Following the epic fight scene at the All Valley Karate Tournament ending the classic movie “Karate Kid,” the Netflix original show “Cobra Kai” picks up on a modern day adult version of those legendary rivals. Johnny and Daniel find themselves face-to-face once again. Old rivalries die hard. 

Johnny Lawrence never caught a break, losing jobs, struggling with alcoholism, jail time and living in a shameful shadow of Daniel LaRusso’s success. Johnny is at rock bottom so he decides to re-open the dojo he once practiced in 30 years before, called Cobra Kai Karate Dojo. The dojo was notorious for its ways of fighting dirty. 

Though Daniel seems to be successful in life compared to Johnny, even he has his battles to face. Daniel worries for his daughter Samantha, his business is being defaced, and loses his way after his beloved mentor Mr. Miyagi dies. The opening of Cobra Kai only sends more worries and chills Daniel’s way. He will not let Cobra Kai succeed in its wrong ways yet again. 

“I was a huge fan of the original Karate Kid movies. They inspired me to learn karate when I was six,” said UW-Whitewater alum Tom Fuerst. “It’s nostalgic for me because it reminds me of both my own personal lessons and of when I’d watch the movies as a child. Plus it creates a giant gray area on who’s right and who’s wrong. Daniel isn’t the hero and Johnny isn’t the clear cut villain.” 

Johnny was encouraged to start his own dojo by his neighbor kid, Miguel. Johnny helped defend Miguel from his school bullies. Opening up Cobra Kai did not make easy work either. Miguel’s mother did not approve of the violence, making Johnny’s only student hard to reach. Johnny also faced the lifetime ban against Kobra Kai in the legendary All Valley Karate Tournament he played dirty in 34 years ago.  

As Cobra Kai grows in popularity thanks to Miguel defending Samantha at school, the students at the dojo quickly adapt to the thug philosophies it has always been known for. Samantha falls under its influence, going out with Miguel on a date. Daniel feels the need to combat the reopening of Cobra Kai to prevent a new generation of bullies like he dealt with. Daniel ends up training Robby, later revealed to be the son of Johnny, to fight against Cobra Kai in the All Valley Karate Tournament. 

Season Two leads to Danial opening his own dojo, with his star pupils being Robby and Samantha. Daniel teaches in the ways of Miyagi-Do. He works to gain more students as Cobra Kai continues its risky practices. As the tension between the two dojos heighten,the sensei’s call an unlikely truce that may not be enough to save the pupils from trouble at school. 

The show serves up intentence karate grudges and a love triangle that you cannot look away from. It reached spot number 2 on Netflix top 10, after the release of it’s second season. 10 episodes averaged a 9 out of 10 stars on IMDB, keeping fans just as entertained as the last season. It remains true to the original franchise ideas.

Season Three of Cobra Kai has been confirmed to be released on Netflix next year in 2021. Cold weather is right around the corner. No better time to grab a blanket and catch up on the action packed story that has been waiting to be heard of “Cobra Kai,” just in time for the next season to be released. You’ll be a black belt in no time.