A Tale of Two Miyagis A Critical, Cultural, and Philosophical Journey Between the Reel and the Real Miyagi By Brian R. Hall What do a Hollywood legend and an Okinawan martial arts master have in common? More than you might expect. In A Tale of Two Miyagis, martial arts veteran and cultural historian Brian R. Hall explores the fascinating convergence of two iconic figures: Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid and Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju-ryu Karate. Drawing from nearly five decades of personal practice and a family lineage that traces back to Chojun Miyagi’s direct disciples in Fukuoka, Japan, Hall blends cinematic nostalgia with cultural scholarship to uncover the deeper truths behind both the reel and the real Miyagi. But this book is more than a cultural critique—it’s a legacy. At its heart lies the story of Hall’s father, Delmar Hall, a U.S. Air Force veteran who lived in Japan during the Vietnam War era. While stationed overseas working on jet engines, Delmar immersed himself in Okinawan martial arts, training directly under students of Chojun Miyagi. His vivid stories, philosophical reflections, and rare encounters—including a meeting with Emperor Hirohito—form a rich tapestry of East-West exchange, discipline, and discovery. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and behind-the-scenes revelations from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, Hall examines how these two representations—one fictional, one historical—shaped his own martial arts journey and became enduring mentors in both philosophy and spirit. Is the Hollywood Miyagi a faithful echo of the Okinawan original—or a myth reimagined for the screen? Part memoir, part cultural analysis, and part tribute to a father’s legacy, A Tale of Two Miyagis is a compelling exploration for martial artists, film enthusiasts, and thoughtful readers alike. It’s a celebration of tradition, a challenge to perception, and a heartfelt homage to the enduring power of martial wisdom across generations.