Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesThough he has played one of the most iconic on-screen bullies from our childhood, Billy Zabka (a.k.a. Johnny from Karate Kid) is a good guy in real life.
(Spoiler: Just because he's kind of the worst in the movie, doesn't mean he's really like that.)
The actor has taken his memorable role and used his experiences to deliver inspiring talks to young people about the effects of bullying.
"You guys can empower each other," Zabka told a dojo of karate students at a recent event in Maryland.
"Some of these bullies, one day, they could be your friend."
That seems like a totally different guy than the one who was told to "sweep the leg," right?
Though his character is remembered as a villain against the film's hero, Daniel LaRusso, Zabka details what kind of circumstances can lead to someone becoming a bully—and what young people can do to be the heroes in their own stories.
So the lesson here? "Don't sweep the leg." It's just a movie, kids.
Just as Johnny sees the light by the end of the movie, and breaks his mean streak, Zabka says bullies can turn things around too, if they have the right support system from friends and family.
Because doesn't everyone want to be the Danny character in the end anyway?
Speaking of bullying, watch the video below as Twilight star Kellan Lutz opens up about his own past experience with bullying and how he's taking a stand against it now.