Cobra Kai is one of the most popular and successful shows on Netflix, with millions of fans around the world. The show is a continuation of the Karate Kid franchise, which follows the rivalry and conflict between different karate dojos and their students in the San Fernando Valley.
The show is known for its thrilling and realistic fight scenes, which showcase the skills and abilities of the various characters. The show also features a diverse and talented cast of actors, who bring their own personalities and styles to their roles.
But who are the strongest fighters in Cobra Kai? Who can beat anyone in a one-on-one match or a tournament? Who has the most potential and talent to become a karate master?
Top 10 Strongest Cobra Kai Fighters
This article will rank the top 10 strongest Cobra Kai fighters in 2023, based on their performance and achievements in the previous seasons. The ranking will also take into account their personality, attitude, motivation, and growth as characters.
Note: This article contains spoilers for Cobra Kai seasons 1-4.
10. Tory Nichols
Tory Nichols (Peyton List) is one of the most aggressive and ruthless fighters in Cobra Kai. She is a fierce and loyal member of the dojo, who follows the strike-first, strike-hard, no-mercy philosophy to the letter. She is also a skilled and experienced fighter, who has competed in two All Valley Karate Tournaments and won several matches.
However, Tory also has some weaknesses that prevent her from being higher on this list. She is often impulsive and reckless, letting her anger and emotions cloud her judgment. She also has a personal vendetta against Sam LaRusso (Mary Mouser), which distracts her from focusing on her own goals and improvement. She also lacks the balance and inner peace that other fighters have achieved through their training.
In 2023, Tory will still be a formidable fighter, but she will also face some challenges and changes. She will have to deal with the consequences of her actions in the previous seasons, such as injuring Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) and breaking into the LaRusso home. She will also have to cope with the loss of John Kreese (Martin Kove) as her sensei, who was defeated by Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) in a karate duel. She will also have to face Sam again in a rematch, which will test her skills and resolve.
9. Hawk
Hawk (Jacob Bertrand) is one of the most dynamic and interesting characters in Cobra Kai. He started out as Eli Moskowitz, a shy and insecure kid who was bullied for his facial deformity. He joined Cobra Kai to gain confidence and strength, and transformed himself into Hawk, a mohawk-sporting badass who became one of the best fighters in the dojo.
Hawk has shown impressive growth and development as a fighter and as a person throughout the seasons. He has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Johnny, Kreese, Daniel, and Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto). He has also switched sides several times, going from Cobra Kai to Miyagi-Do to Eagle Fang to back to Cobra Kai. He has also reconciled with his former friends Miguel and Demetri (Gianni Decenzo), whom he had betrayed or hurt in the past.
However, Hawk also has some flaws that limit his potential as a fighter. He is often arrogant and overconfident, underestimating his opponents or making mistakes. He is also easily influenced by others, following whoever he thinks is stronger or cooler at the moment. He also struggles with his identity and self-esteem, sometimes reverting to his old Eli persona or feeling insecure about his appearance.
In 2023, Hawk will still be a powerful fighter, but he will also face some new challenges and opportunities. He will have to deal with the aftermath of his victory over Kyler (Joe Seo) at the All Valley Karate Tournament, which earned him respect but also enemies. He will also have to adjust to his new role as a leader of Cobra Kai, alongside Miguel and Tory. He will also have to continue his training under Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), who will teach him new tricks but also test his loyalty.
8. Kyler
Kyler (Joe Seo) is one of the most surprising and impressive fighters in Cobra Kai. He started out as a wrestler and a bully, who tormented Miguel, Hawk, and Demetri in school. He was defeated by Miguel in a cafeteria fight, which inspired him and his friends to join Cobra Kai. He quickly became one of the strongest and most loyal students of the dojo, learning karate from Kreese and Silver.
Kyler has shown remarkable improvement and potential as a fighter throughout the seasons. He has adapted his wrestling skills to karate, becoming a formidable grappler and striker. He has also mastered some of the most advanced and dangerous techniques of Cobra Kai, such as the Silver Bullet and the Quicksilver Method. He has also proven himself to be a fearless and ruthless fighter, who will do whatever it takes to win.
However, Kyler also has some drawbacks that prevent him from being higher on this list. He is often cocky and disrespectful, taunting or mocking his opponents or allies. He is also not very smart or creative, relying on brute force or dirty tricks rather than strategy or finesse. He is also not very loyal or honorable, betraying his friends or senseis when it suits him.
In 2023, Kyler will still be a formidable fighter, but he will also face some setbacks and changes. He will have to deal with the loss of his sensei Kreese, who was ousted by Silver after losing to Daniel and Johnny. He will also have to face Hawk again in a rematch, who will seek revenge for his defeat at the All Valley Karate Tournament. He will also have to cope with Silver’s harsh and manipulative training methods, which will push him to his limits.
7. Sam LaRusso
Sam LaRusso (Mary Mouser) is one of the most skilled and experienced fighters in Cobra Kai. She is the daughter of Daniel LaRusso, who taught her karate from a young age. She is also a loyal and dedicated member of Miyagi-Do, who follows the teachings of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). She is also a brave and compassionate person, who stands up for her friends and fights for what is right.
Sam has shown great talent and achievement as a fighter throughout the seasons. She has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Daniel, Chozen, Johnny, and Julie Pierce (Hilary Swank). She has also competed in two All Valley Karate Tournaments and won several matches. She has also overcome some of her personal issues and fears, such as her PTSD from being attacked by Tory.
However, Sam also has some weaknesses that prevent her from being higher on this list. She is often indecisive and conflicted, switching between dojos or love interests. She is also sometimes impulsive and reckless, letting her emotions get the better of her. She is also prone to making mistakes or losing focus, which can cost her in a fight.
In 2023, Sam will still be a powerful fighter, but she will also face some new challenges and opportunities. She will have to deal with the consequences of her actions in the previous seasons, such as injuring Tory or breaking up with Miguel. She will also have to face Tory again in a rematch, which will be the ultimate showdown between them. She will also have to continue her training under Daniel and Julie, who will teach her new secrets of Miyagi-Do.
6. Robby Keene
Robby Keene (Tanner Buchanan) is one of the most complex and conflicted characters in Cobra Kai. He is the son of Johnny Lawrence, who neglected him for most of his life. He is also a former student of Daniel LaRusso, who mentored him and taught him karate. He is also a former member of Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang, who betrayed them and joined Cobra Kai.
Robby has shown incredible growth and development as a fighter and as a person throughout the seasons. He has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Daniel, Johnny, Kreese, Silver, Chozen, and Julie. He has also competed in two All Valley Karate Tournaments and reached the finals both times. He has also resolved some of his issues with his father and Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña), whom he had hurt or hated in the past.
However, Robby also has some flaws that limit his potential as a fighter. He is often angry and bitter, holding grudges or resentment against others. He is also easily influenced by others, following whoever he thinks can help him or hurt him less at the moment. He also struggles with
his identity and self-worth, sometimes feeling lost or alone.
In 2023, Robby will still be a powerful fighter, but he will also face some new challenges and opportunities. He will have to deal with the aftermath of his victory over Miguel at the All Valley Karate Tournament, which earned him respect but also guilt. He will also have to adjust to his new role as a leader of Cobra Kai, alongside Tory and Kyler. He will also have to continue his training under Silver, who will teach him new tricks but also test his loyalty.
5. Miguel Diaz
Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) is one of the most beloved and heroic characters in Cobra Kai. He is the first student of Johnny Lawrence, who taught him karate and became his surrogate father. He is also the leader and co-founder of Eagle Fang, a new dojo that follows Johnny’s revised philosophy. He is also a kind and loyal person, who cares for his friends and family.
Miguel has shown amazing talent and achievement as a fighter throughout the seasons. He has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Johnny, Daniel, Chozen, and Julie. He has also competed in two All Valley Karate Tournaments and won the first one. He has also overcome some of his physical and emotional challenges, such as recovering from a spinal injury or breaking up with Sam.
However, Miguel also has some weaknesses that prevent him from being higher on this list. He is sometimes naive and trusting, giving people the benefit of the doubt or being manipulated by them. He is also sometimes too nice or forgiving, letting people off the hook or giving them second chances. He is also not very aggressive or ruthless, which can put him at a disadvantage against more vicious opponents.
In 2023, Miguel will still be a powerful fighter, but he will also face some new challenges and opportunities. He will have to deal with the consequences of his loss to Robby at the All Valley Karate Tournament, which shattered his confidence and reputation. He will also have to adjust to his new role as a leader of Eagle Fang, alongside Johnny and Hawk. He will also have to continue his training under Johnny and Daniel, who will teach him how to balance offense and defense.
4. Chozen Toguchi
Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto) is one of the most formidable and respected fighters in Cobra Kai. He is the former student of Sato Toguchi (Danny Kamekona), who taught him karate and was Daniel LaRusso’s rival. He is also the current sensei of Miyagi-Do in Okinawa, Japan, where he teaches karate to local students. He is also a wise and honorable person, who has learned from his past mistakes and redeemed himself.
Chozen has shown incredible skill and experience as a fighter throughout the seasons. He has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Sato, Mr. Miyagi, Daniel, and Julie. He has also mastered some of the most advanced and secret techniques of Miyagi-Do, such as the pressure point technique and the drum technique. He has also proven himself to be a formidable opponent for Daniel LaRusso, whom he fought twice in intense duels.
However, Chozen also has some limitations that prevent him from being higher on this list. He is not very familiar with the American karate scene or culture, which may put him at a disadvantage against some opponents or situations. He is also not very involved in the main plot or conflict of the show, which may limit his exposure or development as a character.
In 2023, Chozen will still be a formidable fighter, but he will also face some new challenges and opportunities. He will have to deal with the threat of Terry Silver, who may target him or his students for revenge or domination. He will also have to help Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence in their fight against Cobra Kai, which may require him to travel to America or host them in Okinawa. He will also have to continue his training and teaching of Miyagi-Do, which may reveal more secrets or mysteries.
3. Julie Pierce
Julie Pierce (Hilary Swank) is one of the most surprising and impressive fighters in Cobra Kai. She is the former student of Mr. Miyagi, who taught her karate and became her surrogate grandfather. She is also the current sensei of Miyagi-Do in Boston, Massachusetts, where she teaches karate to inner-city kids. She is also a brave and compassionate person, who fights for justice and peace.
Julie has shown remarkable skill and experience as a fighter throughout the seasons. She has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Mr. Miyagi, Daniel, Chozen, and Johnny. She has also mastered some of the most advanced and secret techniques of Miyagi-Do, such as the kata technique and the eagle technique. She has also proven herself to be a powerful ally for Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, whom she helped in their fight against Terry Silver and Cobra Kai.
However, Julie also has some drawbacks that prevent her from being higher on this list. She is not very well-known or respected by the other characters or fans, who may see her as an outsider or a newcomer. She is also not very connected to the main plot or conflict of the show, which may limit her involvement or impact as a character.
In 2023, Julie will still be a powerful fighter, but she will also face some new challenges and opportunities. She will have to deal with the threat of Terry Silver, who may target her or her students for revenge or domination. She will also have to help Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence in their fight against Cobra Kai, which may require her to travel to California or host them in Boston. She will also have to continue her training and teaching of Miyagi-Do, which may reveal more secrets or mysteries.
2. Johnny Lawrence
Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is one of the most iconic and charismatic characters in Cobra Kai. He is the former student of John Kreese and Terry Silver, who taught him karate and corrupted him with their evil philosophy. He is also the founder and co-sensei of Eagle Fang, a new dojo that follows his revised philosophy. He is also a flawed but good-hearted person, who tries to do the right thing and redeem himself.
Johnny has shown tremendous skill and experience as a fighter throughout the seasons. He has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Kreese, Silver, Daniel, Chozen, and Julie. He has also competed in two All Valley Karate Tournaments and reached the finals both times. He has also overcome some of his physical and emotional challenges, such as recovering from a car accident or reconciling with his son Robby.
However, Johnny also has some weaknesses that prevent him from being higher on this list. He is often stubborn and ignorant, refusing to listen or learn from others. He is also sometimes immature and irresponsible, making bad decisions or jokes. He is also not very refined or elegant, preferring brute force or simplicity over finesse or complexity.
In 2023, Johnny will still be a powerful fighter, but he will also face some new challenges and opportunities. He will have to deal with the threat of Terry Silver, who may target him or his students for revenge or domination. He will also have to help Daniel LaRusso in their fight against Cobra Kai, which may require him to cooperate or compromise with him. He will also have to continue his training and teaching of Eagle Fang, which may reveal more secrets or mysteries.
1. Daniel LaRusso
Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is one of the most legendary and respected fighters in Cobra Kai. He is the former student of Mr. Miyagi, who taught him karate and became his best friend. He is also the founder and co-sensei of Miyagi-Do, a dojo that follows the teachings of Mr. Miyagi. He is also a successful and generous person, who runs a car dealership and supports various causes.
Daniel has shown incredible skill and experience as a fighter throughout the seasons. He has learned various techniques and styles from different senseis, such as Mr. Miyagi, Chozen, Julie, Johnny, and Silver. He has also competed in three All Valley Karate Tournaments and won two of them. He has also overcome some of his personal issues and fears, such as losing Mr. Miyagi or fighting Kreese.
However, Daniel also has some flaws that prevent him from being perfect as a fighter. He is often arrogant and self-righteous, thinking he knows better than others or judging them harshly. He is also sometimes distracted and conflicted, letting his work or family interfere with his karate or vice versa. He is also not very adaptable or innovative, sticking to his traditional or familiar methods over new or different ones.
In 2023, Daniel will still be a powerful fighter, but he will also face some new challenges and opportunities. He will have to deal with the threat of Terry Silver, who may target him or his students for revenge or domination. He will also have to help Johnny Lawrence in their fight against Cobra Kai, which may require him to trust or respect him. He will also have to continue his training and teaching of Miyagi-Do, which may reveal more secrets or mysteries.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 strongest Cobra Kai fighters in 2023, based on their performance and achievements in the previous seasons. They are all amazing and talented fighters, who have learned from different senseis and styles. They are also complex and interesting characters, who have grown and changed throughout the seasons.
However, they are not the only fighters in Cobra Kai. There are many other characters who deserve honorable mentions, such as Kreese, Silver, Amanda LaRusso (Courtney Henggeler), Anthony LaRusso (Griffin Santopietro), Demetri, Yasmine (Annalisa Cochrane), Moon (Hannah Kepple), Mitch (Aedin Mincks), Chris (Khalil Everage), Bert (Owen Morgan), Nathaniel (Nathaniel Oh), Stingray (Paul Walter Hauser), and many more.
Cobra Kai is a show that celebrates karate and its many forms and expressions. It is also a show that explores the themes of rivalry, friendship, family, redemption, and balance. It is a show that has captivated and entertained millions of fans around the world.
What do you think of this ranking? Do you agree or disagree with it? Who are your favorite fighters in Cobra Kai? Let us know in the comments below.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: When will Cobra Kai season 5 be released?
A: Cobra Kai season 5 is expected to be released in late 2023 or early 2024 on Netflix. The production of the season has already wrapped up in December 2022.
Q: Who will be the new villains in Cobra Kai season 5?
A: The main villains in Cobra Kai season 5 will be Terry Silver and his new allies, who may include Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan), Snake (Ron Thomas), Dennis (David Shatraw), and other former members of Cobra Kai or Karate Kid.
Q: Will Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue) return in Cobra Kai season 5?
A: There is no official confirmation or denial of Ali Mills’ return in Cobra Kai season 5. However, there are some hints and rumors that she may make an appearance or a cameo in the season.
Q: Will there be a crossover between Cobra Kai and The Next Karate Kid?
A: There is already a crossover between Cobra Kai and The Next Karate Kid, as Julie Pierce has joined the show as a regular character in season 4. There may be more references or connections to The Next Karate Kid in season 5.
Q: Will there be a spin-off or a sequel to Cobra Kai?
A: There is no official confirmation or announcement of a spin-off or a sequel to Cobra Kai. However, there are some possibilities and speculations that there may be a spin-off or a sequel to Cobra Kai in the future, focusing on different characters or settings.
Q: How accurate is the karate in Cobra Kai?
A: The karate in Cobra Kai is not very accurate or realistic, as it is mainly designed for entertainment and drama purposes. The karate in Cobra Kai is influenced by various styles and sources, such as Okinawan karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, Hollywood martial arts movies, and comic books.
Q: How old are the actors in Cobra Kai?
A: The actors in Cobra Kai vary in age from their teens to their sixties. Here are some of their ages as of 2023:
- Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso): 61
- William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence): 57
- Martin Kove (John Kreese): 76
- Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver): 60
- Yuji Okumoto (Chozen Toguchi): 62
- Hilary Swank (Julie Pierce): 48
- Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz): 21
- Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene): 24
- Mary Mouser (Sam LaRusso): 26
- Peyton List (Tory Nichols): 25
- Jacob Bertrand (Hawk): 23
- Joe Seo (Kyler): 30
Q: How can I watch Cobra Kai?
A: You can watch Cobra Kai on Netflix, which has all four seasons of the show available for streaming. You can also watch the first two seasons of the show on YouTube, which originally produced and released the show before Netflix acquired it.
Q: How can I learn karate like Cobra Kai?
A: You can learn karate like Cobra Kai by joining a karate dojo or school near you, or by taking online classes or courses. You can also learn karate by watching videos or tutorials on YouTube or other platforms. However, you should always be careful and respectful when practicing karate, and avoid using it for violence or harm.
Q: How can I join the Cobra Kai fandom?
A: You can join the Cobra Kai fandom by following the official social media accounts of the show and its cast and crew, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. You can also join the online communities and forums of the show and its fans, such as Reddit, Discord, Quora, and IMDb. You can also create or consume fan content and merchandise of the show, such as fan art, fan fiction, fan videos, podcasts, blogs, memes, shirts, posters, stickers, and more.