06/23/2024
I had to repost this from Linkedin, thanks Mr Frugal (owner of Skinwalker Ranch). My bonsai journey began with this classic.
Brandon Fugal
• 1st • 1st
Chairman at Colliers International - Utah
Lessons from The Karate Kid
Today marks the 40th anniversary of The Karate Kid, which is one of the three required movies to view if you come to work with me. Why? Because it contains powerful lessons applicable to life & business:
1. Everyone should have a mentor. In The Karate Kid, you had both Mr. Miyagi and Sensei John Kreese - both powerful mentors, who had a profound impact on those around them. In my life, I owe so much to incredible mentors who served as powerful examples, teachers & inspirations.
2. Don’t pick a fight you can’t win. Even though Daniel ultimately grew from the experience, it was unwise for him to pick a fight with Johnny Lawrence and the Cobra Kai at the Halloween dance. One of my favorite videos on YouTube argues that Daniel was the REAL bully.
3. Skills are developed through disciplined focus, repetition, discomfort & unwavering dedication. Who can ever forget the lessons Miyagi taught through “sand the floor/paint the fence/wax-on wax-off”, and the magic moment where Daniel realized what Miyagi had been teaching him? I get CHILLS every time I watch it or even think of it.
4. True strength comes through humility. In the face of threats and animosity, Miyagi remained humble. His humility and quiet confidence ultimately led Daniel to victory.
5. Losing with grace is also winning. One of the most often overlooked but most special parts of The Karate Kid was at the very end, when Johnny Lawrence of the Cobra Kai hands Daniel the trophy and states, “you’re alright Larusso, good match”. I cry every time. It also made me a total fan of Johnny Lawrence.
I remember going to the drive-in with my friends in 1984. It inspired us, propelled us to take Karate and brought that period of time to life like no other. The music, the writing, the acting…and most importantly, the lessons.
Some of my favorite cultural artifacts in my collection include Daniel Larusso’s Miyagi-Do headband, screen-worn Cobra Kai gi and main red referee shirt. I loved meeting William Zabka (who played Johnny) and Martin Kove (Sensei Kreese). They are touchstones to the past and transport me back to 1984, to relive those lessons.