Cobra Kai Fact Check
For legal reasons, parents accompany students who are under age 18 the first time they come to the studio. The parents meet the instructor and have the opportunity to ask questions. At many studios, parents can watch classes. It takes a long time to develop strong, high, and accurate martial arts kicks. When actor Xolo Mariduena was preparing for the role of Miguel Diaz, he spent two to four hours a day practicing stunts, martial arts, boxing, strength-training, and yoga. Mariduena said this was one of the hardest things he’s ever done. At the All-Valley Tournament, the trophy goes home with the season’s favorite and for maximum drama.
Martial Arts in Real Life v Martial Arts in Cobra Kai
Day 1 at the Dojo
Cobra Kai Fiction
After decades behind a desk or couch-potatoing, Danny and Johnny stand up to groups of bikers and fight each other. They jump, spin, and throw spectacular kicks.
Martial Arts Fact
In reality, if retired martial artists, who haven’t stretched or worked out in 30 years, jump into a big fight, they are likely to pull a muscle and overestimate their abilities. Sure, there’s a touch of “just like riding a bicycle” to fighting after a hiatus, but it will take time to get back in the game.
Missing Parents
Cobra Kai Fiction
We decided to look at what’s real, and what’s not, in the Netflix series Cobra Kai.
Martial Arts Fact
Many martial arts studios (including Akula Taekwondo) start students with an Introductory Lesson (we do it one-one-one, so just the new student and the instructor). You’ll be greeted politely, invited to remove your shoes, and step onto the mat. The instructor will explain the rules of the mat and teach you a few basic moves.
Novice to Fighter
Cobra Kai Fiction
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in a martial arts school, look for one that aligns with your values and provides a positive and safe environment for learning and growth. If you’re in the Novi-Wixom-South Lyon area and would like to try out real martial arts, get in touch and we’ll set you up with a 6-Week Trial.
Martial Arts Fact
In contrast, the schools depicted in Cobra Kai are highly competitive, with a focus on winning at all costs. The instructors and students engage in aggressive–and often harmful–behavior, both in and outside of the dojo. This does not reflect the values and culture of a typical martial arts school, where safety and respect are paramount.
Tournaments
Cobra Kai Fiction
The first tournaments most martial arts students attend are likely to take place in a school gym. Friendly volunteers work registration tables and direct traffic. Most competitors are slightly nervous and generally friendly. Competition tends to be fair and safe, with a focus on doing your best.
Martial Arts Fact
Kids of all ages walk into the studio and start training.
Who Wins a Fight
Cobra Kai Fiction
Show up at the dojo. The instructor yells at you or belittles you. People beat you up.
Martial Arts Fact
In Cobra Kai Land, kids show up for a major tournament after a few weeks of training. The arena features flashing lights, packed stands, and screaming fans. There’s A LOT of drama.
Resuming a Conflict After Three Decades of Ceasefire
Cobra Kai Fiction
Within days of joining the studio, students are fighting. They perform powerful kicks and strikes.
Martial Arts Fact
Published: March 23, 2022
Summary of Our Cobra Kai Fact Check
The rivalry between Cobra Kai and Miagi Do makes for a super-fun Netflix series. We love the over-the-top characters, the action-packed fights, and the never-ending drama. But everyone who’s actually trained in the martial arts knows that the show’s portrayal of the martial arts life is highly dramatized.Most real-life martial arts schools focus on teaching the discipline, techniques, and values of their sport, such as respect, teamwork, and self-control. Good instructors aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. The emphasis is on personal development and improvement, rather than competition and rivalry.It’s important to keep in mind that the portrayal of karate schools in Cobra Kai is a work of fiction and not representative of the majority of martial arts schools. In short, Cobra Kai is a fantastically fun martial arts series. We’ll keep watching to see how the various instructors’ teaching and training styles merge–and diverge. We want to know who wins every fight. And why. And how. But, first and foremost, we’ll be on our real-life mat, honing our own martial arts skills and learning to succeed in life.In real life, taller, heavier, and more experienced fighters have a significant advantage. That’s why tournaments have divisions divided by gender, age, belt, and weight.
