When Disney acquired the distribution rights to this film the studio felt it was too violent so the filmmakers responded by adding cartoon sound effects to lessen the violence. The American version of the film also cut numerous parts of scenes, most likely to secure a PG rating.
D.J. Harder, who portrays Hammer, was also the second assistant camera operator on the film. Aside from one other acting role he continues to work behind the camera.
Despite being picked up by Disney, there was not much hope of the movie being successful with the producers of the film hoping at least it would make for good VHS sales and rental market run. However, it turned out to be a theatrical hit and became a popular 90s kids favorite. Most of all, the studio got letters from kid's karate businesses around the country thanking them as their enrollment rates (on average) went up 10 percent after the movie's release.
Released on the big-screen with the Disney cartoon short, Petal to the Metal (1992), shown before the film.
The international version, featuring scenes removed from the American version, has never been released on home video in the United States. It has however aired on the WAM! movie network and been available for streaming from time to time on Hulu.