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c: 5 Characters on Johnny Lawrence’s Level (& 5 Nowhere Close)

Johnny Lawrence has proven himself to be so much more than what we knew. But who can take him in a match and who would fall to his skills?

The instant it streamed on Netflix, Cobra Kai became a hit, especially for those fond of the 1984 classic, The Karate Kid. For fans of the original film, they’d be surprised to find how much the follow-up focuses on the original bully, Johnny Lawrence. Of course, Johnny Lawrence isn’t the only focus of Cobra Kai, as it includes the hero of the first film, Daniel LaRusso, but he’s indeed shown to be more complex as a character than The Karate Kid gave him a chance to be.

The instant it streamed on Netflix, Cobra Kai became a hit, especially for those fond of the 1984 classic, The Karate Kid. For fans of the original film, they’d be surprised to find how much the follow-up focuses on the original bully, Johnny Lawrence. Of course, Johnny Lawrence isn’t the only focus of Cobra Kai, as it includes the hero of the first film, Daniel LaRusso, but he’s indeed shown to be more complex as a character than The Karate Kid gave him a chance to be.

Johnny’s proven himself to be more than a personification of the eighties and a bit of an anti-hero who still has the ability to knock someone off their feet. But with Johnny and Daniel came the addition of some new (and old) characters to challenge the karate kings of Los Angeles.

10 On His Level: Samantha LaRusso Is The Unexpected Combo Of LaRusso And Lawrence

Samantha proved herself to be a champion in karate as of the latest season in Cobra Kai, even more so when she trusted Johnny Lawrence enough to train her and her fellow students.

Her father trained her well, but she’s gone beyond a step further than her dad in deciding to utilize both the defense lessons he gave her and the offense teachings that Lawrence passed on to her. If she should ever have to face off with her current co-sensei, she’d probably be able to hold her own against Lawrence.

Not On His Level: Tory Nichols Is All Act First Think Later

Tory Nichols has been able to beat almost every character she’s faced in the series since her debut and has earned her place as one of the most feared fighters. But since the collaboration of Johnny and Daniel’s dojos (and the split), their students learned enough skills to better their karate and go up against the likes of the severely misunderstood Tory.

Though Nichols isn’t to be underestimated, as audiences can tell by her ruthless ability to “strike hard,” she’d be up against her match in Johnny Lawrence.

On His Level: Robby Keene Is A Level-Headed Version Of His Father

Johnny Lawrence’s son, Robby Keene, is quickly becoming a master of karate after having been taught by Daniel LaRusso, and then his father’s old sensei, John Kreese. Robby’s ability to learn quickly and adapt is what gives him an advantage over other opponents both on and off the mat.

Though the frustration and disappointment he feels with those around him–particularly his father–could hinder his skills to defend himself, his heart is strong enough to keep his head on his shoulders. He’s shown himself to be a worthy match against Johnny Lawrence.

Not On His Level: Raymond Has Nothing Better To Do

Raymond is undoubtedly one of the more significant comedic reliefs of the show, and though his latest encounter with Terry Silver didn’t end well, he’s worthy of bringing up a mention. He started as an adult man seeking lessons from Johnny Lawrence, and learned a few moves here and there, never really getting a chance to show them off in full force.

His presence in Cobra Kai is more than questionable, but his big heart and passion for karate are what makes him a unique character. Unfortunately, the skills he did attain wouldn’t be enough to go against sensei Lawrence, especially in his current condition.

On His Level: John Kreese Seeks More Than Winning At Karate

Perhaps John Kreese is more like Johnny Lawrence than either would ever care to admit, simply because they both use karate as an outlet of sorts. Kreese relies on his anger and trauma from his past to fuel his fighting skills, but he seems to want more out of life than just winning against Johnny Lawrence. Perhaps he seeks a son-like figure to fill the empty void he feels he lacks in life.

Both senseis are master martial artists in their own right, but John Kreese being the one who taught Johnny almost everything he knows, would certainly find it challenging to fight with or against his former pupil as they did in Season 3.

Not On His Level: Kyler Park Is Only In It For The Glory

Kyler Park came into the scene as nothing more than a bully (and Samantha’s short-term boyfriend), but he quickly returned as a nuisance after joining Cobra Kai. He’s shown himself to be dedicated enough to the craft to take down his opponents with ease, and probably worse if John Kreese and Terry Silver instructed him to.

After being such a terror for those he bullied, now all part of Eagle Fang or Miyagi Do, he’s become someone for the good guys to watch out for, but as skilled as he is, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Johnny Lawrence.

On His Level: Terry Silver Is Hungry For Power

Terry Silver joined in on the karate action late in the show, but he’s just as deranged as he was in The Karate Kid Part III, if not more so. Seeming to have turned a new leaf when John Kreese approached him to rejoin Cobra Kai and help train his students, Silver reverts back to his old ways and has made himself the most disturbing villain.

It’s more than evident that Terry Silver wouldn’t have any trouble challenging Johnny Lawrence in a match, considering he almost obliterated Lawrence at the Cobra Kai dojo.

Not On His Level: Eli ‘Hawk’ Moskowitz Is Almost Worthy

Eli (Hawk) became a fan favorite when he joined Cobra Kai and gave himself a glow-up, showing his friends that they could defend themselves against bullies like Kyler Park. His character went through turmoil after John Kreese was tapped to join the dojo and even went so far as to lose sight of his real friends and hurt them instead.

Lately, he seems to be in a better place, learning karate from Daniel LaRusso, mending his friendships, and winning at the All Valley. Though he’s strong enough to compete against friends and foes, he would have a challenging time against his former sensei.

On His Level: Daniel LaRusso Is Still The All Valley Champion

Daniel LaRusso didn’t win at the All Valley Tournament in 1985 for nothing. According to Johnny Lawrence, it may not have been a fair fight, but he still won in the eyes of the judges. Legend has it; they’re still arguing over this fact to the day.

Though Daniel and Johnny have utterly different fighting styles and their personalities clash, for the most part, they’re more alike than they’d ever come to terms with. Audiences would probably enjoy another match between the two, and whether they do or not, it’d be a close call.

Not On His Level: Miguel Diaz Has Bigger Priorities

Miguel Diaz has been one of the most dedicated students of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. Still, perhaps the most critical aspect of his character is his patriarchal relationship with Johnny Lawrence. Miguel has become somewhat of a surrogate son for Lawrence, making his last disappearance act more painful for both of them.

He’s been one of the strongest and steadiest fighters in the series, but as of late, his heart may no longer be in it, as his next goal is finding his biological father. He would most definitely struggle against Sensei Lawrence.

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