Morita gained particular fame playing wise karate teacher Mr. Miyagi , who taught young " Daniel-san " ( Ralph Macchio ) the art of Goju-ryu karate in '' The Karate Kid '' . He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a corresponding Golden Globe Award , reprising his role in three sequels : '' The Karate Kid Part II '' ( 1986 ) , '' The Karate Kid Part III '' ( 1989 ) and '' The Next Karate Kid '' ( 1994 ) , the last of which starred Hilary Swank instead of Macchio . Though he was never a student of karate , he learned all that was required for the films . Although he had been using the name Pat for years , producer Jerry Weintraub suggested that he be billed with his given name to sound " more ethnic . " Morita put this advice into practice and was recognized as Noriyuki " Pat " Morita at the 57th Academy Awards ceremony . Weintraub did not want to cast Morita for the part of Mr. Miyagi , wanting a dramatic actor for the part and labeling Morita a comedic actor . Morita eventually tested five times before Weintraub himself offered him the role
57th Academy Awards
57th Academy Awards
Pat Morita