Cobra Kaifollows Daniel LaRusso’s former nemesis, Johnny Lawrence, as he reopens Cobra Kai dojo 34 years after the events of the original film and includes plenty of nostalgic callbacks toThe Karate Kid. LikeThe Karate Kid,Cobra Kaihas introduced karate to a new generation, and many ofThe Karate Kid’s original cast returned forCobra Kai.BesidesCobra Kai’scast, the series has something else in common with the original movie: many of the techniques and principles taught inCobra Kaiare based on authentic martial arts. This includes several different styles of karate.
After reopening Kai dojo, Johnny began teaching karate to anew set of characters inCobra Kai, adapting the style he had been taught. Johnny explains aspects of karate when he takes Miguel on as his student, immediately answering questions that viewers unfamiliar with karate might want to know. He explains his title as “sensei,” and that his clothing is called a “gi.“The language used inCobra Kaireflects real martial arts, and one of these details is the way the characters shout “aits” before fighting.
“Aits” Is An Expression Of Spirit In Karate
Different Forms Of Karate Are Shown In Cobra Kai
The word “aits,” is known as a “kiai,“which is a shout that accompanies an assault in many Japanese martial arts. The word is known as an expression of spirit: a combination of"ki,“meaning “spirit” or “energy,” and “ai” for emphasis.Akiaiis designed to focus energywhile releasing tension from the chest and upper body. Though different martial arts disciplines can use differentkiais, “aits” is a commonly used one, and as martial arts schools tend to stick to onekiai, it is realistic to see Johnny’s students all using “aits.”
In season 6, mostCobra Kaicharacters are fighting for the same dojo and are trained by Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen.
Cobra Kai students learn a different style of karatefrom the one Daniel learned from Mr Miyagi inThe Karate Kid. Mr Miyagi’s teachings focused on defense, while at Cobra Kai dojo, Johnny was taught differently from Daniel, as his sensei, John Kreese, focused on attack. Kreese prioritized aggression and promoted a “no mercy” rule, basing his style on a versatile Korean subset of karate called Tang Soo Do.Johnny has also adapted Tang Soo Do inCobra Kai,but he disregards Kreese’s cruelty and emphasizes respect and development, which are important to Tang Soo Do.
Cobra Kai’s Authentic Karate Details Made The Karate Kid Series Even Better
Cobra Kai Has Enough Attention To Detail
Karate is generally a strike-based martial art, which emphasizes kicking and punching as opposed to grappling. While the characters inCobra Kaioccasionally incorporate grappling into their sparring, most of the strikes they use are based on real karate techniques. Thoughfighting tournaments are central toCobra KaiandThe Karate Kid, the study ofkarate focuses heavily on self-development and self-control. By featuring this often-misunderstood aspect of karate while developing its characters,Cobra Kaishows respect for the martial art, rather than treating karate as just another fight. This authenticity makesCobra Kaieven better.
7 Questions Cobra Kai Needs To Answer Before It Ends
With Cobra Kai’s final ten episodes around the corner, The Karate Kid sequel series has a number of important questions in need of answers.
LaterCobra Kaiseasons explored the origins of both Mr. Miyagi’s style and the Cobra Kai teachings, especially through flashbacks. For example, in season 5, we see Kreese and Silver training with Kim Sun-Yung in Korea.Cobra Kaishowrunners have also been optimistic about thepotential for a Mr Miyagi-focused prequel, which, depending on how far back it is set, could show Mr Miyagi learning karate himself.
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.
