Bonsai in the
Karate Kid movie

Remember Mr. Miyagi?

When I was young I watched the Karate Kid movie and, as you might have guessed by reading the title of this blog post, I was amazed by those little Bonsai trees that mr. Miyagi styled. I just had to have one!

And so started my passion for Bonsai. This blog post lists the Bonsai moments showed in the movies, with a few screenshots. Enjoy reading.

Mr Miyagi styles a Bonsai tree
Mr Miyagi styles a Bonsai tree (Karate Kid part 1)

Mr Miyagi Bonsai
Mr Miyagi styles a Bonsai tree, with Daniel San in the background (Karate Kid part 1)

Karate kid bonsai tree in movie Mr Miyagi in the Karate Kid - Bonsai
Mr Miyagi and Daniel san and the famous quote: Daniel: "But how do I know if my picture's the right one?" Miyagi: "If come from inside you, always right one." Also: "Close your eyes, concentrate. Think only tree..." (Karate Kid part 1).

Bonsai featured in the Karate Kid movies; a list

Karate Kid - Part 1 (1984)

IMDB: "A handyman/martial arts master agrees to teach a bullied boy karate and shows him that there is more to the martial art than fighting."

In this first movie the bonsai trees appear several times. The styling of these little trees reflect inner peace and is an important symbol for what Karate should be. Mr Miyagi teaches his knowledge of Bonsai to Daniel San to teach him about life.

Karate Kid - Part 2 (1986)

IMDB: "Daniel accompanies his mentor to Okinawa who is off to see his dying father and confront his old rival, while Daniel inadvertently makes an enemy of his own. "

Not much Bonsai in part 2, only one line: "Daniel-san, this bonsai have strong root. Same same you".

Karate Kid - Part 3 (1989)

IMDB: "A bad guy from KK1 attempts to gain revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, with the aid of an old army buddy. "

In part 3 Bonsai plays a big role as Daniel san is setting up his Bonsai Shop. Also, collecting yamadori (bonsai from nature) is shown in the film.

An important quote of mr Miyagi: "Ah. Only root karate come from Miyagi. Just like bonsai choose own way grow because root strong you choose own way do karate same reason."

Life of Bonsai (Featurette)

Finally, in the blu ray box a featurette is included about the art of Bonsai: Life of Bonsai

collecting yamadori Yamadori
Yamadori hunting by Daniel, for the Bonsai Shop (Karate Kid part 3).

Bonsai Shop in karate kid
Daniel san and mr. Miyagi in front of the Bonsai Shop (Karate Kid part 3).

Bonsai in other movies

A list of some movies where Bonsai plays a role:

Master the art of Bonsai

Master the art of Bonsai
Triangle
Overview of our courses

Master the art of Bonsai

Online Bonsai Courses Learn from leading Bonsai experts at your own pace, from the comfort of your living room!

Continue exploring

Aqua Bonsai

Aqua Bonsai

Bonsai trees growing in just water?

Aqua Bonsai
Bag end

Bag end

The miniature version of Bag End

Bag end
Top 10

Top 10

The best Bonsai trees

Top 10

Master the art of Bonsai

Master the art of Bonsai
Triangle
Overview of our courses

Master the art of Bonsai

Online Bonsai Courses Learn from leading Bonsai experts at your own pace, from the comfort of your living room!