To celebrate the July 28 release of The Karate Kid, starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, Sony Pictures UK today announced the launch of a nationwide search for the UK Karate Kid.  Sony Pictures UK is running the search in association with the English Karate Federation and Shine who both share the ethos of The Karate Kid and encourage talent in young people. 

Competitors take part by visiting www.facebook.com/KarateKidUK and uploading a 60-90 second video clip of themselves performing a karate routine and 300 words explaining why they should be the UK Karate Kid.  The entry phase of the competition is open now and runs until Sunday, June 20.  The second phase of the competition will start on Thursday, June 24 when a shortlist of 10 competitors will be up for public vote via the Facebook page.  The 3 finalists will be announced on Thursday, July 8 with the UK Karate Kid being announced the week of the UK Film Premiere.

Entrants have a chance to win a cash prize for their karate club, youth/sports organization or school plus the chance to win tickets to the star-studded UK Film Premiere of The Karate Kid on Thursday, July 15, attended by Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.

The search has started at www.facebook.com/KarateKidUK

About the film

In Columbia Pictures' The Karate Kid, 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China.  Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying – and the feeling is mutual – but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, and kung fu prodigy, Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu.  As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life. visit www.karatekid-movie.co.uk

About The English Karate Federation

The English Karate Federation is set-up as a democratically elected body for English Karate to cover the whole spectrum of the martial art and to further develop an understanding administration that listens to the needs of all the many aspects of Karate from Sport to Traditional, from the youngest beginner to the most senior instructor.  The EKF is recognised as the official governing body for English Karate by both the British Karate Federation and the World Karate Federation.  The English Karate Federation’s overall aim and vision is to build foundations of karate sporting success through the creation of a world leading national squad system in England.  For more information, visit www.englishkaratefederation.com

About Shine

Shine is a national campaign celebrating the talents and achievements of young people around the country that culminates with a week-long festival of events – Shine Week – from July 12th – 16th.  Shine highlights all the talents and achievements of young people, from cookery to community work; sports to singing, celebrating the positive contribution they make in their communities and helping to shift negative public perceptions.  The Department for Children, Schools and Families launched Shine Week in 2008 to celebrate the achievements of young people in schools and youth organisations.  Over 6,000 schools and organisations took part in Shine Week 2009 – with almost one million people getting involved.  Shine 2010 is set to be even bigger. For more information or to get involved, visit www.shineweek.co.uk

The Karate Kid Film Page