This 80s movie is so iconic that it even had its own animated series!

In 1984, viewers discovered Karate Kid; The plight of Daniel (Ralph Macchio), a lovable young teenager who is persecuted by his “classmates” until he gains the upper hand thanks to an ancient Japanese sage (Pat Morita) who teaches him the path of wisdom through the prism of martial arts. John Avildsen’s film was a huge success, to the point that a sequel was released two years later, followed by a third opus in 1989, still signed by the same producer.

Barely three months after Karate Kid III appeared on American screens, the adventure continued on television screens in an animated series for a 13-episode season that aired from September to December 1989 on NBC.

Below, the first episode of the series, to give you an idea (in the original language)…

If Ralph Macchio didn’t do his part vocally, Pat Morita, on the other hand, provides after-sales service by playing Master Miyagi and at the beginning of each episode explains the story that follows.

Unlike the films, the series contains elements of fantasy and no longer revolves around karate tournaments. Danielle LaRusso and her mentor, aided by a third female character named Taki Tamurai, travel to the four corners of the world in search of a talisman with magical powers stolen from Miyagi’s home island of Okinawa.

Originally slated for 65 episodes, the series was pulled by NBC after only 13 episodes. Which concludes that the animated version of the Karate Kid was not quite a triumph with the audience…