Miyagi's Wisdom in the World of Cobra Kai

Around eleven years have passed since the last time I watched an episode of The Karate Kid series. However, my mind still sometimes wanders to how Mr. Miyagi would react if he were alive to witness the events of the Cobra Kai series. Mr. Miyagi's philosophy of balance in martial arts and life would undoubtedly shape his thoughts and actions in a very profound way.

Philosophy of Balance

Mr. Miyagi emphasized balance in both martial arts and life. This principle would likely concern him about the aggressive approach taken by Cobra Kai. In contrast to their confrontational methods, Mr. Miyagi would advocate for a more peaceful and balanced approach, focusing on the principles of understanding and self-control rather than revenge.

Mentorship and Guidance

Mr. Miyagi was a mentor to Daniel LaRusso, and he would continue to offer guidance. He would encourage Daniel to remain calm and focused on the values of Miyagi-Do, which are deeply rooted in balance and understanding. Mr. Miyagi would seek to maintain a positive influence, fostering growth and encouraging students from both ends of the rivalry to learn from each other.

Conflict Resolution and Respect

In matters of conflict, Mr. Miyagi would likely seek to mediate between the rival dojos, emphasizing the importance of respect and understanding. He would encourage students from both dojo to focus on learning from each other and avoiding the cycle of violence and rivalry, promoting a sense of mutual respect and cooperation.

Growth and Redemption

Mr. Miyagi believed in personal growth and redemption. He would recognize the struggles of characters like Johnny Lawrence, seeing potential for change and encouraging him to embrace a more positive path. Through his counsel, he would work to instill values of compassion, humility, and honor in both his own students and those of the Cobra Kai dojo.

Cultural Values

As a deeply rooted figure in Japanese culture, Mr. Miyagi would stress the importance of honor, respect, and humility in martial arts. He would likely contrast this with some of the more aggressive tactics seen in Cobra Kai, advocating for a more ethical and balanced approach to martial arts and life.

Conclusion

In summary, Mr. Miyagi would likely advocate for peace, understanding, and personal growth while expressing deep concern for the toxic rivalry that has developed. His influence would be felt in encouraging both his own students and those of the Cobra Kai dojo to move towards a more harmonious and balanced future. The mentorship and guidance that Mr. Miyagi provided in the original series are more relevant than ever in the conflicts presented by the Cobra Kai series.