The following contains spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6, part 1
Summary
Why Johnny Lawrence agrees not to change Miyagi-do’s name inCobra Kaiseason 6, part 1 is explained by William Zabka. Daniel LaRusso’s dojo may have peacefully merged with Johnny’s Eagle Fang, but the two senseis didn’t see eye-to-eye right away on what their new combined venture should be called. After suggesting several hilarious compromise names, Johnny ultimately relented in the face of Daniel’s arguments, and agreed that theirCobra Kaiseason 6super-dojo should be called Miyagi-do, but with a slight adjustment to the logo in honor of the defunct Eagle Fang.
Johnny’s willingness to compromise with Daniel is a surprising new aspect of his character in the latest season ofCobra Kai, and it’s all a sign of his ongoing personal growth, as Johnny actor Zabka explained in a recent interview. Admitting that giving up the Eagle Fang name was a big move for Johnny, Zabka elaborated on why it was an important decision as he continues to move away from his old mentor Kreese, and embrace a more balanced view of karate. Check out his remarks below (viaTVLine):
“That’s a big decision for him. After Cobra Kai, he opened up Eagle Fang, which is really the only thing in his life, karate-wise, that’s his own, that he built from scratch. So to concede and to join Miyagi-Do is a big decision and conflict in him. But he’s faced with the idea that Eagle Fang is kind of a step-child of Cobra Kai and he wants nothing to do with John Kreese. He’s evolving and comes to the decision that he wants Miyagi-Do’s legacy to be the one to live on… It’s a big step for Johnny.”
How Long Will Johnny And Daniel Continue To Peacefully Co-Exist In Miyagi-Do?
Bitter enemies at the beginning ofCobra Kai, Johnny and Daniel have grown closer throughout the show’s run, united by their desire to teach karate, and their battles against the various villains who’ve been thrown their way. But all is not necessarily perfect between the co-leaders of Miyagi-do. Though their clashes have been resolved with relative ease throughoutCobra Kaiseason 6, there remains a certain tension between the characters, teasing the chance of greater conflict down the road.
Johnny and Daniel may have come together to pick their team for theSekai Taikai, choosing Mike Barnes to act as a non-biased arbiter, but it remains to be seen if their partnership will stay harmonious under the pressure of the tournament itself. Things are bound to get heated when Kreese and his new Cobra Kai students, including Tory, show up to do battle with the kids of Miyagi-do.
Miyagi-do’s new logo incorporates an eagle soaring over a bonsai tree, in honor of Eagle Fang’s legacy
Johnny’s new and more-balanced approach to life may be strong enough to stand up to Kreese’s influence, but there’s a chance his old mentor could still rattle him, and that the heat of battle could bring out Johnny’s well-known combative side. Daniel and Johnny’s relatively strong relationship is bound to be tested whenCobra Kaiseason 6, part 2premieres on Netflix on November 15.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
