If you have been following The Karate Kid (1984) and its subsequent spin-offs, Mr. Miyagi's decision on the Netflix show Cobra Kai wouldn't have surprised you. Mr. Miyagi has always been an impactful mentor to Daniel LaRusso and emphasized transcending beyond physical combat. Even with an aggressive Cobra Kai dojo, Mr. Miyagi has always juxtaposed his way of life with karate. And that shows in Season 6 of Cobra Kai.
Pat Morita's lasting legacy as Mr. Miyagi has been a part of Cobra Kai right from its inception in 2018. The story keeps going back and forth reflecting on Miyagi's philosophy, and his deep love for the sport which he saw as something more than just a competitive sport. Is there a chance the death of his opponent on his hands might have forced him to rethink the aggression karate demands? Season 6 of Cobra Kai seems to bring to the fore exactly that!
Turns out, the reason for Miyagi stepping away from competitive karate was a personal one. He decided to leave after an incident that impacted him on a deep level. He was already battling grief and loneliness with the death of his wife and child when he was facing his opponent. It might not be the only reason, but maybe, the final straw that led to his decision to quit karate and stick to his principles, even if it meant sacrificing the sport he loves.
Miyagi's Influence on Daniel
As the series has progressed, fans have discovered several layers to his character. He was a key influence on many of Daniel's decisions and always played the role of his guide. Despite the actor's death in 2005, Morita's character remains alive through several of Daniel's reflections. Unfortunately, many of Miyagi's principles were in stark contrast to the violent and unmerciful nature of the Cobra Kai philosophy.
Daniel was shaped by Mr. Miyagi and his philosophy of life. Unlike other mentors, Miyagi focused on balancing the physical and emotional aspects to make the best use of karate and let it help a human being rather than use it to hurt people. He instilled respect and patience in Daniel which helped develop his value system. Violence was never a central part of his teachings. Cobra Kai Season 6 seems to focus on that dark past of Miyagi involving his Sekai Taikai history.
Imagine a man believing in non-violence all his life because of his history with World War II which led him to experience deep personal loss. The franchise has been hinting at his reclusive nature as a result of these losses. He couldn't get a chance to be a father to his child and maybe, that's why he teaches Daniel everything that life has taught him.
In any case, it has been hinted throughout the series that Miyagi's teaching was never against karate but the glorification of unnecessary violence in the name of competition. His approach has been about balance and using restraint. The incident leading to the death of an opponent during a match must have been in complete contrast to everything that shaped Miyagi's long-standing philosophy.
Despite his principles against violence, Miyagi still allows Daniel to enter the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament. And the rest is history. Daniel LaRusso, remaining true to the teachings of his mentor Mr. Miyagi continues to retain balance in his life while facing his main opponent Johnny Lawrence.
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With Season 6 of Cobra Kai, the legacy of Mr. Miyagi seems more apparent than ever before. Fans will undoubtedly start speculating more about Miyagi's past with this new season.
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