Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai Features a significantly different style of karate than the popularized in The Karate Kid Movies. Set over 30 years later The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai Follows a Washed-up Johnny Lawrence reopens Cobra Kai Dojo to teach a new generation of kids karate. Although Mr. Miyagi’s defensive style of karate, Miyagi-do, is featured, the more violent and offense-based Cobra Kai style is at the forefront of the six-season series.
Cobra Kai Features a large ensemble cast, incl William Zabka and Ralph Macchio reprise their roles as Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, respectively. The Karate Kid Movie antagonists John Kreese (Martin Kove) and Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) are also returning cobra kai, Along with a host of supporting characters such as Yuki Okumoto’s Chozen Toguchi and Tamlyn Tomita’s Kumiko, both of whom were prominent characters in The Karate Kid II.
Cobra Kai teaches Tang Su Do, a Korean form of karate
Tang Soo Do is an adaptable style of martial arts
The specific style of karate that is taught in Cobra Kai is a Korean subsection called Tang Soo Do. Meaning “the way of the open hand,” Tang Su Ton is A defensive art similar in philosophy to Miyagi-Do but adaptable for combat in warfare. The method and forms – whether defensive or aggressive – of Tang Soo Do vary depending on the teacher. This means that Tang Su Do blends the heavy elements of Okinawan karate primarily based on defense – which is what Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel LaRusso in the original Karate Kid Films – and the soft elements of Chinese kung fu.
Tang Soo Do is a defensive art similar in philosophy to Miyagi-Do but adaptable for combat in warfare.
Notably, in Cobra KaiTang Soo Do was not taught in Miyagi-Do Karate or Eagle Fang Karate, but by Master Kim Sun-Yung, the sensei of John Kreese and Terry Silver. Kim became a master of Tang Soo Do before 1950, Adapting the martial art in a more aggressive way called “the way of the fist.” In Kim’s version, students are taught to value aggression and determination over defense and to choose strength over surrender. Kim’s mastery of Tang Su Do is almost unparalleled, potentially making him an even match for Mr. Miyagi.
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As taught by Kim, “The Way of the Fist” emphasized deception, which could be done by incorporating techniques from a variety of different martial arts styles. The practitioner would be able to seduce their opponent. This ability gives the practitioner the advantage over reactive counter-fightersSuch as Daniel LaRusso.
How Tang Su do compares to traditional karate
This style emphasizes self-defense and discipline
Although Tang Soo Do is primarily used as an offensive method in Cobra KaiThanks to its various forms involving kicking and punching, it is more often taught as a self-defense method. It emphasizes character-building and respect, which are qualities found in karate. Tang Soo Do also borrows concepts from other martial art forms such as Taekkyon – a traditional Korean martial art characterized by fluid and dynamic movements – and Shotokan – a traditional form of karate (by James Martial Arts).
However, unlike Shotokan and other martial arts styles, Tang Soo Do adds Less emphasis on competition and more importance on mental and physical well-being. Additionally, Tang Soo Qi practitioners typically let their legs hang in the air when executing kicks.
Tang Soo Do is one of the most widely practiced martial arts.
Tang Soo Do was developed in the mid-1940s by Korean practitioners of Okinawan karate. The practitioners also have exposure to kung fu. In the mid-1950s, Tang Soo Do became the basis for Taekwondo. Despite this, the art is still practiced in order to preserve the elements of Korean martial arts that were previously lost when Tang Soo Do transitioned into Taekwondo. Tang Soo Do is one of the most widely practiced martial arts, especially in the United States.
Where did Cobra Kai come from?
Cobra Kai has roots in Tang Su Do
Although Cobra Kai Karate does not only teach Tang Su Do, Sensei John Kreese developed his own style derived from Shotokan and Tang Soo Do. Cobra Kai was created after Kreis returned from Vietnam, where he met Cobra Kai co-founder Terry Silver, and Turner, from whom he learned Tang Su Do. Turner previously studied the art under the tutelage of master Kim Sun-Yung. Silver was also a student of Kim, as noted by Chozen Toguchi,
“Kim Sun-Yung was a master of Tang Soo Do, but that’s not what he taught. His style was…”Controversial”. Kim Sun-Yung’s style is based on deception. No honor. No mercy. If Silver is a student of Lord Kim, we must be careful all direct attacks will be recognized.
Johnny Lawrence, under Kreese’s tutelage, learned elements of Kim’s aggressive offshoot from Tang Su Do. These teachings became the foundation of Kreese’s philosophy of “No mercy,” Which Lawrence maintained after reopening Cobra Kai Dojo. Once Kreese regained ownership of Cobra Kai, the style reverted to Tang Su Do, which became even More violent under the leadership of Kim’s granddaughter, Kim Da-un.
Since the second part of Cobra Kai Season 6 will be released until November 15 and the third part sometime in 2025, it is unclear if the Cobra Kai style of fighting will prevail after the much anticipated Sekai Taikai tournament. In addition, the announcement of a sixth Karate Kid Film starring Macchio and Jackie Chan (who starred in the 2010 The Karate Kid remake) will further put Cobra Kai in flux.