Wax on. Wax off. Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen, The Karate Kid is the martial arts drama film starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. It is the first installment in the Karate Kid franchise. Luke and Jae go back to 1984 to relive their Cobra Kai days. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), is a teenager who is taught karate by Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) to help defend himself and compete in a tournament against his bullies - one of whom is Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), the ex-boyfriend of his love interest Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue).