Ralph Macchio, best known for his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid franchise, is making a return in 2025’s Karate Kid: Legends. Since his debut in the 1984 classic, Macchio has dazzled audiences with his skillful fight scenes and martial arts stunts. But his impressive martial arts abilities aren’t just for the screen; the 63-year-old actor continues to train in real life, maintaining the same discipline that has kept him youthful, even four decades after first portraying LaRusso.
In addition to reprising his role for Legends, Macchio’s collaboration with martial arts legend Jackie Chan in the film has brought fans a sense of nostalgia. In the movie, Macchio’s LaRusso joins forces with Chan’s character, Mr. Han, to mentor a new martial arts prodigy, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang. Their dynamic is generating excitement among fans as they train the next generation of fighters.
Amid the buzz surrounding the film, Macchio’s age-defying appearance has become a topic of conversation. His secret to staying fit and youthful? A combination of disciplined eating and consistent exercise.
Macchio is a dedicated practitioner of Okinawan Gōjū-ryū karate, a style of martial arts originating from Okinawa, Japan. This is the same form that Mr. Miyagi taught his character, Daniel, in The Karate Kid Recently, Macchio earned his black belt in this discipline, marking a significant milestone in his martial arts journey. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Macchio shared in a 2025 interview with WWD, “I just got my black belt in Okinawan Goju-ryu-style karate, so this is the first movie I’ve done where I was an actual black belt.” He added that the baseline martial arts techniques have been key to maintaining his strength, balance, and focus.
When asked about his fitness regimen, Macchio acknowledged that while performing stunts was easier in his younger years, his current workout routine helps him stay in shape. He credits consistent stretching, strength training, and cardio for keeping his body in top form. In a 2024 conversation with People, he emphasized the importance of core strength and balance in maintaining his physical health as he ages.
For Cobra Kai, the series that continues LaRusso’s story, Macchio followed a rigorous training schedule. The show’s stunt team, including choreographers Ken Barefield and Don L. Lee, revealed that the cast trained five days a week, with warm-ups and cardio sessions. These workouts helped the actors develop the muscle memory needed for their fight scenes. Macchio also practiced meditation and breathwork to recover from the high-energy scenes, a practice that benefits him both physically and mentally.
Despite the intense training required for his roles, Macchio encourages everyone to stay active, regardless of age. He’s an advocate for keeping the body in motion to prevent injury and maintain physical well-being. Stretching, strength work, and fun activities like tennis or softball are key components of his fitness philosophy.
Alongside his workout routine, Macchio follows a balanced diet to support his active lifestyle. He prioritizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein, while being mindful of portion sizes. In a 2014 interview, he shared that he avoids eating in front of the TV, as it often leads to unnecessary snacking. Instead, he spaces out his meals to maintain energy throughout the day.
Macchio’s dedication to health, fitness, and discipline—both on and off screen—continues to inspire fans. His journey shows that staying active and committed to a healthy lifestyle can lead to lasting results, no matter your age.
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