Netflix’s hit seriesCobra Kaifeatures a significantly different style of karate than the one popularized inThe Karate Kidmovies. Set over 30 years afterThe Karate Kid,Cobra Kaifollows awashed-up Johnny Lawrence as he 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 Kaifeatures a large ensemble cast, includingWilliam Zabka and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles as Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, respectively.The Karate Kidmovie antagonists John Kreese (Martin Kove) and Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) also returned inCobra Kai,along with a slew of supporting characters such as Yuki Okumoto’s Chozen Toguchi and Tamlyn Tomita’s Kumiko, both of whom were prominent characters inThe Karate Kid II.
Cobra Kai Teaches Tang Soo Do, A Korean Form Of Karate
Tang Soo Do Is An Adaptable Style Of Martial Arts
The specific style of karate that is taught inCobra Kaiis a Korean subsect called Tang Soo Do. Meaning “The Way of the Open Hand,” Tang Soo Do isa 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 Soo Do blends the hard elements of Okinawan karate primarily based on defense — which is whatMr. Miyagi taught Daniel LaRussoin the originalKarate Kidfilms — 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, inCobra Kai, Tang Soo Do is taught in neither Miyagi-Do Karate norEagle 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 into a more aggressive offshoot 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 Soo Do became 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 mislead their opponent.This ability gives the practitioner the advantage over reactive counter-fighters, such as Daniel LaRusso.
How Tang Soo Do Compares To Traditional Karate
The Style Emphasizes Self-Defense and Discipline
Although Tang Soo Do is primarily used as an offensive method inCobra Kai, thanks 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 (via James Martial Arts).
However, unlike Shotokan and other martial arts styles, Tang Soo Do putsless emphasis on competition and more importance on mental and physical well-being.Additionally, Tang Soo Do 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 byKorean practitioners of Okinawan karate.These practitioners also had 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 Cobra Kai Came From
Cobra Kai Has Roots In Tang Soo Do
Although Cobra Kai Karate doesn’t exclusively teach Tang Soo Do, SenseiJohn Kreese developed his own style derived from Shotokan and Tang Soo Do.Cobra Kai was created after Kreese returned from Vietnam, where he metCobra Kai co-founder Terry Silver, and Turner, from whom he learned Tang Soo Do. Turner had previously learned 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 is not what he taught. His style was… “controversial”. Kim Sun-Yung’s style is based on deception. No honor. No mercy. If Silver is student of Master Kim, we must be careful. All direct attacks will be recognized.”
Johnny Lawrence, under the tutelage of Kreese, learned elements of Kim’s aggressive offshoot of Tang Soo Do. These teachings became the foundation of Kreese’s philosophy of“no mercy,”which Lawrence maintained after reopening Cobra Kai Dojo. Once Kreese retook ownership of Cobra Kai, the style reverted to Tang Soo Do, which had become evenmore violent under the leadership of Kim’s granddaughter, Kim Da-Eun.
Since the second part ofCobra Kaiseason 6 won’t 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 anticipatedSekai Taikai tournament. Furthermore, the announcement of a sixthKarate Kidfilm starring Macchio and Jackie Chan (who starred in the 2010The Karate Kidremake) will further put Cobra Kai in flux.
