What Karate Do They Do in Cobra Kai: Explained

If you are a fan of the Netflix series Cobra Kai, you must have wondered about the type of karate that is being practiced in the show. The martial arts series has gained popularity for its action sequences, characters, and storylines. The show revolves around martial arts, specifically karate, and the rivalry between two dojos – Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do. In this blog post, we will explore and shed light on the type of karate that is being practiced in Cobra Kai.

The Karate Style in the Show

The karate style portrayed in the show is known as „Miyagi-Do Karate“ and „Cobra Kai Karate.“ Miyagi-Do Karate is named after the late Mr. Miyagi, a character from the popular movie franchise The Karate Kid, and was devised by him. Under this style, karate is not only a self-defense technique but also a way of life.

On the other hand, Cobra Kai Karate is a more aggressive form of martial art, which is focused purely on winning and defeating the opponent. It is a no-holds-barred method of karate that includes the use of dirty tactics to gain an advantage.

Miyagi-Do Karate

Miyagi-Do Karate is a traditional form of karate that emphasizes the importance of balance, coordination, and timing. It was created by Mr. Miyagi, who was a wise and patient teacher. In the show, his teachings are carried forward by his disciple, Daniel LaRusso, who runs a Miyagi-Do dojo.

Under this karate style, the techniques are mainly defense-oriented, meaning that the student is taught how to evade and counterattack in a way that does not cause harm to the opponent. Miyagi-Do Karate comprises various techniques, including blocks, punches, kicks, and strikes applied to specific pressure points of the opponent’s body.

The stance in this style is more relaxed with knees slightly bent and hands held loosely by the sides. The focus is on movement, which involves circling the opponent to create an opening for a strike or a block.

Cobra Kai Karate

In the show, Cobra Kai Karate is portrayed as a ruthless form of karate. It is known for its aggressive and unorthodox techniques that are aimed at overpowering the opponent. This style was originated by the character Johnny Lawrence’s sensei, John Kreese.

This karate style involves a lot of punching, kicking, and striking to vulnerable areas of the opponent’s body. Under Cobra Kai Karate, the mindset of the student is to win at any cost, and for this reason, it is considered to be a more dangerous form of martial art.

The stance in this karate style is more rigid, with the arms held high in a defensive position. The focus is less on movement and more on offense to overwhelm the opponent with a barrage of strikes.

The Real Karate Behind the Show

The karate portrayed in Cobra Kai is a blend of various martial arts, but there is a significant influence of Okinawan Karate, which originated in Japan. Okinawan Karate emphasizes the use of hand strikes, kicks, and blocks, and its techniques are used in both Miyagi-Do Karate and Cobra Kai Karate.

The show’s creators consulted with martial arts experts to ensure that the karate portrayed in the series is authentic. The sequences in the show are choreographed by professional martial artists, and they use real fighting techniques, although they are exaggerated for dramatic effect.

What Karate do they do in Cobra Kai: Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Cobra Kai, the martial arts drama series, has been a hit with audiences since its debut in 2018. The show is a continuation of the Karate Kid film franchise, following the lives of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, now both middle-aged, as they mentor a new generation of karate students. As the popularity of the show grows, so does the curiosity around the martial arts style featured. In this article, we’ll dive into the most frequently asked questions about what karate they do in Cobra Kai and provide accurate and evidence-based answers.

1. What style of karate is featured in Cobra Kai?

The karate style featured in Cobra Kai is a form of Shotokan Karate. Shotokan is a traditional style of karate that emphasizes strong and stable stances, powerful strikes, and fast and fluid movements. It was developed in the early 20th century by Gichin Funakoshi, who is widely considered the father of modern karate. One of the defining characteristics of Shotokan is its emphasis on kata, which are prearranged sequences of movements that simulate a self-defense scenario.

2. Are the karate techniques and forms accurately depicted in the show?

For the most part, the karate techniques and forms depicted in Cobra Kai are accurate and authentic to Shotokan Karate. The show’s creators worked with professional martial artists and karate instructors to ensure that the choreography and techniques used were realistic and effective. The actors also trained extensively in Shotokan Karate to prepare for their roles. However, it’s worth noting that the show takes some creative liberties with the martial arts, particularly in the fight scenes, to add drama and flair.

3. What are the belt ranks in Shotokan Karate?

Shotokan Karate, like many traditional martial arts styles, uses a colored belt system to signify rank and progress. There are several belt ranks in Shotokan Karate, which are as follows (in order from beginner to expert):

– White (no rank)
– Yellow
– Orange
– Green
– Blue
– Purple
– Brown
– Black

The black belt is the highest attainable rank and is often seen as a symbol of mastery in the art.

4. Is Cobra Kai an accurate representation of the martial arts world?

Cobra Kai is a fictional TV show and should not be taken as an accurate representation of the martial arts world. While the show may give a general idea of what karate is and how it works, it’s important to remember that it’s a dramatized version of reality meant to entertain and engage viewers. Real karate schools and dojos operate differently from the Cobra Kai dojo portrayed in the show and prioritize safety and respect above all else.

5. How can I start learning Shotokan Karate?

If you’re interested in learning Shotokan Karate, the best way to start is by finding a reputable karate school or dojo in your area. Look for schools with experienced and qualified instructors who prioritize safety and have a strong understanding of the art. Attend a few classes and see if the style and teaching resonate with you. Most schools offer beginner classes for those with little to no experience, and many offer free or discounted trial classes for new students.

In conclusion, Cobra Kai features Shotokan Karate, a traditional and authentic martial arts style developed in Japan. The techniques and forms depicted in the show are generally accurate, although the show does take some creative liberties to add drama and excitement. If you’re interested in learning Shotokan Karate, find a reputable dojo in your area and attend a few classes to see if the style and teaching suit you.

How to Learn the Karate Techniques Featured in Cobra Kai

If you’re a fan of Cobra Kai, you may be wondering how you can learn the karate techniques featured in the show. While it’s not advisable to try these moves on your own without proper training, there are ways you can start learning the basics of karate.

Step 1: Find a Local Karate School

The first step to learning the karate techniques featured in Cobra Kai is to find a reputable karate school in your local area. Look for schools that have experienced instructors, are certified by national organizations, and have a strong emphasis on technique and safety. Contact the school and ask if you can attend a trial class or observe a lesson to get a sense of their teaching style.

Step 2: Start with the Basics

Once you’ve found a karate school you like, start with the basics. This will likely involve learning the proper form for different punches, kicks, and blocks. It’s important to master these foundational techniques before moving on to more advanced moves. Your instructor will likely break down each technique and give you feedback on your form.

Step 3: Practice Regularly

To become proficient in karate, you need to practice regularly. This means attending classes consistently and practicing the techniques you’ve learned outside of class. Practice at home with a punching bag or practice partner, and focus on improving your technique and form with each repetition.

Step 4: Compete in Tournaments

Once you’ve gained some proficiency in karate, consider competing in tournaments. This can be a great way to test your skills and see how you measure up against other karate practitioners. Talk to your instructor about local tournaments and competitions you can enter.

Step 5: Supplement Your Training with Conditioning

In addition to practicing karate techniques, it’s important to supplement your training with conditioning exercises. This includes cardiovascular workouts to improve your endurance, strength training to build muscle, and flexibility exercises to improve your range of motion. These exercises will help you become a better karate practitioner and reduce your risk of injury.

Conclusion

Learning the karate techniques featured in Cobra Kai takes time, dedication, and practice. By finding a good karate school, starting with the basics, practicing regularly, competing in tournaments, and supplementing your training with conditioning, you can start to hone your skills and become a skilled karate practitioner. Always listen to your instructor, practice proper form, and never try dangerous moves without proper training and supervision.