The Karate Kid (1984) Valley Filming Locations

Have you ever wondered where are the filming locations are located for the original Karate Kid? This 1984 cult classic has evolved into sequels and a tv series that feature secret filming locations all over the “Valley”, aka the San Fernando Valley. Many cities can be seen in the franchise including Encino, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Reseda, and North Hollywood.

The next time you are in Los Angeles, take a 20-minute trip to the San Fernando Valley and check out some of these iconic spots!

Location #1 is Danny LaRusso and his Mom’s apartment complex.

Known as the Karate Kid Apartments on Saticoy and Tampa in Reseda. If you’re from the Valley like us, then you’ll know that this apartment building is like a historical landmark here in the San Fernando Valley. The Karate Kid Apartments is actually located in Reseda just like the movie says. Amazingly, it looks exactly as it did 36+ years ago including the palm trees. The famous apartment complex is actually called the South Seas and for only $1800 a month you to could live in the same 600 square foot apartment that Daniel and his mom lived in.

street view: South Seas Apartment 19223 Saticoy St, Reseda, CA 91335

2017 location update: For more than 30 years, the field where Daniel gets jumped and then saved by Mr. Miyagi, has stood empty and has looked the exact same as seen in the film. Unfortunately, sometime in 2016, the field was purchased and a bunch of houses has been built on it 🙁

Location #2 we find the home of Ali Mills located in Encino, California. The high pillared house too looks the same as it did 30 years ago as it appeared in the film.

view on google street: 4072 Alonzo Ave. Encino, Ca. 91316

Fun Film Fact: This house is located just a couple of blocks from where Steve Sanders lived in the original Beverly Hills 90210

Location # 3 is, you guessed it, The Cobra Kai Karate Dojo. This location is also still there today and you can go inside and walk around the restaurant and take pictures. In the pictures below, you can see subtle differences in the building over the years. Living here in the Valley my whole life, I’ve personally seen this building go through at least 10 different businesses since 1984.

Cobra Kai Karate Dojo was located at 5223 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

Location # 4 is Mr. Miyagi’s house. This was a real home and was located in the infamous Canoga Park. Unfortunately, in 1988, the house was torn down and a couple of new homes were built in its place.

Mr Miyagi’s home on google street: 20924 Gault St, Canoga Park CA

Location # 5 is the exact spot where Mr. Miyagi decides to train Daniel on the little boat. The famous water scene was filmed in the Chatsworth Reservoir located off of Valley Circle.

Fun fact: Chatsworth has been the background to literally 1000’s of movies and TV shows. Some including The Last Man on Earth, The Purge, The Bad News Bears, Colony, Teen Wolf (MTV series), and many many more… Search Chatsworth Locations Here…

view on google street: Valley Cir Blvd. Chatsworth, Ca 91311

Location # 6 is where Daniel and Ali go on a date. This is a real place and is still called Golf ‘N’ Stuff. Located in Norwalk, California about an hour from the Valley.

view on google street: 10555 Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, Ca

And finaly we come to the last location seen in the movie. The All Valley Karate Tournament. The old Matadome located inside on the campus of CSUN California State University Northridge.

The Redwood Hall is home to the Athletics department, which includes the Matadome Activity Center, gym, dance and karate studios. Most recently, Tylenol and Under Amour used these facilities as a backdrop for some major commercial spots.

view on google street: 18111 Nordhoff St. Northridge, Ca. 91330

Visit The 1986 The Karate Kid: Part 2 Filming Locations Here

Visit The 1989 The Karate Kid: Part 3 Filming Locations Here

Visit the new Netflix series Cobra Kai Filming Locations Here

‘The Karate Kid’

When: 6/22/1984, Columbia Pictures

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka

First Published: Aug 1, 2016, 12:01