona athletes usually have.

     It isn’t uncommon in movies and TV shows for the athlete to be the character who goes around being the bully. Why do people in Hollywood do that? Do the athletes not gain enough attention on the court/field? Regardless, it is noted that those who participate in sports are often displayed as also being the bully/bad guy.