Sam and Robby were easy mode. Sam spent years absorbing his lessons, Robby had a lot of natural talent, and both took to Mr. Miyagi's style like ducks to water.

None of that applied to Demetri. The kid was a defeatist, a whiner, and the biggest neurotic Daniel had ever met.

Yet, when Demetri blocked that hit, Daniel felt prouder than he did even with Sam and Robby. Because the measure of a Sensei was how they guided the student who needed their help the most. Mr. Miyagi had taught him that. Daniel hoped his teacher knew he finally understood.