As a dedicated “Cobra Kai” fan with years of experience watching and analyzing every detail of this intriguing series, I firmly believe that Johnny Lawrence is the strongest fighter among Daniel LaRusso’s Karate Kid-era opponents. While Mike Barnes may have had a more decorated athletic background and natural combat aptitude, it’s Johnny’s relentless determination and unyielding spirit that truly sets him apart.
Contains spoilers for “Cobra Kai” Season 6, Episode 4 — “Underdogs”
In the penultimate episode of “Cobra Kai” Season 6 Part 1, titled “Underdogs,” Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) can’t agree on who should be part of Miyagi-Do’s Sekai Taikai team. They invite Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan) to make the decisions instead. Although Mike, the antagonist from “The Karate Kid Part III,” has supposedly reformed, his newfound role as a sensei starts going to his head. He begins acting ruthlessly once again, causing Johnny to intervene and challenge him in a fight at Mike’s woodshop. In this intense showdown between two iconic franchise villains, Johnny emerges victorious, solidifying his position as the strongest among Daniel’s adversaries from “The Karate Kid” era.
I’ve got to admit, Johnny and Chozen Toguchi haven’t clashed seriously just yet in “Cobra Kai” Season 6. But the show does bring up their current standing in the martial arts world. During their conversation in the season opener, Chozen boasts about his sai-and-sword fight against Terry Silver from the end of Season 5. However, he’s left speechless when Johnny reminds him that while Chozen was dueling, Johnny took on no less than four “Cobra Kai” senseis – one of whom was armed with a sword as well.
During Season 5, both men came close to death in their battles. Johnny, unarmed, faced off against multiple skilled karate masters at the peak of their abilities, absorbing heavy blows before ultimately regaining his strength and reversing the outcome. This makes Johnny’s achievement all the more noteworthy, even if Mike provided assistance towards the end.
Was Mike ever better than Johnny?
Johnny, portrayed by William Zabka in “Cobra Kai,” may have been the most skilled karate villain in the original movies. However, real-life sensei and YouTuber Sensei Seth believes that Johnny could be the best fighter among all major “Cobra Kai” characters if they were pitted against each other during their youth. In Sensei Seth’s estimation, Johnny would defeat Hawk (Jacob Bertrand) in the finals of such a tournament. It is important to mention that young Mike Barnes, who wasn’t present on the show at that time, was not included in Sensei Seth’s brackets.
When examining the differences between young Johnny and young Mike, it’s important to keep in mind that John Kreese, during the “Cobra Kai” era, still believes Johnny to be the greatest student Cobra Kai has ever produced. This assessment comes despite Kreese being aware that Mike was also a member of the dojo under Terry Silver in 1985.
In the “Cobra Kai” world, Mike’s advanced age may make him less agile than Johnny, who has consistently dedicated himself to karate training. While Mike might boast more formal achievements and inherent fighting skills, it is Johnny’s relentless commitment that leads him to triumph and claim the top spot – at least until his long-awaited showdown with Chozen takes place.
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2024-07-18 16:59