Warning: Spoilers ahead forCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2!Cobra Kaiseason 6 reveals something massive about Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi, and it explains a specific trait of Daniel LaRusso’s late sensei that dates back to the franchise’s inaugural installment - 1984’sThe Karate Kid. Morita appeared in almosteveryKarate Kidmovie, missing only the 2010 Jackie Chan remake. It remains to be seen if Miyagi will somehow be folded into thestory of 2025’sKarate Kid: Legends,but Morita’s posthumous comeback forMiyagi’s final lesson inCobra Kaiseason 6means it is possible he could show up in some form during the legacy sequel.
Morita’s iconicKarate Kidcharacter has haunted the narrative of the Netflix spinoff show since it began. The actor’s death in 2005 meant he was unable to reprise his role whenCobra Kaipremiered in 2018. However, the show has still managed to find creative ways to flesh out the character, such as revealinghow old Mr. Miyagi was when he died.Cobra Kai’s final season has made the boldest additions to Miyagi lore yet, and they send ripples back and forth across the franchise’s timeline.
Mr. Miyagi Killing His Opponent At The Sekai Taikai Probably Made Him Move Away From Competitive Karate
Daniel’s sensei was processing immense grief when he ended the life of his opponent
As well as revealing thatMiyagi competed in the Sekai Taikaias a younger man,Cobra Kaiseason 6 also brings with it the shocking twist that he killed his opponent on the mat. The reason for the act appears to be Miyagi’s anger and grief he was harboring due to the recent loss of his wife and child.The unfortunate recipient of Mr. Miyagi’s fiery sorrow met his end, but it’s very unlikely that Morita’s character would have failed to feel regret for his actions.
Mr. Miyagi is very clear of his views in earlierKarate Kidmovies, that winning or losing is not important, and that Miyagi-do Karate is about balance, respect, and other everyday values.
Mr. Miyagi is very clear of his views in earlierKarate Kidmovies, that winning or losing is not important, and that Miyagi-do Karate is about balance, respect, and other everyday values. This stance doesn’t lend itself to fighting competitively, so it makes sense that Miyagi would have concealed his Sekai Taikai history from Ralph Macchio’s character. Retroactively, the knowledge that Miyagi killed a man within the confines of a contest accounts for his distaste when it comes to tournaments. After ending the life of another, presumably by accident,Miyagi would understandably want to fight as little as possible.
Cobra Kai’s Mr. Miyagi Twist Also Explains Why He Allowed Daniel To Enter The All-Valley In The First Karate Kid Movie
Macchio’s character was trained by Mr. Miyagi for the first movie’s finale
Miyagi was an isolated man at the beginning of the firstKarate Kidmovie. Since the death of his wife and child and ensuing killing at the Sekai Taikai, the 1984 franchise-starter strongly implies that Mr. Miyagi has been content to keep himself company ever since. When Daniel comes into his life,Miyagi is given the opportunity to act as the father he was never given the chance to beall those years ago.
After Cobra Kai’s Shocking Sekai Taikai Twist, There’s No Way The Tournament Won’t Be Canceled
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2’s thrilling finale brings with it a massively unexpected event, calling the future of the Sekai Taiki into question.
Fulfilling this role could easily have opened Pat Morita’s character up once more to the benefits of competitive Karate instead of focusing on his own dark past with tournaments. Accepting that what he did all those years ago was not necessarily representative of everyone’s potential,Miyagi allowed Daniel to enter the All-Valleyand set the future of theKarate Kid/Cobra Kaifranchise in motion.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
