Karate master Mr. Miyagi goes to Boston to attend a military reunion. There, he visits with Louisa, the widow of his former commander, and meets her granddaughter, Julie. Julie's parents were recently killed in a car accident, and she is still reeling from the loss. When Julie surprises Miyagi with her knowledge of karate, he takes her to a Buddhist monastery for training and to help her come to terms with her angst.