Mr. Miyagi
Wax-on teacher
Mr.
Miyagi is a fictional character from the *Karate Kid* films—a wise, unassuming martial arts master who teaches through indirect methods like wax on, wax off.
The name has become shorthand for any mentor who imparts life lessons through seemingly mundane tasks, or who reveals unexpected depth beneath a humble exterior: My grandfather was my Mr. Miyagi for woodworking.
- karateJapanese unarmed combat discipline
- waxPliable waterproof substance
- DanielHebrew prophet's name
- senseiJapanese word for teacher
- craneLifter or wader
wise teacher · kick · bonsai · Okinawa · patience · catch flies · mentor · headband · balance · training · discipline · cobra · dojo · fence · paint · sand · wisdom · inner peace
- 80s Movie CharactersIndiana Jones, Marty McFly, E.T., John McClane, Ferris Bueller
- Mentorsmentor, guide, tutor, advisor, counselor
- Wise MentorsGandalf, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Merlin, Morpheus
- sagessage, wise man, wise woman, wise elder, seer
teaching philosophy
Mr. MiyagiCobra Kai
Fictional martial arts school
drill sergeant · taskmaster · Bobby Knight · boot camp instructor · Gordon Ramsay
cultural archetype
Mr. MiyagiDarth Vader