Top 10 strongest characters in Cobra Kai

Cobra Kai has always celebrated the personal strength of its characters. For many of them, martial arts are more than just a skill, they’re a part of who they are. From Daniel and Johnny to newer fighters like Miguel and Robby, every season brings thrilling clashes.

As the series nears its end in Season 6, Part 2, the iconic Sekai Taikai tournament has brought together the best young fighters, leaving adult characters to settle their rivalries elsewhere.

Who are the strongest fighters in Cobra Kai right now? Let’s rank them, from seasoned masters to rising stars.

The top fighters in Cobra Kai

1. Chozen Toguchi: The most skilled fighter

Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) stands above everyone else. His intense training and years of dedication to Miyagi-Do make him unbeatable. His fight against Terry Silver in Season 5 showed his unmatched skill and determination.

2. Kim Da-Eun: A dangerous opponent

Kim Da-Eun, played by Alicia Hannah-Kim, is the perfect blend of skill, youth, and experience. Her ability to take on multiple fighters at once proves her dominance. As Cobra Kai’s remaining villain, she’s a major threat in Season 6.

3. Kim Sun-Yung: The grandmaster

Kim Sun-Yung, the man who trained Kreese and Silver, finally appears in Season 6. His strict and brutal methods have shaped some of the series’ best fighters. Although his exact strength is unclear due to his age, his legacy speaks for itself.

4. Johnny Lawrence: The redeemed hero

Johnny (William Zabka) has always been a fan favorite. His raw power and determination, combined with new defensive strategies learned from Daniel, make him a well-rounded fighter. Johnny’s ability to adapt and grow has solidified his place as one of the best.

5. Daniel LaRusso: The iconic underdog

Daniel (Ralph Macchio) has come a long way since Mr. Miyagi trained him. While he’s no longer the strongest fighter, he remains a symbol of resilience. His victory over Terry Silver in Season 5 showed he still has what it takes, even if age and experience have shifted his role to mentor.

6. John Kreese: The manipulative master

Even in his older age, Kreese (Martin Kove) remains a dangerous force. His physical skills, combined with his manipulative nature, make him a formidable foe. Whether breaking out of prison or influencing fighters like Kwon, Kreese shows he’s still a mastermind.

His ability to get into his opponents’ heads makes him a threat beyond the dojo.

7. Mike Barnes: From Villain to Ally

Mike Barnes, played by Sean Kanan, was once Daniel’s biggest rival in The Karate Kid Part III. Now, he’s an ally who lends his expertise to the next generation. Despite being out of practice for years, Mike proves he can still hold his own.

Though not as dominant as Johnny or Daniel, his transformation into a team player adds depth to his character.

8. Kwon: ***Cobra Kai*'s new captain**

Kwon, introduced in Season 6, Part 1, quickly became a standout. Trained by Kim Da-Eun and mentored by Kreese, Kwon has a ruthless edge that even his teammates fear. His brutal fights establish him as Cobra Kai’s top contender for the Sekai Taikai.

Can Miyagi-Do’s fighters overcome his relentless aggression? Fans will have to wait and see.

9. Robby: Miyagi-Do's team leader

Robby Keene, portrayed by Tanner Buchanan, has always been close to the top. His skills have been sharpened by training under Daniel, Johnny, and even Kreese. In Season 6, Robby’s determination to finally beat Miguel pays off, earning him the title of Miyagi-Do’s captain.

This victory means more than just a leadership role—it’s a testament to his growth as a fighter.

10. Miguel: No longer the best teen fighter

Miguel Diaz, played by Xolo Maridueña, started as the best teenage fighter in Cobra Kai. He won the All-Valley Tournament in Season 1 and made it to the semi-finals in Season 4 despite injuries. But by the end of Season 6, Part 1, Miguel faces a tough reality: he loses to Robby in a clean fight.

This loss marks a turning point for Miguel, showing how competitive the Sekai Taikai will be. Although he’s still one of Miyagi-Do’s best fighters, his confidence has taken a hit.

Cobra Kai has brought together a dynamic cast of fighters, each with their unique strengths. As the series heads toward its finale, the Sekai Taikai promises to deliver some of the most thrilling fights yet. The characters’ growth, rivalries, and victories have made Cobra Kai a journey worth watching.