Cobra Kai’s Karate Secrets: The Real-Life Master Behind Miyagi-Do Revealed!

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Summary

  • Cobra Kai’s Miyagi-Do style is based on real Goju Ryu karate, emphasizing punches, kicks, and blocks.
  • Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-Ryu, inspired Mr. Miyagi’s teachings in the Karate Kid franchise.
  • The show pays homage to real karate masters by featuring their photos in the Miyagi-Do dojo.

In the popular Netflix show Cobra Kai, the character Daniel LaRusso, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, teaches a martial art style that may seem like fancy action movie moves, but in truth, the Miyagi-Do style is based on a genuine form of karate which was originally developed on the island of Okinawa. This martial art’s foundation, called Goju Ryu, relies heavily on punches, kicks, and blocks that are frequently combined in sequences of techniques, known as kata, which can be practiced individually.

Goju-Ryu Karate Forms The Roots Of Miyagi-Do From The Karate Kid And Cobra Kai

The series, stemming from the renowned Karate Kid franchise of the 1980s, includes flashbacks showing Daniel LaRusso learning not just the Goju Ryu martial art style under his sensei, Mr. Miyagi, but also essential life lessons that are integral to this fighting style. During their training sessions, Miyagi frequently shares anecdotes from his past, such as growing up in Okinawa and mastering various martial arts, including Goju-Ryu, a style known for its “hard” and “soft” aspects, characterized by powerful strikes combined with soft, circular movements to counter or redirect attacks. One iconic example straight from the movies is the famous “wax on, wax off” scene where, by moving hands in a circular motion, a student can block or deflect incoming punches. Miyagi teaches Daniel these techniques by having him perform household chores that mimic the movements of the blocks, initially leading Daniel to believe he’s just doing free labor as a teenager.

The Chojun Miyagi Connection To Cobra Kai Goes Deeper Than Goju-Ryu, Though

In addition to sharing ties with Goju-Ryu karate, both “Cobra Kai” and “The Karate Kid” also draw inspiration from the martial arts master who originated it, Chojun Miyagi. To clarify, the beloved fictional martial arts mentor was partially modeled after a real individual – the founder of the art that lies at the heart of this franchise. The historical figure Miyagi developed his style by blending Fujian White Crane kung fu, Shorei-Ryu Karate, and Naha-te.

Chojun Miyagi’s Goju-Ryu martial art was created primarily for self-defense and is notably more intense than its cinematic representation. Instead of just learning punches and kicks, students are instructed in grappling, takedowns, throws, and joint locks – all essential skills for survival in close-quarters fighting. These techniques are crucial in real-life self-protection scenarios. Miyagi also developed several well-known katas for his karate style, including Sanchin and Tensho, which not only train the movements for these techniques but also emphasize proper breathing methods.

In these techniques, movements from the form (kata) are broken down and practiced individually in exercises known as bunkai. These drills are often performed with partners or during sparring sessions. The founder also incorporated a set of physical training routines to fortify the body, especially the hands, to make them as tough as steel. By repeatedly punching a hard wooden board called a makiwara, the hands were transformed into powerful, bone-shattering weapons.

That’s All Well And Good, But How Did Goju-Ryu Make its Way Into The Miyagi-Verse?

In what way did the Goju-Ryu karate style wind up in Cobra Kai? The credit for introducing this profound martial art, embodying timeless teachings for “all of life,” as Mr. Miyagi put it, goes to writer Robert Mark Kamen. He studied Goju-Ryu under a student who was personally tutored by the style’s founder, Chojun Miyagi. Kamen drew from his own life experiences, such as dealing with bullying and interacting with his sensei, to craft the story of the franchise.

Subsequently, Kamen tutored Ralph Macchio (as LaRusso) and Pat Morita (portraying Mr. Miyagi) on some essential techniques from the martial art. This was done to enhance the authenticity of the action scenes and the iconic tournament sequence. Later, Macchio persisted as a student of this martial art and ultimately earned his black belt.

When the team behind Cobra Kai, Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg revitalized the Karate Kid series, they opted not just to pay tribute to the initial movies but also to the martial arts styles that formed their basis. They achieved this by incorporating authentic techniques in the fight sequences.

The Prime Example Is Daniel Teaching Robby Miyagi-Do In Cobra Kai

In the initial season of the series, LaRusso introduces his apprentice, Robby Keene (son of his former tormentor Johnny Lawrence), to the teachings of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi. This encompasses both Mr. Miyagi’s philosophies and martial arts techniques. LaRusso imparts his sensei’s wisdom on equilibrium by making Robby perform kata on various surfaces. Notably, rock formations, a pier, among others, echo the time when LaRusso was learning the iconic crane kick from an old wooden post jutting out of the sandy beach.

In simpler terms, during their training session, LaRusso tells Robby, “Sure, you’ve got all the techniques down, but it counts for nothing without proper balance.” Mr. Miyagi would approve of this sentiment.

The hit show doesn’t just honor martial arts action and ancient Eastern wisdom for life through its storyline; it also subtly acknowledges influential karate masters like Chojun Miyagi, as seen by the display of their pictures in the Miyagi-Do dojo within various scenes.

The fight scenes in Cobra Kai may appear to be brimming with intense, flashy actions that excite and amuse, but every punch and powerful kick you see is rooted in the genuine martial arts techniques of karate styles such as Goju-Ryu.

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2025-04-20 20:44