Movie-gazette.com gave the film a positive review, stating the film was a "worthy follow-up to the first "Karate Kid" film, with added interest provided by its exotic locations and characters." The "Los Angeles Times" also gave the film a positive review, particularly praising Pat Morita's performance as Miyagi and calling the actor "the heart of the movie". Film historian Leonard Maltin agreed with the strength of the performances, but called the film "Purposeless... corny in the extreme — all that's missing from the climax is hounds and ice floes — but made palatable by winning performances. Best for kids." "At the Movies" gave the film a mixed review, with both critics praising the character Miyagi but criticizing the villains and action scenes. Roger Ebert recommended the movie overall but Gene Siskel did not.