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{{Featured}}
{{Featured}}{{CQuote|Wanting to be a soccer player, Karate Man's father always told him he needs to master karate before he can leave the house. He, uh…still lives in the basement.|[https://play.nintendo.com/media/pics/rhythm-heaven-megamix-characters/ Play Nintendo]}}
{{CQuote|Wanting to be a soccer player, Karate Man's father always told him he needs to master karate before he can leave the house. He, uh…still lives in the basement.|[https://play.nintendo.com/media/pics/rhythm-heaven-megamix-characters/ Play Nintendo]}}
{{Character infobox
{{Character infobox
|image=Artwork 3DS Game Karate Man.png
|image=Artwork 3DS Karate Man.png
|caption=Artwork from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
|caption=Artwork from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
|appearance={{CharGame|RT=1|RH=1|RHF=1|RHM=1|WWGc=1|NBA=1|SSB3DSc=1|SSBUc=1}}}}
|appearance={{CharGame|RT=1|RH=1|RHF=1|RHM=1|WWGc=1|NBA=1|SSB3DSc=1|SSBUc=1}}
{{Nihongo|Karate Joe|カラテ家|Karateka}} is the first character to appear in the [[Rhythm Heaven Series]] in a [[Rhythm Game]], appearing primarily in the [[Karate Man]] games, and one of the few characters to appear in every game since ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]''. He is succeeding his {{Nihongo|Father|父さん|Tōsan}} in karate. (Fun Fact Karate Joe Appears In Every Rhythm Heaven Game)
|voice=Unknown}}
{{Nihongo|Karate Joe|カラテ家|Karateka}} is the first character to appear in the ''[[Rhythm Heaven Series]]'' in a [[Rhythm Game]], appearing primarily in the [[Karate Man]] games, and one of the few characters to appear in every game since ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]''. He is succeeding his {{Nihongo|Father|父さん|Tōsan}} in karate.


Karate Joe is characterized by his pale white skin, big nose, and balding head. He wears a karate suit that matches the color of his skin. He is barefoot. He is often described as very expressive and fearless. His Father has a tall, black, curly beehive haircut. He wears a black karate outfit with a red belt. He has a moustache, sunglasses, and is barefoot just like his son. The two of them are also shown eating a lot of food between training sessions.
Karate Joe is characterized by his pale white skin, big nose, and balding head. He wears a karate suit that matches the color of his skin, and is barefoot. He is often described as very expressive and fearless.
 
His Father has a tall, black, curly beehive haircut. He wears a black karate outfit with a red belt. He has a moustache, sunglasses, and is barefoot just like his son. The two of them are also shown eating a lot of food between training sessions.
==Story==
==Story==
Karate Joe is a lonely martial artist who struggles with his training. He seems to be developing his own unique karate style which incorporates rhythm. He has a very emotional personality, which can be seen in his many facial expressions. At the martial arts competitions, the opponent reads all his tricks, and he can't get results. Sometimes he goes to his master for advice, whose usual response is "You needed to focus on the basics."<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/brij/chara/stage01.html キャラクターアルバム ステージ1] (Character Album Stage 1)</ref>
Karate Joe is a lonely martial artist who struggles with his training. He seems to be developing his own unique karate style which incorporates rhythm. He has a very emotional personality, which can be seen in his many facial expressions. At the martial arts competitions, the opponent reads all his tricks, and he can't get results. Sometimes he goes to his master for advice, whose usual response is "You needed to focus on the basics."<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/brij/chara/stage01.html キャラクターアルバム ステージ1] (Character Album Stage 1)</ref>
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In ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]'', he appears in [[Honeybee Remix]], where he wears a bee hat and a stinger. In the middle of the remix, several bees fly past him. At the end, the hat and stinger fly away, and he starts thinking about pancakes. He also watches in awe at his Father's mastery in [[Karate Man Senior]]. He gives commentary on his Father's performance, the same way the Master does on Joe's training. Additionally, [[Karate Man Returns!]], [[Karate Man Kicks!]] and [[Karate Man Combos!]] all reappear, along with a short version of [[Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]].
In ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]'', he appears in [[Honeybee Remix]], where he wears a bee hat and a stinger. In the middle of the remix, several bees fly past him. At the end, the hat and stinger fly away, and he starts thinking about pancakes. He also watches in awe at his Father's mastery in [[Karate Man Senior]]. He gives commentary on his Father's performance, the same way the Master does on Joe's training. Additionally, [[Karate Man Returns!]], [[Karate Man Kicks!]] and [[Karate Man Combos!]] all reappear, along with a short version of [[Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]].


Karate Joe appears in the [[Rhythm Tengoku Gold Comic#09 にぎやかでおだやかな夜の巻き (A lively and peaceful night by Maki)|Rhythm Tengoku Gold Comic]], where he is seen training even on Christmas Eve. Humorously, despite the lack of snow in the general area, there's a snowstorm blowing solely on him. He also appears in [[Rhythm Tengoku The Best Plus Comic#01 同窓会 (Reunion)|Rhythm Tengoku The Best Plus Comic]], where he is the first at the reunion.
Karate Joe appears in ''[[Rhythm Tengoku Gold Comic]]'' [[Rhythm Tengoku Gold Comic#09 にぎやかでおだやかな夜の巻き (A lively and peaceful night by Maki)|09 にぎやかでおだやかな夜の巻き]] (A lively and peaceful night by Maki), where he is seen training even on Christmas Eve. Humorously, despite the lack of snow in the general area, there's a snowstorm blowing solely on him. He also appears in ''[[Rhythm Tengoku The Best Plus Comic]]'' [[Rhythm Tengoku The Best Plus Comic#01 同窓会 (Reunion)|01 同窓会]] (Reunion), where he is the first at the reunion. Karate Joe also makes a cameo in [[Young Cricket and Master Mantis]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5V7aTL1zw8 Character Trailer] for ''[[mariowiki:WarioWare_Gold|WarioWare Gold]]''.
 
==Appearances==
==Appearances==
*[[File:Game 3DS rvlKarate 0.png|32px|link=Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]] [[Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]]
*[[File:Game 3DS rvlKarate 0.png|32px|link=Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]] [[Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]]
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<gallery>
<gallery>
Karate Joe GBA artwork.png|Artwork from ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]''
Karate Joe GBA artwork.png|Artwork from ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]''
RT KarateJoeSprite.png|Sprite from ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]''
Karate Joe.png|Sprite from ''[[Rhythm Heaven]]''
RT KarateJoeRemix8Sprite.png|Sprite for [[Remix 8 (GBA)]] from ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]''
Artwork 3DS Karate Man.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Karate Joe Blue Birds 2.png|Cameo in [[Blue Birds 2]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven]]''
Artwork 3DS Karate Man Returns!.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man Returns!]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Screenshot DS Rockers Battle of the Bands.png|Cameo in [[Battle of the Bands]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven]]''
Artwork 3DS Karate Man Kicks!.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man Kicks!]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Karate Joe.png|Sprite from ''[[Rhythm Heaven]]'' Cast
Artwork 3DS Karate Man Combos!.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man Combos!]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Screenshot Wii Karate Man Two Player.png|[[Karate Man Combos!|Karate Man]] ([[Two-Player Menu|Two Player]]) in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Fever]]''
Artwork 3DS Karate Man Senior.png|Artwork of Karate Joe's Father for [[Karate Man Senior]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Cateatingfish.PNG|The cat eating a fish in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Fever]]''
Screenshot WarioWare Gold Karate Joe.png|Cameo in [[Young Cricket and Master Mantis]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5V7aTL1zw8 Character Trailer] for ''[[mariowiki:WarioWare_Gold|WarioWare Gold]]''
Karatejoeandhiscat.PNG|The cat eating a fish next to Karate Joe in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Fever]]''
Artwork GBA Karate Man Trophy.png|Artwork from ''[[ssbwiki:Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''
Karatemanscat.PNG|The cat sitting on Karate Joe in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Fever]]''
Tibby karate joe A.png|[[Tibby]] in a Karate Joe costume
Artwork 3DS Game Karate Man.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man (3DS)|Karate Man]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Tibby karate joe B.png|Tibby in a Karate Joe costume
Artwork 3DS Game Karate Man Returns!.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man Returns!]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Artwork 3DS Game Karate Man Kicks!.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man Kicks!]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Artwork 3DS Game Karate Man Combos!.png|Artwork for [[Karate Man Combos!]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Artwork 3DS Game Karate Man Senior.png|Artwork of Karate Joe's Father for [[Karate Man Senior]] from ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''
Screenshot (194).png|Cameo in [[Young Cricket]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5V7aTL1zw8 Character Trailer] for ''[[mariowiki:WarioWare_Gold|WarioWare Gold]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
Karate Joe appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]] [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Super_Smash_Bros._for_Nintendo_3DS for Nintendo 3DS]'' as a trophy in the "Other" category, and as a spirit in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]] [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Super_Smash_Bros._Ultimate Ultimate]''.
Karate Joe appears in ''[[ssbwiki:Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' as a trophy in the "Other" category, and as a spirit in ''[[ssbwiki:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.


His spirit battle takes place on the [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Suzaku_Castle Suzaku Castle] [https://www.ssbwiki.com/%CE%A9_form Ω] stage playing the [https://www.ssbwiki.com/List_of_SSBU_Music_(Wii_Fit_series)#Rhythm_Boxing Rhythm Boxing] track, where he is represented by [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Ryu_(SSBU) Ryu]. The battle has the "Item Tidal Wave" rule applied and the following conditions:
His spirit battle takes place on the [[ssbwiki:Suzaku_Castle|Suzaku Castle]] [[ssbwiki:Ω form|Ω]] stage playing the [[ssbwiki:List of SSBU Music (Wii Fit series)#Rhythm Boxing|Rhythm Boxing]] track, where he is represented by [[ssbwiki:Ryu (SSBU)|Ryu]]. The battle has the "Item Tidal Wave" rule applied and the following conditions:
*The enemy's punches and elbow strikes have increased power
*The enemy's punches and elbow strikes have increased power
*The enemy's kicks and knee strikes have increased power
*The enemy's kicks and knee strikes have increased power
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|2
|2
|Fist Attack ↑
|Fist Attack ↑
|[https://www.ssbwiki.com/Adventure_Mode:_World_of_Light World of Light] ([https://www.ssbwiki.com/The_Dark_Realm The Dark Realm])<br>[https://www.ssbwiki.com/Spirit_Board Spirit Board]<br>[https://www.ssbwiki.com/Shop Shop] (6000G)
|[[ssbwiki:Adventure Mode: World of Light|World of Light]] ([[ssbwiki:The Dark Realm|The Dark Realm]])<br>[[ssbwiki:Spirit Board|Spirit Board]]<br>[[ssbwiki:Shop|Shop]] (6000G)
|}
|}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Karate Joe has appeared as a playable character in every game in the [[Rhythm Heaven Series]].
*Karate Joe has appeared as a playable character in every game in the ''[[Rhythm Heaven Series]]''.
*The location of Karate Joe's training is not clear. Usually it is depicted as a featureless monochrome void during gameplay, while certain epilogue show specific locations, such as:
*The location of Karate Joe's training is not clear. Usually it is depicted as a featureless monochrome void during gameplay, while certain epilogues show specific locations, such as:
**A cliff overlooking the sea and a dojo ([[Karate Man Returns!|Karateka]], [[Karateka 2]])
**A cliff overlooking the sea and a dojo ([[Karate Man Returns!|Karateka]], [[Karateka 2]])
**A boxing ring ([[Karateka Tempo Up!|Karateka]] [[File:TempoUpExtra1.png|72px]])
**A boxing ring ([[Karateka Tempo Up!|Karateka]] [[File:TempoUpExtra1.png|72px]])
**A cliff with a snowy mountain range visible in the distance ([[Karate Man Returns!]])
**A cliff with a snowy mountain range visible in the distance ([[Karate Man Returns!]])
**A field ([[Karate Man 2 (DS)|Karate Man 2]])
**A field ([[Karate Man 2 (DS)|Karate Man 2]])
*Karate Joe makes a cameo during a [[Young Cricket]] and [[Master Mantis]] preview for ''[[mariowiki:WarioWare Gold|WarioWare Gold]]''.
*Karate Joe has always "bookended" the games he appears in:
*Karate Joe has always "bookended" the games he appears in:
**He appeared in the first [[Karate Man Returns!|game]] of ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]'', the first [[Karateka 2|game]] after [[Staff]] and the last one to appear in [[Remix 8 (GBA)|Remix 8]].
**He appeared in the first [[Karate Man Returns!|game]] of ''[[Rhythm Tengoku]]'', the first [[Karateka 2|game]] after [[Staff]] and the last one to appear in [[Remix 8 (GBA)|Remix 8]].
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**He appeared in the [[Karate Man Kicks!|last]] [[Karate Man Combos!|game]] before the [[Staff Credits]] in ''[[Rhythm Heaven]]'' and ''[[Rhythm Heaven Fever]]'', as well as the last [[Karate Man 2 (Wii)|game]] before [[Remix 10 (Wii)|Remix 10]] in the latter.
**He appeared in the [[Karate Man Kicks!|last]] [[Karate Man Combos!|game]] before the [[Staff Credits]] in ''[[Rhythm Heaven]]'' and ''[[Rhythm Heaven Fever]]'', as well as the last [[Karate Man 2 (Wii)|game]] before [[Remix 10 (Wii)|Remix 10]] in the latter.
**He appears in the first [[Karate Man (3DS)|game]] of [[Earth World]] in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]'', the first [[Karate Man Returns!|game]] after the [[Lush Tower]] credits and his Father's [[Karate Man Senior|game]] is the last one before [[Final Remix]]. Incidentally, his games are also the last of the [[Karate Man Kicks!|DS]] and [[Karate Man Combos!|Wii]] selections in the [[Shop]].
**He appears in the first [[Karate Man (3DS)|game]] of [[Earth World]] in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]'', the first [[Karate Man Returns!|game]] after the [[Lush Tower]] credits and his Father's [[Karate Man Senior|game]] is the last one before [[Final Remix]]. Incidentally, his games are also the last of the [[Karate Man Kicks!|DS]] and [[Karate Man Combos!|Wii]] selections in the [[Shop]].
*Karate Joe's name in Japanese is shared with that of the [[Karate Man]] games. Perhaps due to this, there are two instances of the two names in English being mixed up:
**The {{US}} trophy description in ''[[ssbwiki:Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' refers to the [[Rhythm Games]] as Karate Joe. The {{UK}} version properly calls it [[Karate Man]].
**The [https://play.nintendo.com/media/pics/rhythm-heaven-megamix-characters/ Play Nintendo] description for the character refers to him as Karate Man.
*Some text<ref>"[[Karate Man Senior]]" ~ Title of the [[Rhythm Game]], ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''</ref><ref>"Junior's Feedback" ~ Caption for the results in [[Karate Man Senior]], ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''</ref> imply Father's name is "Karate Joe Senior", though he is never directly referred to as such.
**It is also implied he is the "Master" who comments on Karate Joe's performance<ref>"Tu discípulo opina:" (Your disciple thinks:) ~ Caption for the results in [[Karate Man Senior|Maestro Kárate Killo]] (Master Karate Killo), ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]'' (Spanish)</ref>.
*The symbol on the back of Father's outfit reads {{Nihongo|父|Chichi|Father}}.
*The symbol on the back of Father's outfit reads {{Nihongo|父|Chichi|Father}}.
*Father may be the "Master" who comments on [[Karate Joe]]'s performance.
*Some text<ref>"[[Karate Man Senior]]" ~ Title of the [[Rhythm Game]], ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''</ref><ref>"Junior's Feedback" ~ Caption for the results in [[Karate Man Senior]], ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''</ref> imply Father's name is "Karate Joe Senior", though he is never directly referred to as such.
*Some details and in the [[Rhythm Item]]s are added/changed in some regions, such as the detail about Karate Joe still living in his basement being present in most versions outside of ''[[Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+]]'' and ''[[Rhythm Sesang: The Best+]]''. Other alternative details include Karate Joe mentioning his mother, who was out one day and so his father tried cooking, and that Karate Joe once tried to steal the alcohol stored in the barrels, but was caught by his Father and told he can drink it only when he becomes stronger than him, both of which are not found in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]'' or ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]''<ref>"こないだ、こっそり父さんのお酒を飲もうとしたところ、父さんに見つかってしまった。「お前には早い。もしもオレより、強くなる時が来たら、ウマイ酒を飲ませてやる」だって。けっきょく、父さんとお酒を飲んだことは、まだない。" ''(The other day, I secretly tried drinking my father's alcohol, but he found out. "You're not ready for it," he said, "but if you ever get stronger than me, I'll give you a drink." I've never had a drink with my dad before, actually.)'' ~ [[Barrel|タル]] (Barrel), ''[[Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+]]''</ref>. Karate Joe is also referred to as being 55 years old<ref>"Résultat : à 55 ans, je vis toujours au sous-sol..." (The result: At 55, I still live in the basement...) ~ [[Soccer Ball|Ballon de football]] (Soccer Ball), ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]'' (French)</ref> in the French version of ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]''.
*Some details and in the [[Rhythm Item]]s are added/changed in some regions, such as the detail about Karate Joe still living in his basement being present in most versions outside of ''[[Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+]]'' and ''[[Rhythm Sesang: The Best+]]''. Other alternative details include Karate Joe mentioning his mother, who was out one day and so his father tried cooking, and that Karate Joe once tried to steal the alcohol stored in the barrels, but was caught by his Father and told he can drink it only when he becomes stronger than him, both of which are not found in ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]'' or ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]''<ref>"こないだ、こっそり父さんのお酒を飲もうとしたところ、父さんに見つかってしまった。「お前には早い。もしもオレより、強くなる時が来たら、ウマイ酒を飲ませてやる」だって。けっきょく、父さんとお酒を飲んだことは、まだない。" ''(The other day, I secretly tried drinking my father's alcohol, but he found out. "You're not ready for it," he said, "but if you ever get stronger than me, I'll give you a drink." I've never had a drink with my dad before, actually.)'' ~ [[Barrel|タル]] (Barrel), ''[[Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+]]''</ref>. Karate Joe is also referred to as being 55 years old<ref>"Résultat : à 55 ans, je vis toujours au sous-sol..." (The result: At 55, I still live in the basement...) ~ [[Soccer Ball|Ballon de football]] (Soccer Ball), ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]'' (French)</ref> in the French version of ''[[Rhythm Paradise Megamix]]''.
==In Other Languages==
==In Other Languages==
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|mnjp=Karateka
|mnjp=Karateka
|us=Karate Joe
|us=Karate Joe
|ca=Karatéka<ref name="smash">''[[Super Smash Bros.]] [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Super_Smash_Bros._Ultimate Ultimate]''</ref>
|ca=Karatéka<ref name="smash">''[[ssbwiki:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''</ref>
|mnca=Karateka
|mnca=Karateka
|fr=Le karatéka<br>Karatéka<ref name="smash"/>
|fr=Le karatéka<br>Karatéka<ref name="smash"/>
|mnfr=The Karateka<br>Karateka
|mnfr=The Karateka<br>Karateka
|la=Kárate Killo<ref name="smash">''[[Super Smash Bros.]] [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Super_Smash_Bros._Ultimate Ultimate]''</ref>
|la=Kárate Killo<ref name="smash"/>
|mnla=Pun on "Karatequillo" (the -illo suffix has diminutive or affective value)
|mnla=Pun on "Karatequillo" (the -illo suffix has diminutive or affective value)
|es=Kárate Killo
|es=Kárate Killo
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|it=Karate Ka
|it=Karate Ka
|nl=Karate Joe<ref name="smash"/>
|nl=Karate Joe<ref name="smash"/>
|pt=Karate Joe<ref>''[[Super Smash Bros.]] [https://www.ssbwiki.com/Super_Smash_Bros._for_Nintendo_3DS for Nintendo 3DS]''</ref>
|pt=Karate Joe<ref>''[[ssbwiki:Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''</ref>
|ru=Каратист<ref name="smash"/>
|ru=Каратист<ref name="smash"/>
|roru=Karatist
|roru=Karatist
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|rokr=Gyeogtuga
|rokr=Gyeogtuga
|mnkr=The Fighter}}
|mnkr=The Fighter}}
{{Lang
|jp=父さん
|rojp=Tōsan
|mnjp=Dad
|us=Father
|fr=Père
|mnfr=Father
|es=Padre
|mnes=Father
|de=Vater
|mnde=Father
|it=Padre
|mnit=Father
|kr=아빠
|rokr=Appa
|mnkr=Dad}}
==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>

Latest revision as of 19:14, 21 April 2024

"Wanting to be a soccer player, Karate Man's father always told him he needs to master karate before he can leave the house. He, uh…still lives in the basement."
Play Nintendo

Karate Joe (カラテ家?, Karateka) is the first character to appear in the Rhythm Heaven Series in a Rhythm Game, appearing primarily in the Karate Man games, and one of the few characters to appear in every game since Rhythm Tengoku. He is succeeding his Father (父さん?, Tōsan) in karate.

Karate Joe is characterized by his pale white skin, big nose, and balding head. He wears a karate suit that matches the color of his skin, and is barefoot. He is often described as very expressive and fearless.

His Father has a tall, black, curly beehive haircut. He wears a black karate outfit with a red belt. He has a moustache, sunglasses, and is barefoot just like his son. The two of them are also shown eating a lot of food between training sessions.

Story

Karate Joe is a lonely martial artist who struggles with his training. He seems to be developing his own unique karate style which incorporates rhythm. He has a very emotional personality, which can be seen in his many facial expressions. At the martial arts competitions, the opponent reads all his tricks, and he can't get results. Sometimes he goes to his master for advice, whose usual response is "You needed to focus on the basics."[1]

Karate Joe has dreamed of being a soccer player even since he was a child, but his Father wanted him to master karate instead, and told him that he can't leave his house until he masters it. Even as an adult, Karate Joe still lives in the basement[2]. His Father also stole the ball that Joe had bought and used it as a punching bag[3].

Father is a master at karate, but not cooking. Occasionally he makes dinner anyway, such as one day when Karate Joe's mother was out of the house[4], and asks his son if he likes it. Joe has to lie and say that he likes it to make him feel good[5].

Father got his son bombs to make him face his fears. At first, Karate Joe thought they were fake, but then one exploded. He still vividly remembers his Father's face as he said "Are you surprised?"[6] Karate Joe has no idea where his father got them from[7].

Father keeps a bunch of barrels around, but Karate Joe has no idea why. He asked multiple times, but was told that he can only know when he is stronger than his father[8].

Karate Joe envies his Father's incredible vision that allows him to quickly tell the color of a light bulb and counter it[9]. He also sees this as an explanation for how his Father can easily counter his attacks[10].

Other Appearances

In Rhythm Tengoku, Karate Joe appears in the first Rhythm Game, Karateka. It involves the Flow gauge, which determines if he can punch hard objects such as rocks and bombs, which depends on how well the player is doing in the game. In Karateka 2, he also has to contend with the ever changing tempo. In Remix 8, the Flow gauge disappears, and Karate Joe is enveloped in shadow. He can now punch rocks no matter what. At the end, he returns to normal, with a confident look on his face. Karate Joe reappears in the arcade version of the game, with the same appearances, in addition to Karateka TempoUpExtra1.png, which is a sped up version of the original. Here, he is wearing boxing gloves and black boxing shorts, and is training for a boxing match.

Karate Joe reappears in Rhythm Heaven, in the last Rhythm Game before the Staff Credits, Karate Man. In Remix 6, he can be seen with hair and kicking soccer balls in place of bombs. He later makes a cameo in Blue Birds 2, where he is seen in one of the memories, training while the birds spy on him from a bush. In Karate Man 2, he takes on another day of hard training. This time he's very pleased with himself, though he tries to hide it. He makes the confident expression again when kicking away bombs. In the epilogue, one of The Dazzles is shown to admire him, calling him "hot stuff" and offering him a towel. In Battle of the Bands, he can be seen in the audience, watching the Rockers perform on stage.

In Rhythm Heaven Fever, he is once again in the last Rhythm Game before the Credits, Karate Man. In Remix 7, he wears black shades while punching stuff in space. At one point he lies down and watches TV, which coincidentally shows Karateka from Rhythm Tengoku itself. In Remix 9 he is accompanied by a cat[11]. In Karate Man 2, he reaches "the height of mastery" in karate, after which he is seemingly able to control fire as seen in the Superb epilogue. In the Two Player version, he wears a headband, and is accompanied by another Karate Joe in purple clothes.

In Rhythm Heaven Megamix, he appears in Honeybee Remix, where he wears a bee hat and a stinger. In the middle of the remix, several bees fly past him. At the end, the hat and stinger fly away, and he starts thinking about pancakes. He also watches in awe at his Father's mastery in Karate Man Senior. He gives commentary on his Father's performance, the same way the Master does on Joe's training. Additionally, Karate Man Returns!, Karate Man Kicks! and Karate Man Combos! all reappear, along with a short version of Karate Man.

Karate Joe appears in Rhythm Tengoku Gold Comic 09 にぎやかでおだやかな夜の巻き (A lively and peaceful night by Maki), where he is seen training even on Christmas Eve. Humorously, despite the lack of snow in the general area, there's a snowstorm blowing solely on him. He also appears in Rhythm Tengoku The Best Plus Comic 01 同窓会 (Reunion), where he is the first at the reunion. Karate Joe also makes a cameo in Young Cricket and Master Mantis's Character Trailer for WarioWare Gold.

Appearances

Gallery

In Super Smash Bros.

Karate Joe appears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS as a trophy in the "Other" category, and as a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

His spirit battle takes place on the Suzaku Castle Ω stage playing the Rhythm Boxing track, where he is represented by Ryu. The battle has the "Item Tidal Wave" rule applied and the following conditions:

  • The enemy's punches and elbow strikes have increased power
  • The enemy's kicks and knee strikes have increased power
  • The enemy favors smash attacks
Karate Joe
Flag of the United States.svg
Flag of the United Kingdom (3-5).svg
KarateJoeTrophy3DS.png
Has there ever been a cry more manly than the "Uh!" that appears at the start of every Karate Joe stage? It's like he digs deep down inside himself, reveals his spirit with that "Uh!" of power...and then directs that energy into smashing flowerpots, bulbs, and exploding barrels. Karate Joe knows no fear!
Has there ever been a cry more manly than the "Uh!" that appears at the start of every Karate Man stage? Doesn't it sound like it comes from the very bottom of his soul? Or is that just us? ...Anyway! Karate Joe is a pretty cool guy. He punches flowerpots, bulbs, even exploding barrels without the slightest hesitation. Truly, he fears nothing.


No. 1192
Karate Joe Spirit.png
Karate Joe
Attack
★★★ ACE 2 Fist Attack ↑ World of Light (The Dark Realm)
Spirit Board
Shop (6000G)

Trivia

In Other Languages

Language Name Meaning
Flag of Japan.svg Japanese カラテ家 Karateka
Flag of the United States.svg EnglishNOA Karate Joe
Flag of the United Kingdom (3-5).svg EnglishNOE Karate Joe
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg FrenchNOA Karatéka[17] Karateka
Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1974, 2020–present).svg FrenchNOE Le karatéka
Karatéka[17]
The Karateka
Karateka
Flag of Mexico.svg SpanishNOA Kárate Killo[17] Pun on "Karatequillo" (the -illo suffix has diminutive or affective value)
Flag of Spain.svg SpanishNOE Kárate Killo Pun on "Karatequillo" (the -illo suffix has diminutive or affective value)
Flag of Germany.svg German Karate Kurt
Flag of Italy.svg Italian Karate Ka
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Dutch Karate Joe[17]
Flag of Portugal.svg Portuguese Karate Joe[18]
Flag of Russia.svg Russian Каратист[17] Karate Man
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg ChineseSI Karate Joe[17]
Flag of the Republic of China.svg ChineseTR Karate Joe[17]
Flag of South Korea.svg Korean 격투가 The Fighter
Language Name Meaning
Flag of Japan.svg Japanese 父さん Dad
Flag of the United States.svg EnglishNOA Father
Flag of the United Kingdom (3-5).svg EnglishNOE Father
Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1974, 2020–present).svg French Père Father
Flag of Spain.svg Spanish Padre Father
Flag of Germany.svg German Vater Father
Flag of Italy.svg Italian Padre Father
Flag of South Korea.svg Korean 아빠 Dad

References

  1. キャラクターアルバム ステージ1 (Character Album Stage 1)
  2. "As a child, I dreamed of being a soccer player. My father wouldn't hear of it. "You must master karate before you leave my house!" I still live in the basement." ~ Soccer Ball, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  3. "せっかく買ったボールは、取り上げられて、今やサンドバッグ代わりになっている。" (The ball I bought was stolen, and is now being used as a punching bag.) ~ サッカーボール (Soccer Ball), Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+
  4. "母さんが外出した日に、一度だけ食べた父さんのナベ。" (Father's curry, which I only ate once on the day my mother went out.) ~ ナベ (Pan), Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+
  5. "My father is a master of karate, but not of cooking. Occasionally he makes dinner anyway, and he keeps asking if I like it. I always lie and tell him it's good." ~ Cooking Pot, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  6. "「おどろいただろ?」という父さんの顔、今でもおぼえてる。" ("Are you surprised?" I still remember my father's face.) ~ バクダン (Bomb), Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+
  7. "My father got these bombs to help me face my fears. I thought he was joking at first, but then one exploded! Where did he even get these?" ~ Bomb, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  8. "My father keeps a bunch of these little barrels around, but I've never understood why. When I've asked, he says I can know when I am stronger than he is." ~ Barrel, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  9. "My father's most amazing trait is probably his vision. He can tell the color of a training light bulb in an instant and counter it. Will I ever be so quick?" ~ LED Light Bulbs, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  10. "だから、オレのこうげきだって、カンタンにふせぐのさ。" (That's why it's so easy for him to counter my attacks, too.) ~ LED電球 (LED Bulbs), Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+
  11. "cat" ~ texture filename, Rhythm Heaven Fever
  12. "Karate Man Senior" ~ Title of the Rhythm Game, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  13. "Junior's Feedback" ~ Caption for the results in Karate Man Senior, Rhythm Heaven Megamix
  14. "Tu discípulo opina:" (Your disciple thinks:) ~ Caption for the results in Maestro Kárate Killo (Master Karate Killo), Rhythm Paradise Megamix (Spanish)
  15. "こないだ、こっそり父さんのお酒を飲もうとしたところ、父さんに見つかってしまった。「お前には早い。もしもオレより、強くなる時が来たら、ウマイ酒を飲ませてやる」だって。けっきょく、父さんとお酒を飲んだことは、まだない。" (The other day, I secretly tried drinking my father's alcohol, but he found out. "You're not ready for it," he said, "but if you ever get stronger than me, I'll give you a drink." I've never had a drink with my dad before, actually.) ~ タル (Barrel), Rhythm Tengoku: The Best+
  16. "Résultat : à 55 ans, je vis toujours au sous-sol..." (The result: At 55, I still live in the basement...) ~ Ballon de football (Soccer Ball), Rhythm Paradise Megamix (French)
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  18. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS