• About
• Latest Posts

Jeff Munoz

Jeff is martial novice. At a young age, he studied Taekwondo. As an adult, Jeff's martial arts experience includes half a semester of Judo, about three months of Tai Chi, and just over four years of Wing Chun and Arnis.

Latest posts by Jeff Munoz (see all)

• Age is just a number: In Defense of a Young Black Belt - May 16, 2019
• March Movie Madness: The Karate Kid vs. Rumble in the Bronx - April 8, 2019
• The Martial Musings of a Novice: An Introduction - February 27, 2018

Matchup: The Karate Kid vs. Rumble in the Bronx

March movie madness continues! The field has been culled and now only the sweet sixteen remain. This article covers one of the more uneven matchups in the tournament. The powerhouse plot of the number 2 seed, The Karate Kid goes head to head with the spectacular stunts of Jackie Chan’s 15^th seed, Rumble in the Bronx. I will only be giving you a brief overview of these films. For an in-depth look at each movie be sure to check out their reviews at the links below.

The Karate Kid vs. Rumble in the Bronx

#2 The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid is a generation-defining movie for martial artist’s and 80’s kids alike. The movie is responsible for pop culture staples like ‘Sweep the leg’ and ‘There is no fear in this Dojo.’ Nostalgia aside, the great storytelling elements, acting, and the ability to deliver the spirit of the martial arts to its audience solidify the film as one the best in the genre. It is also one of the few martial arts films to receive an academy award nomination. Pat Morita’s enthralling portrayal of Mr. Miyagi earned him a best supporting actor nomination. What it lacks in action it makes up in writing.

#15 Rumble in the Bronx

Rumble in the Bronx is the first Jackie Chan picture to gain the attention of American audiences. The story shares many similarities with other hit movies in Chan’s filmography like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon with Jackie playing a visiting hero who has a heart of gold and a body made for jumping out of windows and over any possible thing you can imagine all while beating a mob of thugs senseless. The story of Rumble in the Bronx is the simplest thing about the movie but that’s perfectly fine; Chan’s charisma carries the film in between the crazy stunts and masterfully choreographed fight scenes which are the movie’s true strength.

The Showdown

Comparing the two, both movies feature strong protagonists, the kind-hearted if a bit naïve, Keung and the ultimate underdog Daniel LaRusso. The two are more than capable in their roles and every time I watch these films I become more convinced that there were no better actors for their parts. Each movie takes a slightly different approach in their depiction of the martial arts as well. The Karate Kid is the more grounded film and Miyagi’s teachings also showcase the philosophical aspects of the martial arts such as the balance of mind and spirit. Rumble in the Bronx in comparison, is an attention-grabbing showcase of physical prowess and zany antics that are not only a perfect example of Jackie Chan’s view on martial arts but also further proof of Hong Kong cinema’s mastery of action.

Hopefully, this article has given you a small idea of just how awesome these two films are. Yet, as we’ve seen in so many of the films in this tournament when two fighters step in the ring, only one leaves! Be sure to vote for your favorite and don’t forget to leave a comment. I’d love to know why you voted the way you did.

Voting will close on 04/10/19 at 6pm EDT.

 Loading ...