One might expectKarate Kid: Legendsto recreate one of the best moments from Jackie Chan’s 2010Karate Kidmovie, but it seems unlikely that the iconic scene will be back for the new film in the franchise. Set after the events ofCobra Kaiseason 6in the franchise’s overarching timeline,Karate Kid: Legendsis not expected to expand the story beats developed in the Netflix series. However, it might still drop subtle references toDaniel LaRusso’s past fromCobra Kai’s narrativeto make its story more cohesive with what has happened so far in the franchise.
Given howKarate Kid: Legendswill focus more on drawing connections with theoriginalKarate Kidmoviesand the 2010 reboot, it will not be surprising if it pays homage to both Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han’s past fighting journeys. While exploring the story of a new up-and-coming fighter,Karate Kid: Legendswill also incorporate themes of self-improvement and the transformative power of martial arts, which have been crucial drivers of all stories in the franchise. However, it still seems unlikely thatKarate Kid: Legendswill feature the 2010 reboot’s best sequence.
The Karate Kid’s “Jacket On, Jacket Off” Training Is Too Associated With Dre Parker
Mr. Han Created The Training Method Specifically For Dre
Mr. Miyagi’s “Wax on, wax off” training method has been associated with multiple characters in the franchise because both Miyagi and LaRusso have used it to train several students. However, the same cannot be said about Mr. Han’s “Jacket on, jacket off” method. Unlike Mr. Miyagi, who was a well-experienced sensei and had already developed a well-defined structure to train a student, Mr. Han was figuring out how to best impart his knowledge to Dre Parker in the 2010Karate Kidreboot.
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Owing to this, the “Jacket on, jacket off” moment was a pivotal development in the movie because it helped Han teach Dre that some of the most effective kung fu movements can be found in the most basic human movements and activities. The “Jacket on, jacket off” method can be seen as a new spin on Miyagi’s “Wax on, wax off.” However, it is also way more than that becauseit reflects how Mr. Han takes an improvisational and personal approach to teaching Dre kung fu, realizing that a newbie like him needs to understand the deeper real-life implications of martial arts.
Mr. Han Using “Jacket On, Jacket Off” With A New Student Would Be Strange
The Training Method Is Too Deeply Associated With Dre
Mr. Han specifically created the “Jacket on, jacket off” method after noticing Dre’s habits and movements in the 2010Karate Kidreboot. He understood that he would have to help him build a foundation in kung fu through everyday moments instead of making him feel overwhelmed with complex techniques. The movie also uses the training sequence as a comic relief device before Mr. Han proves to Dre that “Kung fu lives in everything we do.” This makes the method deeply personal and tailored to Dre’s needs, reflecting how Han takes a holistic approach to training him.
To etch its own identity in the franchise,Karate Kid: Legendsmust avoid rehashing previous training methods and bring something new to the table.
Since Han created a specific set of natural movements to help Dre understand kung fu, it would make sense if he did the same with his new student inKarate Kid: Legendsinstead of teaching him the same tried and tested “Jacket on, jacket off” method. If the new film ends up recreating the “Jacket on, jacket off” training,it would not only risk being too similar to the 2010 reboot but also remind viewers of Dre’s absence. To etch its own identity in the franchise,Karate Kid: Legendsmust avoid rehashing previous training methods and bring something new to the table.
Karate Kid: Legends Should Give Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han A New Iconic Training Style
Han Seems Capable Of Finding New Ways To Instill The Same Fighting Principles
The “Jacket on, jacket off” sequence from 2010’sKarate Kidestablishes that Han has mastered kung fu to the point where he sees it all around him. To him, even the simplest action of taking off one’s jacket and putting it back on can become a crucial lesson in discipline, self-defense, and movement. Therefore, it would be fun to see how he uses his extensive knowledge of kung fu’s practicality to devise new methods to train his student inKarate Kid: Legends.
While Karate Kid: Legends is set to be released on the big screens on Jul 15, 2025, Cobra Kai season 6’s part III will premiere on Netflix on June 22, 2025.
Since the reboot has already established that Han’s teaching methods can change based on the individual needs and the day-to-day habits of his students, he should develop fresh techniques to teach martial arts toKarate Kid: Legends' main character, Li Fong. Given how Daniel LaRusso will also be involved in training the new student inKarate Kid: Legends, it seems possible that the film will anyway have its own “Wax on, wax off” training montage. Han could complement this with his own unique spin on traditional training methods.
Karate Kid: Legends
Karate Kid: Legends is a sequel to Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film sees Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprising their roles, continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship and rivalry in a new era of challenges and apprentices.
