Cobra Kai: Fighting style of all main characters in the Netflix series explored

Netflix’s martial arts comedy-drama Cobra Kai has popularized martial arts across the world, just like its predecessor film series, The Karate Kid. The show revolves around the titular dojo, where a number of fighters practice their skills and prepare for international tournaments.

The series features a number of characters, including returning veterans like Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence and younger fighters like Miguel Diaz and Robby Keene. Though everyone trains in the same sport, each character displays a unique set of fighting skills.

The martial arts in Cobra Kai are not just about the fighter’s physical combat but also about their philosophies and the way they see the world. Their fighting styles vary due to their teachers, life experiences, and the dojo they belong to. Here’s a look at how these characters fight and what makes them unique.

Fighting style of characters in Netflix’s Cobra Kai

Johnny Lawrence

Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka, is a classic Cobra Kai fighter. He learned the ‘no mercy’ style from his sensei, John Kreese, which focuses on aggression and powerful moves. He is an expert at using side kicks, roundhouse kicks, and punches to overwhelm his opponents.

Over the years, Johnny has softened his ‘strike first’ approach. He now teaches karate with a mix of honor and ethics, creating a balance between strength and sportsmanship. His moves are not only appropriate for tournaments but also for real-world fights.

Daniel LaRusso

Played by Ralph Macchio, Daniel LaRusso learned karate from Mr. Miyagi, a sensei who believed in peace and defense. Miyagi-Do focuses on using an opponent’s strength against them and relies on blocking and circular movements instead of direct attacks.

Daniel’s fighting style is about patience and waiting for the right moment to strike. One of his iconic moves is the crane kick, which distracts the opponent before delivering a powerful strike. Daniel sticks to the philosophy of defense, but he is not afraid to fight back when pushed too far.

Robby Keene

Tanner Buchanan’s Robby Keene is one of the most versatile fighters in the Netflix show. He starts by learning Miyagi-Do from Daniel and masters its calm and tactical approach. Later, he joins Cobra Kai and adds an aggressive style to his skill set.

Robby’s ability to combine both styles makes him a well-rounded fighter. He uses Miyagi-Do’s defensive techniques while also incorporating Cobra Kai’s hard-hitting moves when needed. His adaptability makes him a force to reckon with.

Samantha LaRusso

Samantha LaRusso, played by Mary Mouser, is Daniel’s daughter. She grew up learning Miyagi-Do karate, which focuses on defense and precision. She often uses circular movements and avoids aggressive attacks, staying true to her father’s teachings.

However, her rivalry with Tory Nichols forces her to explore a more intense fighting style. With guidance from Johnny Lawrence, Sam learns to tap into her inner strength and incorporate Cobra Kai’s offensive moves. This mix of styles makes her a skilled and unpredictable fighter.

John Kreese

John Kreese, portrayed by Martin Kove, is the founder of the dojo and practices what he preaches by following the ‘no mercy’ motto. His fighting style is brutal and focused on overpowering opponents with precision and aggression.

Kreese teaches his students to strike hard and fast, using techniques like side kicks, back fists, and hammer strikes. He is a Vietnam veteran and becomes a ruthless fighter due to his combat experience. Kreese values strength and dominance, which makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Tory Nichols

Tory Nichols, played by Peyton List, is one of the most aggressive characters in the series. Trained in the no-mercy style, she relies heavily on speed, power, and fearlessness to dominate her opponents.

Her fighting style includes high-energy kicks, sweeps, and punches that leave little room for her rivals to react. Her rivalry with Sam pushes her to fight harder, making her one of the toughest competitors in the Netflix series.

Miguel Diaz

Xolo Maridueña’s Miguel Diaz is counted among the best students of the dojo. Under Johnny’s mentorship, he learns to mix the aggressive style of Cobra Kai with his natural athleticism.

He has a dynamic style in which he uses moves like flying side kicks and roundhouse kicks. During the course of the show, he grows as a fighter and begins to adapt to different situations.

Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz

Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz, played by Jacob Bertrand, starts as a quiet and insecure character but transforms into a confident and powerful fighter. With training, he learns bold and aggressive moves, which reflect his fearless personality.

Hawk often uses flashy techniques like spinning kicks and powerful strikes to scare his opponents. As the series progresses, he strikes a balance between an intense and a disciplined approach.