[Johnny attends the All-Valley Karate Championship organizing committee meeting to press his case over revoking Cobra Kai's lifetime ban against Daniel's stern objections]
Johnny Lawrence
Look, I admit Cobra Kai had its share of problems in the '80s. My sensei didn't always play by the rules. That's why I left. But my Cobra Kai is different. It's a place where kids can come and feel like they belong. Where they won't get picked on because they're a bunch of losers, or because they're unique. I've watched firsthand as my students have gotten stronger, gained confidence, or had to stand up for themselves. Cobra Kai is making a difference to these kids' lives. And honestly, they're making a difference in mine as well. Thank you.
[Johnny is in his office, on the phone with an interested customer]
Johnny Lawrence
Uh-huh. No, we're always looking for new recruits. We have a 4PM class and a 5PM class, but they're filling up fast. No no, we accept boys and girls. Gender what? Hey, is this a prank call?
[Miguel gets advice from Johnny about how to approach Sam after disappearing weeks before]
Johnny
We all get shit wrong sometimes. Some of us get it wrong a lot. But if you own up to your mistakes, you always have a shot at making things right. You don't have to have it all figured out. Just be honest with [Sam]. See where it goes from there.
Cobra Kai isn't just about karate. It's about a way of life. [Points to wall with "Strike First Strike Hard No Mercy" written on it] Take that first lesson. Striking first is the initial step towards victory. Okay, like when you're at a party, and you see a hot babe. You don't wait for some other guy to go talk to her first, do you?
Big surprise. Alright, look, striking first is about being aggressive. Alright? If you're not aggressive, then you're being a pussy. And you don't wanna be a pussy! You wanna have balls!
It means those friends of hers were wailing on a kid half their size. Maybe you don't know your daughter as well as you think you do. Get your house in order, LaRusso.
Sensei? Really? Oh my god. [To Miguel] Kid, I don't know what he's told you, but you shouldn't believe a word this guy says, or you're gonna end up just like him. [Back to Johnny] You and I, this...we're not done.
I wish I could show my mom what I did to those boards, but if she knew where I was right now, she'd kill me. What's wrong with you?
Johnny
[After reading "Final Notice" bills] Nothing. Put your costume on, I'm driving you to that dance, and we're gonna pick up some more students. [Sees Miguel's horribly homemade halloween costume] What the hell is that?
It's my halloween costume. My ya-ya made it. It started off as Deadpool, then I think it was Spider-Man, and then it just kinda became some generic superhero.
Minding mine? You know what, look, this is ridiculous, okay? We can both be adults here. I just don't know why you'd ever wanna bring back Cobra Kai after what your sensei did to you.
You got your ass kicked because you didn't have any defense. So I'm gonna teach you the best defense that you can know. And the best defense- [holds up his fists to Miguel's face] -is more offense.
Since you joined Cobra Kai, I have been hard on you. I've called you names, I've humiliated you - some of you, I've hit. And for that, I don't apologize. Cobra Kai is about strength. If you can't be strong on the inside, you can't be strong on the outside. And right now - you're all weak. And I know that because I was you. I used to have no friends, I used to be the weird kid. Well, maybe not that weird, I still hooked up with babes 'n all but the point is - I wasn't always the badass Sensei that I am today. Just like a cobra, I had to shed my loser skin to find my true power. And you guys will too.
[Eli enters sporting a new mohawk. No one recognizes him]
Wait, are you the kid with the lip? Nice cut, bro! You see that? It doesn't matter if you're a loser, or a nerd, or a freak. All that matters is that You... Become... Badass! "Hawk" - fall in.
[Eli/Hawk kicks off his shoes and falls in at the front of the class next to Aisha and Miguel. The other Cobra Kais stare in awe]
[Johnny brings out a liquor bottle to celebrate Cobra Kai's return to the All-Valley Karate Championship - and Miguel's successful date with Samantha LaRusso]
You've trained hard. You've gotten stronger, tougher, faster. You've done your best! You're ready for this tournament! Am I right?
SStudents
Yes, Sensei!
Johnny
WRONG! (he crushes his beer can & throws it) Your best ain't shit! If you wanna win the All-Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament, you gotta give me better than your best! Which is why, from now on, you're gonna be getting my worst! Do you understand?!
It was the summer of '82. Rocky III had just come out. My buddy Dutch was a huge Mr. T fan, so we went to a local theater to check it out. Sitting in front of us was this group of cute chicks, eating popcorn, and Dutch started throwing Milk Duds at 'em.
'Cause, it's an alpha move, man. Chicks love it when you treat 'em like crap. Anyway, eventually the girls got so pissed off one of 'em stood up and started yelling at us. That's when I saw her for the first time.
Yeah, you two seem to have this pretty well in hand. Just a normal Saturday afternoon, a couple of grown men about to kick each other into a pool. You know, as much as I would love to watch you and your childhood karate rival duke it out, I kinda don't wanna get any blood on the patio, so what do you say we try to resolve this over some breakfast instead?
Cobra Kai · 95 quotes
Johnny Lawrence
