The Karate Kid is a movie that demonstrates just how far motivation and determination can take us in life. And, ever since it came out in 1984, we’ve looked to it for both entertainment and inspiration.
One character from the movie that stands out in particular when we talk about hard work, drive, and compassion is Mr. Miyagi. He has been a father figure and an endless source of wisdom to many.
That is why we wanted to create this list of the best Mr. Miyagi quotes, a karate master and a living legend. These quotes will help brighten your day and give you the motivation you need to keep going.
When Karate Kid was first released, it became an instant hit. The story follows a young boy, Daniel, who is desperate to learn how to defend himself. So, he turns to his Japanese landlord, Mr. Miyagi, for guidance and help.
Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel, but only if he follows his rules and doesn’t question his methods. Even though Daniel is only there for the karate lessons, Mr. Miyagi gives him much more than that.
The karate teacher shares his thoughts on balance in life, violence, wisdom, and patience. Mr. Miyagi shows his student that karate is not in the hands, but in the mind and heart.
One of the most important lessons all of us can take away from the movie is that violence is never the answer. Also, Karate Kid has helped us understand that only by having a strong mind and willpower can achieve greatness in life.
Mr. Miyagi and the Karate Kid
Mr. Miyagi has helped his student grow and evolve and taught him how to adapt to any situation and environment. Since we can all stand to learn something from the master himself, here are the 29 best Mr. Miyagi quotes to help inspire and motivate you.
29 Best Mr. Miyagi Quotes
Wise Mr. Miyagi Quotes
#1. “You trust the quality of what you know, not quantity.”
#2. “It’s okay to lose to an opponent. It’s never okay to lose to fear.”
#3. “Never put passion in front of principle. Even if you win, you’ll lose.”
#4. “To make honey, a young bee needs a young flower, not an old prune.”
#5. “There’s no such thing as a bad student, only a bad teacher. The teacher says, the students do.”
#6. “A man who can catch a fly with a chopstick can accomplish anything.”
#7. “A lie becomes the truth only if the person wants to believe it.”
#8. “For a man with no forgiveness in his heart, life is a worse punishment than death.”
#9. “The answer is only important if you ask the right question.”
#10. “Sometimes, what the heart knows, the head forgets.”
#11. “Daniel-san, you’re looking for revenge. The way you start is by digging two graves!”
#12. “If the root is strong, the tree will survive.”
#13. “Just remember, (a driving) license can never replace eyes, ears, and a brain.”
#14. “If it comes from inside you, it’s always the right one.”
Mr. Miyagi Quotes About Karate
#15. “If karate is used to defend honor, defend life — karate means something. If karate is used to defend a plastic metal trophy — karate doesn’t mean anything.”
#16. “The lesson is not just for karate only. The lesson is for the whole life. If your whole life has balance, everything will be better.”
#17. “First learn to stand, then learn to fly. Nature’s rules Daniel-san, not mine.”
#18. “Here are the 2 Rules of Miyagi-Ryu Karate. Rule number 1: ‘Karate for defense only.’ Rule number 2: ‘First learn rule number 1.’”
#19. “Only root karate comes from Miyagi. Just like a bonsai chooses its own way to grow because the root is strong; you can choose your own way to do karate for the same reason.”
#20. “Walk on road, hmm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later… get squished just like grape. Here, karate, same thing. Either you karate do “yes” or karate do “no.” You karate do “guess so,” (get squished) just like grape.”
#21. “In Okinawa, a belt means you don’t need a rope to hold your pants up. Daniel-san, karate is here [taps his head]. Karate is here [taps his heart]. Karate is never here [points to his belt]. Understand?”
#22. “Use focus! Your best karate is still inside. Now it’s time to let it out!
#23. “In Okinawa, all Miyagi knows are two things: fish and karate. Karate comes from China, the sixteenth century called “te” — hand. A hundred years later, Miyagi’s ancestors brought it to Okinawa, and called it “karate” — empty hand.”
Mr. Miyagi Quotes About Fighting
#24. “Fighting is not good. But if you must fight — win.”
#25. “When your temper rises, lower your fists. When your fists rise, lower your temper.”
#26. “Fighting is always the last answer to the problem.”
Funny Mr. Miyagi Quotes
#27. “First, wash all the cars. Then wax. Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through the nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don’t forget to breathe, it’s very important.
#28. “Never trust a spiritual leader who cannot dance.”
#29. “First, we’ll make a sacred pact. I promise to teach you karate. That is my part. You promise to learn. I say you do, no questions. That is your part.”
The Importance of Karate Kid
The Karate Kid movie has become an integral part of our childhoods and has helped shape who we are today. We can all agree that Mr. Miyagi was a wise man, who tried to teach his student lessons about honor, courage, and hard work.
All of these Mr. Miyagi quotes and teachings are still invaluable and we can use them in our everyday lives. As long as we apply ourselves, work hard, and find a steady balance in life, we can accomplish anything.
