#the karate kid series

[thomas-the-goat-of-satan]

look up the term latent homosexuality in the dictionary and you'll be presented with a photograph of Johnny Lawrence from the 1984 film, The Karate Kid.

[shortnspidey]

DADDY ISSUES

Robby Keene x OC!Reader || cobra kai || seasons one - three

SUMMARY: Katherine LaRusso has it all: a lavish lifestyle, a supportive friend group, and the material possessions most can only dream of. Yet, beneath the surface, she yearns for something more. Haunted by the pain of her parents’ divorce, she seeks solace in the familiar comforts of her privileged life. However, fate intervenes, forcing her to uproot and start anew in Europe. Years later, Katherine returns to Los Angeles with her enigmatic relative, Daniel LaRusso. As she navigates a new school, rekindles old passions, and forges new friendships, she encounters someone who mirrors her own struggles. Will their shared experiences unite them, or will their differences tear them apart?

WARNINGS: friends to lovers, second chance romance, descriptions of violence, talks of bad mental health, some talks of blood and violence

A/N: I do not own any of the cobra kai characters only Katherine and her storyline as well as any other character's I may create. Please do not copy or translate my work; even with credit! Paraphrasing is still copying! As always, thank you for all the support in my writing, I appreciate every single one of you! 🥰

➩ SEASON ONE

➩ SEASON TWO

➩ SEASON THREE

[boundless11]

Anonymous this is for you- your Ask-I had drafted a post but I have no idea what happened to it.

The imbalance in Cobra Kai’s portrayal of characters is one of the most significant flaws in its storytelling. The trauma experienced by the LaRussos, particularly Daniel and Sam, is often overlooked or downplayed, while other characters are given far more narrative sympathy. For instance, Daniel is still clearly haunted by his experiences with Terry Silver, which is why he’s so strongly opposed to Cobra Kai and what it represents. However, the show often frames him as overly rigid or out of touch, failing to fully explore the lasting impact Silver had on his life. Instead, Daniel is depicted as someone who just doesn’t “understand” Johnny’s intentions, further fueling the tension between them. This dynamic is especially frustrating because much of the conflict in the earlier seasons stems from miscommunication—whether it’s between Sam and Miguel, Robbie and Johnny, or Johnny and Daniel themselves.

Similarly, the show has a tendency to diminish Sam’s trauma while elevating Tory’s struggles. Her hardships—such as her unstable home life, her mother’s illness and her predatory landlord—are rightfully explored in a way that makes her a sympathetic character. However, Sam’s equally harrowing experiences are rarely given the same attention. She was physically attacked by her, witnessed Miguel being kicked off a balcony and struggled with anxiety and PTSD. Yet, when Sam lashes out or stands up for herself, she is quickly labeled as “problematic” or “lacking understanding.” For example, when Sam organised a car wash to raise money for Miguel’s surgery, Cobra Kai members hijacked the funds—a cruel act that was brushed off as just another “cool” move by Cobra Kai. Later, when Sam fights back against Cobra Kai and tensions escalate, she is unfairly blamed for Dimitri’s broken arm, even though it was Hawk who broke it, egged on by Tory.

Season 3 particularly highlights the show’s mishandling of trauma. While Tory is given depth and understanding for her actions, Sam is often vilified or dismissed. The same can be said for the show’s framing of Cobra Kai overall: their morally questionable actions are excused as part of their “edgy” nature, while Miyagi-Do and the LaRussos are held to impossibly high standards. This imbalance is frustrating for viewers who grew up with the clear moral lines of The Karate Kid. While morally gray characters can add complexity, Cobra Kai takes it too far, often undermining the heroes and giving too much leeway to the villains.

At its core, the original Karate Kid story was about good versus bad, with clear lessons about standing up to bullies. By muddying these waters, the show risks alienating fans who appreciated those distinctions. The LaRussos, particularly Sam and Daniel, deserve a more balanced portrayal—one that acknowledges their struggles and humanity rather than constantly casting them in a negative light for reacting to the challenges they face.

[sahind]

COBRA KAI (2018–2025)

[miriadalia]

Okay but Ralph Macchio singing at a Coldplay concert definitely wasn't in my 2024 Bucket List 😂😂😂 what??

Now I want Daniel to go sing in the streets of Barcelona about how sad he is because Johnny and him aren't getting along in that trip...

Great voice, btw 😍😮

[marishmallows]

I think the CK writers were more focused on the action and shock value this season rather than the writing because a lot of it doesn’t make sense or really holds up that much? Like there’s still so many questions left unanswered and I know the final part is coming out next month but I feel like it won’t really answer them that much. Especially not with five 30 minute episodes. I feel like a lot of the depth just went away? Like with Robby, Sam, Miguel, Hawk, Demitri, and even Tory to some extent.

A lot of the character development and previous plots really goes down the drain this season. Since they have already been addressed in previous seasons AND SOLVED. It’s like they keep writing the characters to repeat a lot of mistakes and conflicts they already did.

I know Robby has been off balanced because of what happened with Tory but besides that, all he’s done this season is lose constantly and be bad-mouthed by so many characters. His relationships are just gone completely, no interactions with Kenny. No heart to hearts with Miguel or Johnny or even Daniel at all. He’s just completely on his own for the entirety of part 2.

With Johnny and Daniel, the arguing and fighting. They already know it throws their students off balance and creates an air of tension between them. Yet they do it anyway even though in late season 4 and season 5, they came to an understanding yet they reduce back to their fighting anyways?

With Sam, she is one of the most skilled and balanced fighters with Robby and Miguel. In season 4 and 5, she finally started listening to her own instincts and make her own decisions in both her personal life and karate. Yet now she needs Johnny and Daniel again to help her with discovering what fighting styles to use? She also with Robby, doesn’t do anything this season but serves as a catalyst for other people’s stories which sucks because they’re both supposed to be the captains but we never see them actually be captains. Like what happened to the Sam who took charge in season 3 when Miyagi-Do’s were being bullied? Surely if Miyagi-Do’s were losing in tournaments (some divisions that she was definitely qualified in) I feel that she would step up just like she did in previous seasons.

Miguel is fine for the most part but I do wish he had a better understanding for Robby’s emotions, like I know he was upset about Stanford. But I wish instead of him having that convo with Johnny, I wish he had the convo with Robby himself opening up to Miguel about the whole thing or just Miguel having a better heart to heart with him.

Overall this season has been good so far but not as great as the other seasons in terms of character writing. I feel that season 6 has been more action focused rather than character focused and wrapping up the character’s stories and setting up their endings.

[sensei-venus]

i am more than happy to give you karate kid requests! i just thought you would rather write for the cobra kai characters, so i never sent anything in. with that, would you be down to write something young!daniel x female reader where the two of them sneak out of class to make out in the janitor's closet? a bit smutty but not too heavy, mostly just focused on the kissing? it's a concept i find so hot but there aren't any fics out there for it. 😫 let me know if you get this ask because i know tumblr likes to eat them sometimes. take care!

(Unedited) (Support the Writer🌺) (Young!Daniel being…Young!Daniel??,Kissing, Slight Make out, Slight Grouping, Kissing in a closet at school)

Reader narrowed as she looked across the crowded classroom. Eyes falling onto her boyfriend who sat only a row ahead of her. His head was down as he finished working on his class assignment. Daniel always had a thing for trying to finish every single piece of class work before the bell rang. Because he was to lazy to take it home and do it for homework.

She rolled her eyes out of love for the boy and briefly looked away. In that split second her eyes meet the teachers. The older women sat at the front of the class at her over populated desk. Folders and papers where scattered over the dark stained wood. A large stack of book sat on the very corner.

“Reader would you mind running these up to the front office for me? Someone requested them and seeing as we aren’t using them, they need to be returned.”

Reader nodded quickly and studs up from her seat. She walked down the aisle and row of desks and passed some of her peers, no one seemed to take notice. She picked up the stack of books and tried her best to balance them in her grasp. The large stack wobbled a bit in her hold making her jerk a little. For a moment she thought they would tip out of her hands and fall to the floor. Luckily they didn’t as a pair of strong hands held hers steady. She sighed out on relief as she regained her balance of the heavy books.

A few books where removed and she was finally able to see who the person was who helped her. It was Daniel, he grinned her way as he took some of the books.

“Daniel if you could help her to the office with those? They are quiet heavy.”

“Of course miss! Be right back.”

Daniel gave a cheeky smile to the women before leading the way out of the class room. Reader was slow to follow behind him. The books weighing her down a little. They walked side by side as they made their way to the office.

Daniel smirked at her saying “So did you really need help or did you just want to to rush in and save the day.” He wiggled his brows at her. Rolling her eyes she scoffed “Oh yeah because I needed mister save the day to come to my rescue for some text books falling.” She tried to play off the earlier events. He chuckled at her clearly embarrassed expression.

“If it wasn’t for the fact that I love you I would have kicked you in the kneecaps.”

“Baby it’s to late in the day for that kind of violence.”

“Oh lover boy it’s definitely not.”

The trip to the office was quick to say the very least. The front office lady was to busy trying to organize returned piles of text books to even notice them. The two teens just stuffed to each other before setting the books down on the counter and leaving.

The wall back to class was more interesting then the walk up.

Daniel slowly inched closer to her until their shoulders touched. One of his hands snacking around her waist. He was lucky no one was in the hall way because he definitely would have gotten the two of them put into after school detention. He pulled her close, chucking a little and sucked hid front teeth. His lips where right by her ear when he said “How about we make a little detour for a minute. So we can have a little fun~”

Reader wanted to laugh as he tried to pull wool over her eyes. She knew what he wanted pretty clearly.

“We are not doing that in school today-“

“Not that, though I would be down for it. I mean a little kiss, or should I say a little kissing. Plural~”

They looked around for a split second to make sure the hall was still clear before taking off toward the closest janitor closet. Luck for them it was unlocked. Daniel quickly pulled her in and shut the door behind them, he flicked on a old dim light over head. It only brightened the room a bit and put a show of her face as he looked at her. The room was cramped, barely holding them.

Reader grew a little excited as they both tried to stay quiet. Hoping no one would hear them in the closet and get them caught. She had to cover her mouth to stop the small giggle that bubbled out as Daniel looked back at the door for a split second before back to her. He smirks as his hands find her waist again, running up her hips and sides. He bends down a little and moves closer to her. His eyes lidded as he looks down at her.

Their lips meet gently, soft and sweet. Daniel’s lips are soft and warm against hers. Pillowy and sweet and make her melt inside from just their very touch. She wished that she could lie and say he was a bad kisser, but he wasn’t.

Daniel LaRusso was a great kisser. He knew every trick in the book to make her knees week. He used his tricks to silence her every time their lips meet. Playing her like he knew every single button to make she swoon. She feel for it every single time.

Her breath hitched as he felt up her sides and ghosted over her breasts. He smirked into the kiss and swollowed every tiny noice she made. Moans bubbled up from her chest and passsed her lips.

Her eyes fluttering when his tongue slid along her bottom lip asking for entry. She allowed him to part her lips. Their tongues shyly meeting and playing together. Reader gripped onto the boys shoulders as things got more intense. Her nails digging into his shirt as they slam into each other. It’s only a matter of time before they half way part only to go back in. Lips meeting once again.

They are so caught up in each other they they barely register the sound of loud voices out inside the hallway. They jerk back from each other for a moment. Panting out they hold on to each other, a think layer of spit connecting them before it silently snaps. Ending their connection. They both stare at the door intently. Eyes never leaving the light stained wood door.

“Johnny that’s sick man! How did you score that?”

“Shit up man, don’t ask don’t tell. Now come on so we can go smoke this weed. That asshat principle almost caught us the last time we tried to light one up in the bathroom. I want to get one in before pe.”

The sound of Dutch and Johnny slowly faded down the hallway. Only the sound of their shoes lingered in the air.

Daniel coughed lightly, still flustered from the idea of possibly getting caught. Reader zipped her lips tight as she looked up to him. Eyes big and round. Blinking a few times to put on a little charm.

“Man you really try and act all innocent like I didn’t just have my tongue in your mouth.”

“Humm but I think you like that about me don’t you??”

She giggled as the boy sweeper down and smashed his lips to hers.

Starting a sloppy make out session all over again.

[nightingale2004]

Things i want and still want to see in cobra kai

Daniel and Johnny meeting Julie Pierce

2. Julie Pierce in the Sekai Tai kai with her own dojo or at least introducing herself as a former student of Miyagi to Daniel

3. Julie being a bada$$ and putting both Johnny and Daniel in their place

4. Julie and Daniel's wife being besties

5. Julie connecting with the other students of the dojo and other dojos, too

6. Julie helping take Cobra kai down, and her, Daniel, Chozen and Johnny being an iconic bada$$ Group of Karate masters

7. Miguel, Robby, Tory, and Sam having their team up battle scene and both working and fighting together

8. Weapons. I want weapons

[bubblegumflavor]

Unexpected sleepover.

(probably the prequel to the new years one :3)

[petr1kov]

one thing i'm noticing about most cobra kai discussions that i'm seeing online is that many people seem to not have watched the karate kid movies before watching the show -- which, on the one hand, is understandable given that the show does provide enough context to stand on its own (and that many fans are young enough to have missed the original movies), but on the other hand, there will always be some things that you can only really get if you watched the movies.

i, however, dutifully decided to do my karate lore homework before starting the show, so i'm aware of the difference this should make in the experience. like, for instance, the fact that daniel opposed the creation of cobra kai less because of his personal rivalry with johnny and more because an insane coked up millionaire terrorized him and mr miyagi for weeks when he was a teenager and tried to groom him into having a villain arc on karate kid 3, specifically through recreating cobra kai but doing it in 'the right way' and tricking daniel into joining it, all with the goal of corrupting daniel and making him suffer a humiliating defeat in order to bring the dojo back and spread it throughout the country like some saturday morning cartoon villain. an experience which shook daniel up more than having a duel to the death with a karate assassin who tried to kill him and his girlfriend with a knife. so when he sees his old school rival trying to reopen the same dojo, he's not into it lol

[haveyouseenthisseries-poll]

[didsomebodysaypancakes]

Why is the show trying to gaslight me and Daniel into thinking that Daniel and Johnny were equally wrong in The Karate Kid like all Daniel did was try to make new friends after moving across the country and then Johnny and his evil karate gang just kept trying to wreck Daniel's shit. Like, I'm sorry, but Daniel sprinkling water on Johnny after Johnny and Co. had already (1) beaten Daniel up for talking to Johnny's ex girlfriend and (2) knocked Daniel down a cliff doesn't mean that Johnny and Cobra Kai trying to beat Daniel to death was understandable. It wasn't a two-way thing, Johnny was clearly Daniel's bully.

[shortnspidey]

ROBBY KEENE

"Truth is, it doesn't matter which way you fight as long as it works."

➩ Series:

Daddy Issues

↳ Katherine LaRusso, despite her enviable lifestyle, faces deep emotional struggles from her parents' divorce and is forced to move to Europe, only to return years later with her relative Daniel LaRusso, where she navigates a new school and relationships while connecting with someone facing similar challenges.

Ephemeral

↳ Sequel to Daddy Issues! Katherine LaRusso faces rising anxiety and the challenge of overcoming personal and external battles, including rekindling her relationship with Robby, as she fights to reclaim her dojo from Silver's expanding Cobra Kai influence.

➩ One Shots:

↳ coming soon …

[boundless11]

Why Tory Nichols Is Not an Underdog in Cobra Kai

The Cobra Kai fandom often frames Tory as the ultimate underdog due to her difficult home life and financial struggles. But while her circumstances make her a complex character, they don’t automatically qualify her as an underdog in the narrative.

Being an Underdog Is About Overcoming Odds, Not Creating Them. An underdog is someone who faces overwhelming odds but earns sympathy through their perseverance and ability to rise above challenges. Tory, on the other hand, often creates the conflicts that put her in opposition to others.

Aggressive Behavior: From the skating rink incident to the school brawl, Tory consistently initiates or escalates conflicts. This aggressive stance makes her more of a bully than someone we root for.

Manipulative Tendencies: She doesn’t just react to circumstances; she actively manipulates situations to her advantage, like tripping Sam at the skating rink when she saw her talk to Miguel or even goading her into the drinking game at Moon’s party or even feeding Robby lies about Sam.

Difficult Circumstances Don’t Automatically Make Someone an Underdog

Tory’s tough upbringing—financial hardship, caring for her sick mother and lacking parental support—makes her life difficult, but it doesn’t make her an underdog in a narrative sense. Hardship might make her tragic or sympathetic, but it doesn’t make her the underdog when she’s the one dishing out the blows—both figuratively and literally.

Tory Is the Aggressor, Not the Victim.

True underdogs often find themselves forced into conflicts beyond their control. Tory, however, actively chooses to antagonise others like her hatred for Sam is based on preconceived notions and jealousy, not genuine wrongdoing. From the moment they meet, Tory seeks excuses to go after her, despite Sam’s attempts to de-escalate situations. Her behaviour is driven by her own bitterness, not necessity. For example, at the country club, Sam calmly explains you shouldn’t steal when Tory had swiped a bottle and Tory’s response is to escalate with snarky insults and hostility.

The Narrative Frames Her Too Strongly for an Underdog Role. She wins the All-Valley Tournament, achieving what should be an underdog’s crowning moment. However, the victory feels hollow because it comes with Silver’s interference, further undercutting her claim as an underdog.

Her physical prowess is highlighted repeatedly, making her appear stronger and more formidable than most of her opponents. She rarely feels outmatched in fights. Underdogs aren’t the ones who win because of external manipulation or superior strength—they’re the ones who surprise you by succeeding against all odds.

Many fans point to Tory’s socioeconomic background as proof that she’s the underdog, but this conflates backstory with narrative role. Yes, Tory has a tragic backstory, but her choices and actions move her away from the qualities of an underdog. Instead of inspiring sympathy through perseverance and humility, she alienates others by embracing aggression and manipulation.

True Underdogs in Cobra Kai

Demetri: Starts as a weak, untrained nerd who is bullied and written off but works hard to become a capable fighter and earn respect.

Miguel: Begins with no training and limited confidence, yet rises to success through his dedication, all while maintaining his integrity.

Sam: Despite being framed as the “privileged girl,” Sam faces trauma (PTSD, relentless targeting from Tory, and emotional isolation) and still fights to overcome her self-doubt and fears.

Unlike Tory, these characters embody resilience and growth in the face of genuine adversity, without resorting to harming others.

It’s time to stop mislabeling Tory as an underdog and recognize her for what she truly is: a tragic antagonist, not the scrappy hero.

Sorry it had to be said.

[cowboys-only]

Cobra Kai x PJO

I put out a poll for each of the "main" 6 Cobra Kai teens to determine their demi-godly parentage, and will now inundate you with head cannons for each one :)

Miguel Diaz - 50% of the vote determined his parent to be "Apollo or Asclepius (god of healing)", 32.4% for Nike (goddess of Victory), 14.7% for Tyche (goddess of luck, success, and prosperity), and 2.9% for Ares (god of war)

Son of Apollo, blessed by Asclepius, Miguel has more healing prowess than his cabin mates by far. His powers work best when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and he often needs to recharge by being in the sun. On the summer solctice his powers work so well he could bring someone back from the brink of death, but on the winter solstice he struggles to even close up a paper cut. Miguel also has a smaller secondary power to brighten up a room with his smile, literally.

Robby Keene - 72.1% of the vote determined his parent to be "Hermes (god of athletes, travelers, and thieves)", 16% for Heracles (god of athletes), 9.3% for Ares (god of war), and 2.3% for Dionysus (god of wine)

Son of Hermes, Robby, has an innate sense of direction. His power functions as its own GPS, always guiding him to where he wants to go. He also has a fair bit of luck in the thievery department, not that this is a power he likes to disclose. Pickpocketing comes easily to him and he has never been caught. unclear if he knows about these powers or just assumes that he's good at what he does.

Tory Nichols - 47.6% of the vote determined her parent to be "Ares (god of war)" , 23.8% for Nemesis (goddess of revenge and righting wrongs), 14.3% for Zelus (god of dedication and rivalry), and 14.3% for Menoetius (god of rash actions and human mortality)

Daughter of Ares, Tory has no powers to call upon usually, but in times of dire need she is the most likely to receive Ares' blessing. Favored by her father she is often victorious in battle.

Samantha LaRusso - scoring 34.1% each, a tie between Athena (goddess of war and strategy) and Themis (goddess of judgement and justice) , 22% for Tyche (goddess of luck and prosperity), and 9.8% for Aphrodite (goddess of love)

Daughter of Themis and Legacy of Athena, Sam has a mind for strategy. She has no outward power to call upon, but is still useful in a fight.

Eli Moskowitz - 48.6% of the vote determined his parent to be Proteus (god of change and transformations), 22.9% for Menoetius (god of violent anger and rash actions), 17.1% for Hermes (god of speed and messengers), and 11.4% for Hephaestus (god of craftsmen)

Son of Proteus, Eli has the ability to shapeshift. His power is not the strongest and can really only be used in the cosmetic sense. The majority of his use goes to changing his hair color and lenght. however, being the son of a minor water god, when near bodies of water he gains the ability to turn into a hawk. He has attempted to tun into other people or animals, yet has never succeeded in doing so, much to his disappointment.

Demetri Alexopolous - 41.2% of the votes determined his parent to be "Phobos (god of fear and panic)", 32.4% for Coreus (god / titan of intellect), 20.6% for Hephaestus (god of craftsmen), and 5.9% for Hermes (god of travelers)

Son of Phobos, Demetri has the ability to make other people feel his fear. He can't instill fear into other people, but if he's scared then those around him begin to feel fearful themselves. His emotions leak out, poisoning those physically close to him.

extras-

Number of quests: Miguel 4, Robby 4, Tory 3, Sam 3, Eli 1, Demetri 0

Tory and Robby are year-round campers

Miguel, Robby, Tory, and Sam are head counselors by merit. Eli and Demetri are head counselors by way of being the only ones in their respective cabins.

Number of beads/years at camp: Sam 7, Miguel 5, Eli 5, Robby 4, Tory 3, Demetri 2

[miriadalia]

"We listen and we don't judge" but Cobra Kai fandom edition

I'll start:

When I started watching CK, I hadn't seen any of the Karate Kid movies. So I thought the boys from the flashbacks in season 1 were young actors playing younger versions of Johnny and Daniel. So... I googled them to know their IG accounts because I thought they were so cute...

Yeah... I'll wait for your confessions 👀