Johnny Lawrence quotes from Cobra Kai

Johnny Lawrence

[looks at a red-orange Dodge Challenger with black racing stripes] This one's not half bad.

Daniel LaRusso

It's a 2009 Challenger, 5.8 liter.

Johnny Lawrence

5.7.

Daniel LaRusso

What, you know cars?

Johnny Lawrence

What kind of man doesn't?

Miguel

I found his weakness, Sensei; it's his shoulder.

Johnny

Look, we wanna win, but it's gotta be the right way. You don't have to fight dirty.

Miguel

There's nothing dirty about winning, Sensei. You taught me that. Don't worry; I got this. No mercy.

Johnny Lawrence

[steps out to the dojo area] Miguel? [sees a man's silhouette]

Congratulations. You did what I always thought you could do. You won. Cobra Kai is back where it belongs: Back on top. Everyone closed the book on us. They thought we were done. But now they see... [man appears in the light as John Kreese, smoking a cigar] that the real story's only just begun.

Johnny Lawrence

Everyone, fall in!

Hawk

Must've been a rager, sensei.

Miguel Diaz

Yeah, were you celebrating all weekend?

Johnny Lawrence

Celebrating what? That my students are a bunch of pussies? Diaz, Hawk, up front!

Johnny Lawrence

Hawk, did you attack your opponent when his back was turned?

Hawk

Yes, Sensei?

Johnny Lawrence

Diaz, did you purposely attack your opponent's injury?

Miguel Diaz

Yes, Sensei.

Johnny Lawrence

You think that makes you badass? [Hawk and Miguel look at Johnny, visibly confused] What's the matter? Too tough a question? Maybe you need some help. Miss Robinson!

Aisha Robinson

Yes, Sensei.

Johnny Lawrence

Two cobras in the jungle. One kills the strongest lion. The other kills a crippled monkey. Which cobra do you want to be?

Aisha Robinson

The one that kills the lion, sensei.

Johnny Lawrence

And why is that?

Aisha Robinson

Because it killed the stronger animal.

Johnny Lawrence

Correct! Cobra Kai is about being badass. And the baddest badass is the one that beats his opponent when he's at his strongest. [facing Hawk] Not when his back is turned! [Facing Miguel] Not when he's injured! Is that understood?

Yes, Sensei!

Johnny Lawrence

That means no more cheating. No more fighting dirty. From here on out, those are "pussy moves". And you don't want to be pussies, do you?

No, Sensei!

Johnny Lawrence

Good. That's why I had you wear your white belts. You're starting over. Diaz, Hawk, fifty push-ups, on your knuckles. Miss Robinson, warm them up.

Aisha Robinson

Yes, Sensei.

Johnny Lawrence

You think winning the All Valley gives you the right to goof off? Well, I got news for you. Winning one championship don't mean squat! A true champion never stops training. You gotta keep moving forward, or else you can get stuck exactly where you are. It's like the cement in this truck. If that drum doesn't start turning, the cement inside will harden and get stuck. Is that what you want to happen to you?

No, Sensei!

Johnny Lawrence

Good. Then climb up, get inside, and make it spin.

Aisha

Sensei, we're sorry for messing around.

Hawk

We learned our lesson.

Johnny Lawrence

[lowers the cement mixer's ladder]Get in!

Miguel Diaz

Sensei, this seems kind of dangerous. I mean, the fumes alone-

John Kreese

Quiet! This man led you to the mountaintop and you question him? Look at you. Look at all of you. I can't believe this pathetic pack of pussies competed in the All Valley, and let alone won. It's an absolute miracle. And who's responsible for that miracle? Johnny Lawrence. The best student in the history of Cobra Kai. My student.

Hawk

You were Sensei's sensei?

John Kreese

You better believe it, kid. And I tell you I've never trained a tougher student in my whole life. So if you know what's good for you, you better listen to every goddamn word he says.

Miguel Diaz

I'll do it, Sensei.

Johnny Lawrence

There's a lot of talk going around the Valley about free karate. But everyone knows that in life, you get what you pay for. You wanna really kick the competition? [Johnny kicks a bonsai tree into pieces] Then you need to get your ass over to Cobra Kai. Screw that lame meditation bullshit. What you need is bone-crunching, face-smashing, good ol' American karate. [Johnny punches and elbows a body opponent bag] Enough about self-defense. Learn self-offense. Don't be a pussy. Join Cobra Kai, and let me teach you [clenches fist] the Way of the Fist.

Aisha

And cut.

Johnny

All right, did we get it?

Aisha

I think so.

Johnny

All right, great. Just make sure the Cobra Kai snake comes in at the end, all right? I want it to really pop. Make it chrome. And throw "Thunderstruck" under it.

Aisha

I'm pretty sure the rights for that song will cost too much.

Johnny

No, I already own it. Cassette's in the car. Oh, and put one of those hash browns at the end. You know, like, "Hash brown. Team Cobra Kai," or something. And then send it to the Internet!

Today was fun, Johnny.

Johnny Lawrence

You still got some moves, man. You should stop by the dojo sometime.

Yeah, right. Just like the good old days. [reflects] Man, where did all that time go?

Johnny

I don't know.

Man, there was something I never told you. Didn't think you needed to know, but screw it. [deep breath] I was in love with Ali.

Johnny

[smiles at him] What?

Yeah. Freshman year. We were in the same homeroom. We used to talk all the time. I was building up the courage to ask her out, [looks at Johnny] when someone else struck first. That's why I joined Cobra Kai. I wanted to have the balls that you had. Without the smell. [he and Johnny laugh and drink]

Johnny

I don't think I ever really got over her. I mean, I dated plenty of babes after, but I never really let my guard down with any of them, you know? Not like with Ali.

You still got one thing that's more important than anything, Johnny.

Johnny

What's that?

Time. You still have time.

Johnny

Yeah. Time for what?

Meet someone new, change your life. Do what you wanna do.

Johnny

I don't know. Right now, all I wanna do is make sure my students don't make the same mistakes that we did. I don't want them to look back at their life full of regret.

You'll do it, Johnny. [looks at him] You're the champ.

John Kreese

Ah, hey, Johnny. Here to congratulate me on my victory?

Johnny Lawrence

We need to talk.

John Kreese

Talk about what?

About what you've been putting in my students' heads since I've been gone.

John Kreese

The same lessons I taught you, the way of the fist: strike first, strike hard, no mercy.

Johnny Lawrence

Yeah, that's where we have a problem.

John Kreese

Oh, do we?

Johnny Lawrence

Yeah. Cobra Kai needs to change. What you taught didn't work back then and it doesn't work now.

John Kreese

Well, whaddya want to change it to? Something nice and snugly like a blanket?

Johnny Lawrence

No. Cobra Kai will always be badass. But there's a difference between no mercy and no honor.

John Kreese

Ah... honor. Lemme tell you something. When you're in a war, the other side never fights with any "honor." Take it from me. Trust me; I know, I've been there. Be glad that you don't know.

Johnny Lawrence

Yeah, I don't know what shit you went through back then, but these are good kids, and they don't need to relive our mistakes.

John Kreese

The only "mistake" is teaching them weakness. Like what you did when you backed down from LaRusso's challenge. Is that what the new Cobra Kai is all about?

Johnny Lawrence

You trying to get me riled up? It's not gonna work. I am responsible for these students.

John Kreese

And I am responsible for you. I'm worried about you, Johnny. I see what's gonna happen; you're gonna let your guard down, and that's gonna leave you vulnerable.

Johnny Lawrence

Maybe that's what you think, but this is my dojo, and I make the rules.

John Kreese

Your dojo? You forget who started Cobra Kai?

Johnny Lawrence

I haven't forgotten anything. You know what? I'm sorry, I thought this could work, but I was wrong.

John Kreese

Look-

Johnny Lawrence

We're done. I don't ever wanna see you in this dojo again.

Miguel Diaz

Okay. The app is downloaded. What type of women are you looking to meet? Super hot babes. Dumb question. Okay. What are your likes?

Johnny Lawrence

My likes?

Miguel Diaz

Mm hmm.

Johnny Lawrence

What am I supposed to say? Long walks on the beach? I like muscle cars, martial arts, and "Iron Eagle". And "Iron Eagle II". Why aren't you texting this down? Computer dating is your idea.

Miguel Diaz

Look, you have to take this seriously.

Johnny Lawrence

It used to be simple. Find a chick in a bar. Bump into her hard, but not too hard. Pretty hard. Then you buy her a beer.

Miguel Diaz

Yeah, no.

Johnny Lawrence

Tried and true, Diaz. That's how the cavemen did it. Cavemen. That's another like. You know, like the ones in those insurance commercials.

Miguel Diaz

[sighs] Look, I think I can fill out the rest of this on my own. What about clothes? What are you wearing?

Johnny Lawrence

You gonna teach me about fashion now?

Miguel Diaz

Might have to.

John Kreese

Class! We have a visitor.

Johnny Lawrence

The hell do you think you're doing?

John Kreese

What does it look like? I'm teaching my students.

Johnny Lawrence

Your students?

John Kreese

You let them down when they needed you the most. Somebody needed to remind them what it takes to win.

Johnny Lawrence

After everything I did for you?

Hawk

Miguel is in the hospital because of you. He showed mercy to Robby Keene because of you. If he dies, that's on you.

John Kreese

I did warn you about this. I told you not to show weakness.

Johnny Lawrence

Get out.

John Kreese

This is my dojo. Oh, I forgot to tell you. When you were outta town, I had a little talk with the landlord. Turns out he doesn't like you much. But you know the problem with those handshake deals: there are no guarantees.

Johnny Lawrence

You can't do this.

John Kreese

Of course I can. I founded Cobra Kai. It belongs to me. It always has. And it always will. I will never let my students lose... even if they have to learn the hard way. One day you'll thank me for this, Johnny.

Johnny Lawrence

This was a mistake. You want Cobra Kai? It's yours.

John Kreese

Class! Forward strike.

Johnny

I still don't understand how they get the coffee in the cake.

Johnny...what the heck was that all about? I know you're upset, but you can't blame yourself for what Robby did.

Johnny

I'm not even allowed to see him. I'm not allowed to since I'm on probation for that little incident in the parking garage.

Yeah, well, you're lucky it was only probation.

Johnny

I'm lucky I knew a priest who put in a good word with the judge, thank you very much.

Not a priest. How about we make a deal? You promise yourself to do positive things, be a better person.

Johnny

I already tried that. I put everything I had into my students, I taught them to be tough and show mercy. I thought I was doing the right thing.

You were.

Johnny

Yeah? Then why did all this happen? I mean, you wanna punish me, fine. But Robby and Miguel, they're just kids.

I know. I know. It isn't fair. But you gotta remember you don't do the right thing because it always works out. You do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. Both those kids need you, and you need to be there for them, whether it works out or not. I can help you with Robby. The detention center will let you in if you're accompanied by a member of the clergy, so, how about we meet there tomorrow?

Johnny

Alright, great.

Good. And as for Miguel and his surgery, the church could make a nominal donation, but, we're still trying to pay for our new roof.

Johnny

Wasn't gonna ask.

Hey, why not ask your stepdad to help out? He's still loaded, isn't he?

Johnny

No way. Sid? That'd be his dream come true, me groveling for his money. I'll figure something out.

I know you will.

Daniel LaRusso

I know it's been a while since our last class. After the fight at the school, I wasn't sure Miyagi-Do should stay open, but things have gotten worse since we shut down. That's why we're back. The only way to stop Cobra Kai is if we all work together. But always remember, the reason we learn karate is—

Johnny Lawrence

To show the world that you're not a bunch of pansy-ass nerds! We're gonna show 'em that you're tough, because eagles don't get shit on! They're the ones that do the shitting. Just don't forget, being a badass doesn't mean being an asshole. The goal isn't to hurt other kids. The goal is to—

John Kreese

Win at all costs. Those we thought to be our allies have turned against us. Now our enemies are attacking us from all sides. There is no turning back. Now is the time to show them—

Daniel LaRusso

Forgiveness. Compassion. Mr. Miyagi used to say, "If you're looking for revenge, you could start by digging two graves." He was right. If you have hate in your heart, then you've already lost. I know it's not easy, but you have to do whatever you can—

Johnny Lawrence

To beat the living crap out of 'em! Don't let 'em push you around. You gotta swoop down like an eagle, grab 'em with your claws, and sink your fangs into 'em...but I don't ever want you to start the fight. I just want you to—

John Kreese

Finish it... for good. Do I make myself clear?

YES, SENSEI!!

Miguel Diaz

My name is Miguel Diaz. I was in the school fight. I was the one who got kicked off the second floor. I know...I thought I was going to be paralyzed. I relearned how to stand. I relearned how to walk. And I want the tournament to continue.

We are very happy for your recovery, young man. But I'm afraid you don't understand-

Samantha LaRusso

[stands up] Yes, he does. We're the ones getting hurt. We're the ones fighting! [Sam joins Miguel at the podium] Our voices should matter the most. And we want a place where we can compete, fairly and safely.

Miguel Diaz

When I first moved here, I was bullied. I realized that there’s no escaping it. There's always going to be some kid will want to steal your lunch money, or give you a wedgie, or give you a swirlie.

A swirlie?

Johnny Lawrence

It's when you, uh, dunk someone's head in a toilet and flush it. Pretty funny, actually.

Miguel Diaz

[to Johnny] Sensei! [to Councilperson Roberts] Instead of burying your heads in the sand and pretending that bullying doesn’t exist, or that you could get rid of it, what you need to do is to teach kids how to defend themselves.

Samantha LaRusso

Physically and... mentally. Because... sometimes the scars you can't see are the ones that hurt the most.

Miguel Diaz

Karate is about discipline. It’s about inner strength. it’s about confidence! Lessons that you could use the rest of your life! Look, I don’t know where I would be today, or who I would be today... if it wasn’t for my Sensei. Look, we don’t need this tournament to do cool kicks or to sell tickets. We need it to show the bullies of the world that we’re not afraid. It’s called the All-Valley because it’s for everyone, to give everyone the chance to show what they can do, to fight, to become a champion. And we deserve that chance.

Johnny Lawrence

Well like I told you, I always screw things up.

Thanks for making me feel like a kid again.

Johnny

We have our own little time-machine.

Sometimes it's good to visit the past to know where you are now... but you can't live in the past.

Johnny

Yeah we have to live for today...

And the future, whatever that might bring.

Johnny

Well, I know you're gonna be happy.

I know you will be happy too. I have faith in you.

Johnny

I needed this.

I did too. [pulls out of embrace and laughs at Johnny's Dodge Caravan pulled up by the valet] Oh my god, you were not kidding.

Johnny

Can I give you a lift?

Ah, I gotta go find my parents. I will always be there for you, you know that.

Johnny

Yeah, me too.

Yeah, so get out of here. You have a future to find.

Daniel LaRusso

You keep your Cobra Kais away from our kids!

John Kreese

It's a free country.

Johnny Lawrence

Not for you. Cobra Kai's gotta go. For good.

John

Why don't we settle this the old fashioned way. Tournament. If we lose, I go. If you lose-