Waxing On cover art

Waxing On

The Karate Kid and Me

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Waxing On

By: Ralph Macchio
Narrated by: Ralph Macchio
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About this listen

An instant New York Times Bestseller!

Since The Karate Kid first crane-kicked its way into the pop culture stratosphere in June 1984, there hasn’t been a week Ralph Macchio hasn’t heard friendly shouts of “Wax on, wax off” or “Sweep the leg!” Now, with Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the #1 ranked Netflix show Cobra Kai, he is finally ready to look back and celebrate the legacy of The Karate Kid in cinema, pop culture, and his own life.

The result, Waxing On, is a comprehensive look at the film that shaped Macchio as much as it influenced the world. He shares an insider’s perspective of the untold story behind the scenes—the innocence of the early days; the audition process; his experiences working with Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, and William Zabka; and so much more. He also takes listeners through the birth of some of the film’s most iconic moments, including the creation of the famous crane kick and the touching scenes that revealed Mr. Miyagi’s intriguing backstory.

Ultimately, the book centers on Ralph’s indelible connection to the film itself, focusing on the reason that the characters and themes have endured in such a powerful way, and how these personal experiences have impacted Macchio’s life as well. It brings listeners back to the day they met Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi for the first time, but also provides a fascinating lens into how our pasts shape all of us, and how they can come back to enrich our lives in surprising and wonderful ways.

©2022 Ralph Macchio (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Social Sciences Celebrity Combat Sports

Critic Reviews

“[Macchio’s] down-to-earth writing style suits the behind-the-scenes tales and his heartwarming meetings with fans well… Macchio’s sweet, nostalgic memoir is as family-friendly and instructive as its inspiration.”Kirkus

“Macchio, star of 1984’s The Karate Kid, produces another feel-good hit with this breezy reflection on his experience making the movie…Macchio writes, ‘The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment.’ Fans will find this just as entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

"Waxing On is a refreshing look into a film that touched our hearts and an era that defined so many of us. Through honest and witty reflection, the reader is plunged back into the unforgettable world of The Karate Kid, and the magic that happens when Hollywood is on point. Macchio shares his unique perspective with humor and humility as well as with surprising relatability. I was a fan before, but now I feel like a friend."—Brooke Shields, New York Times bestselling author of There Was a Little Girl

What listeners say about Waxing On

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If you are a fan of the movie you will love this read.

A great behind the scenes of the movie, the tv show and the Miyagi-verse and what it all means to be the man behind Daniel Larusso and the Karate Kid franchise.

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Loved the Karate Kid? You’ll love this!

Fantastic insight into the whole process surrounding these much beloved films. Ralph Macchio does a deep dive and it takes you back. It is funny, moving and poignant.
Do yourself a favour.

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Ralph is an excellent narrator and the script is excellent.

I love the backstory and didn't want it to end! Ralph's performance is excellent and the story is eye opening.

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Great Read And Listen

Great insight of the popular franchise, from the Karate Kid, himself
Definitely recommend for any of the movie franchise and the series
:)

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Intriguing And Informative

I enjoyed this title. It was detailed and included an expansive range of topics. The author was a fine narrator. It would have been great to have featured more anecdotes from the filming of the Karate Kid trilogy but this does not diminish the quality of this title.

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For fans of the Karate kid, and Cobra Kai

Definitely worth a listen. Enjoyed going back to (as Ralph mentioned) a simpler time. And I’ll definitely add a better time. At least as far as socially and pop culture is concerned. Wasn’t much of a fan of Cobra Kai. I enjoyed how it started off with Jonny but found the new characters becoming tedious after a couple of seasons. Mite re visit it though to see characters brought back from the movies. But, as all the other reviews say if you enjoyed the movies or show you’ll enjoy this.

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Great story

Was really amazing to hear all about how he came to be the OG karate kid. What a great story taking us down memory lane.

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Great book interesting

Ralph will always be the karate kid and the crane kick will always be legal

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A perfect trip down memory Lane

Ralph has a wonderful way of telling his story. Very pleasing to listen to.

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