By Breaking One Of Cobra Kai's Biggest Rules, Johnny Finally Fixed His Greatest Karate Kid Mistake

It took until the Cobra Kai series finale, but Johnny Lawrence finally rectified the crushing defeat he suffered in The Karate Kid. The crane kick to the face that Johnny took at the end of the 1984 classic stands out as one of the most memorable finishing blows in a martial arts film. In a way, it also serves as the catalyst for the entire story of Cobra Kai, underscored by the fact that the show began with a flashback to that critical moment.

For the first time since his loss to Daniel, Johnny returned to the competitive arena in the final episode of the series. As a result of Miguel beating Axel and tying the score between Cobra Kai and the Iron Dragons dojo, Johnny wound up coming face-to-face with Sensei Wolf. But this was a challenge much greater than his match with Daniel, given that Wolf was actually a seasoned fighter and a former Sekai Taikai champion. As Johnny himself admitted, Wolf was the superior martial artist. Even so, Johnny still managed to emerge victorious. However, he most likely wouldn't have pulled this off without violating one of his own rules.

Johnny Had To Ignore His "Strike First" Rule To Beat Wolf

Johnny Let Wolf "Strike First" In The Cobra Kai Series Finale

Johnny and Miguel talking in Cobra Kai season 6, part 3

As Daniel explained to before the fight, Johnny charging at Daniel put him in position to execute the crane kick and score the winning point. Johnny didn't make the same choice when it came time for the final point in his match against Wolf; instead, Johnny watched Wolf's movements closely, waited for the charge, and then dropped down into a leg-sweeping motion. This strategy paved the way for Johnny's victory, but also flew in the face of "Strike First," one of the three rules religiously followed by the Cobra Kai dojo.

Going against the rule, even if it was something that was fundamental to his entire fighting style, represented a much-needed step in his character growth.

Even though Johnny ultimately rejected Kreese teachings and openly criticized the "No Mercy" mantra in season 2, he's thus far worked to adhere to the other rules, especially in combat. True to the principles that guided his training as a youth, Johnny tends to take the initiative when he finds himself in a fight, but for the tail end of the Sekai Taikai tournament, he pointedly allowed Wolf to make the first move. Similar to what Daniel did against him in 1984, Johnny won by reacting to Wolf's aggressive approach.

"Strike First" Is Why Johnny Lost To Daniel In The Karate Kid

Johnny's Aggressive Tactics Were Used Against Him In The Karate Kid

William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence gets ready to fight in The Karate Kid (1984) — William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984)

Going against the rule, even if it was something that was fundamental to his entire fighting style, represented a much-needed step in his character growth. After all, it was this very mentality that resulted in Johnny's loss to Daniel. Daniel was hobbled by his leg injury (which had been aggravated by Johnny), and arguably should have lost at this point in the fight. But he won regardless, all on account of Johnny's reckless nature - which is perfectly reflected by the "Strike First" principle.

For Johnny to finally come full circle and complete his redemption, Cobra Kai needed a moment where he could prove that he had learned from his mistake. It was important for this one in particular to be addressed directly, considering how it was what launched the downward spiral that Johnny experienced for 30 years before Cobra Kai's story. In resisting his natural impulse to "Strike First," Johnny succeeded in doing just that.

Johnny Updated Cobra Kai's Rules In Cobra Kai's Ending

Johnny Still Believes In All Of Cobra Kai's Rules

Johnny's handling of the situation reflects the new mindset that Johnny has adopted in regards to Cobra Kai's three main rules. The scene of Johnny introducing himself to his new students confirms this updated outlook when he discusses how he views "Strike First," "No Mercy," and "Strike Hard." As he told the students, he still believes in all three, but that's not to say they should be implemented in every aspect of someone's life, and especially not to any extreme degree.

Rather, he now sees them as broad guidelines as to how a person should live their life. In the past, there was a sense that Johnny and others within Cobra Kai saw "Strike First," "No Mercy," and "Strike Hard" as go-to solutions for almost any problem. Having this new viewpoint is good for Johnny's story in Cobra Kai, as it enables to grow as a character without moving away completely from who he is and his original goal of making Cobra Kai into something that could help young kids develop strength and confidence.