A teenage boy has newly shifted to California from New Jersey, but to his disappointed he soon gets bullied by karate-trained high school students. He then starts to teach himself karate, to protect himself from the wrath of the bullies. Then a Japanese handyman comes in Daniels way to teach him karate and to show him that martial art is not limited to fighting only.
Macchio rises above the trite script to deliver a sympathetic and believable performance. Morita is equally good value and look out, too, for Elisabeth Shue in an early role.
Upbeat, sentimental and predictable tale, but the acting of Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita (who was Oscar-nominated) is good and their friendship charming.