Daniel LaRusso quotes from Cobra Kai

Daniel LaRusso

Inner peace. Focus. Balance. These are just some of the skills that you will master when you join Miyagi-do Karate. I'm Daniel LaRusso, and before I was the number one auto dealer in the Valley, I was two-time All Valley Under-18 Champion. Now, you can learn the secrets of Okinawan karate, true karate, by joining the Miyagi-do team. Don't be a snake in the grass. Be a champion. Tweet us at hashtag TeamMiyagiDo. And all lessons are free. That's right, free. Because at Miyagi-do, it's not about the money. It's about the karate.

Daniel LaRusso

[Looking at a picture of Mr. Miyagi] I tried my best. I thought I was doing the right thing. I'm so sorry.

Wait, is this the karate guy? The guy from the tournament?

Oh, this is the guy whose ass you kicked.

Daniel

It was a really close match. But, if you want to get technical, I kicked his face. [Chuckles] I'm just busting your chops.

Johnny

It was an illegal kick.

Daniel

Oh, illegal? Really? Come on, what about that elbow to my knee?

Johnny

Yeah, I got a warning. You got the win.

Daniel

Some things never change.

Johnny

Yeah? What are you talking about?

Daniel

I heard you beat up a bunch of teenagers in that parking lot out there.

Johnny

Oh, that. No, I didn't beat up any teenagers. I kicked the shit out of a bunch of assholes who deserved it.

Daniel

Wow. Johnny Lawrence calling someone else an asshole. That's rich, man.

Johnny

Yeah, what's that supposed to mean?

Daniel

Alright, look. I'm not here to rehash the past. Just stay away from my daughter's friends.

Johnny

Your daughter's friends? Yeah, that makes sense. Nice company she keeps.

Daniel

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Johnny

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.

Daniel

Who the hell do you think you're talking to?

Miguel

Bathroom's clean! [walks into the scene] Is there anything else you need me to do?

Miguel

I'm sorry, Sensei. I...

Daniel

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.

Daniel

What do you think you're doing?

Johnny

I'm promoting my business. Why don't you try minding yours?

Daniel

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.

Johnny

Because I'm not Kreese...and the lessons worked.

Daniel

"Strike first, no mercy?" Real good lessons. If you think I'm gonna let you fill these kids heads with that garbage, you're nuts, man.

Daniel

Hey, Mr. Miyagi. I know it's been a few months, but better late than never, right? I've been thinking about you a lot lately. I, um... You know, it's... it's funny. When I was a kid, you seemed to always have all the answers, and I guess I thought when I got older, I'd have it all figured out too. But now I just... feel like I'm clueless. Makes me wonder, was it different for you, or were you just better at hiding it? Maybe that was it, huh? [trims part of bonsai tree] I feel like lately I've let my anger take control. You know me, I've always been a bit of a hothead, so... I really wish you could be here right now.

Daniel-san. You remember lesson about balance?

Daniel

[remembers lesson] Yeah.

Mm. Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life. Have balance. Everything be better. Understand?

Daniel

[in present] Yeah. I understand.

Amanda LaRusso

What is going on?

Anthony LaRusso

Dad's about to fight this guy!

Daniel LaRusso

Amanda, please, just go inside. This is between me and Sensei Lawrence.

Amanda LaRusso

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?

Daniel LaRusso

Want to go inside?

Johnny Lawrence

I could eat.

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?

Daniel LaRusso

Cobra Kai sells power, strength, and when I joined I was, well, I was weak. It was 1985, I had just won my first All-Valley, and, Mr. Miyagi didn't want me to compete anymore. He never really like the idea of fighting for trophies in the first place. So, you know, I-we got into this big argument, and what did I do? I joined Cobra Kai. I learned to strike first, strike hard, show no mercy, and it turned me into an angry and violent kid. It changed me.

Samantha LaRusso

You never told me about any of this.

Daniel

It's not something I'm proud of, Sam. And my point is anyone can be seduced by Cobra Kai, even me, and I'll admit: Cobra Kai makes you feel stronger, tougher, but it will also get you in trouble. And that's what happened to me. I'm just lucky Mr Miyagi was willing to take me back. So remember, it doesn't matter who anyone was before they stepped into this dojo. All that matters is that right now, today, we are all Miyagi-Do.

Daniel LaRusso

Johnny? [In the main room, he sees a life-sized cardboard cutout of Kreese] What the hell?

John Kreese

We're closed. [sees it's Daniel who has come to see him] The dojo's gone through some renovations. What do you think?

Daniel

Where's Johnny?

John

He's not here right now. But he'll be back. You know, it's a shame what happened at the school. Such a tragedy. But I don't really blame Robby. 'Cause you know what they say: "there's no such thing as a bad student." [Daniel begins to squirm] It must really hurt to see the Miyagi name dragged through the mud. Wish I could see the look on the little bastard's face. [Daniel clenches his hands into fists]

Daniel

That "little bastard" kicked your ass...more than once. You're lucky he taught me true karate. That's why I'm not gonna fight you.

John

Oh but you will. It's inevitable. But this time, Johnny and I will finish it, once and for all.

Daniel

You're not gonna do anything. Not while I'm around. [Daniel walks out of the dojo]

John

You know where to find me. [laughs as the door closes behind Daniel]

Kumiko

After graduation, I joined the Hijikata Tatsumi Dance Company and we traveled all around the world, Sydney, Paris, Singapore..

Daniel

So you got your dream. That's terrific. You got a favorite place?

Kumiko

Hai, London.

Daniel

Ah, let me guess, the tea.

Kumiko

[laughs at the English tea reference] No, I got to see the Cranberries open up for Radiohead; 1995, they played Zombie, Linger and Dreams.

Daniel

[short pause] So when did you start teaching?

Kumiko

After I moved back to Okinawa, Aunt Yukie got sick, and this has always been my home.

Daniel

I'm sorry to hear she passed. I know she was proud of you.

Kumiko

Arigato... although I know she wanted me to get married, I stayed - what was your word for it, a free agent?

Daniel

Come on, I'm supposed to believe that a guy never got a ring on that finger?

Kumiko

Many tried, but... none of them fought to the death for me.

Daniel

It's a hard act to follow!

Kumiko

Salut.

Daniel

I'm sorry this is absolutely surreal. I feel like I haven't seen you in like five minutes, but its been over 30 years... [Kumiko nods in assent] 30 years!

Kumiko

Maybe if we had Facebook and Instagram back then, we would have never lost touch. [pauses] Why did you come back to Okinawa, Daniel-san?

Daniel

I told you my business is, not bad..

Kumiko

No. Why did you really come back?

Daniel

I got my dream too, you know. I have an incredible family. I have my own business, I should be counting my blessings, but so many things have been going sideways for me lately, everybody looks to me for answers, and I'm spinning around so much I can't tell which way is up.

Kumiko

I used to have this nightmare that I had to go on stage and did not know the choreography. I felt out of control.

Daniel

Exactly. I used to go to Mr Miyagi for help, but you know, I'm the same age now as Mr Miyagi was when he met me. He had it all figured out, I wish he could be here to help guide me.

Kumiko

[face lights up] I think I can make it happen.

Kumiko

What is it?

Daniel

This was... this was written the week Mr Miyagi died.

Kumiko

Do you like me to read it?

Daniel

[looks at her] Please.

Kumiko

[translates Japanese text] "One umoyagawa, my sweetheart Yukie. I'm sorry it has been a long time since my last letter. I'm so happy to hear that Kanhizakura is in good health."

Daniel

Who is that?

Kumiko

Kanhizakura is Okinawan cherry blossom. [reads letter] "I am sorry to tell you that I am back in hospital. Please do not worry. There is nothing to do except watch TV and think. Think about family. Think about us. Think about where I have been and where I am going. In life, I have always looked for signs to show me the right way, but I got lost. Until I met Daniel-san. [Daniel reacts at mention] His kind heart, strong chi, and loyalty and love for those around him is a guiding light to me. I am very proud for the man he has become even though he still has a hard head. [Kumiko sighs but her face changes as the gravity of the words hit her too] I never thought I would have a family again. Daniel-san has welcomed me into his family, and he has passed on what I teach him in Miyagi-Do to his daughter. Samantha... makes me feel like I'm her tanme."

Daniel

What's tanme?

Kumiko

Grandfather. [continues reading] "In life, we always lose our way, but it is people, not the signs, that guide us back to the right path. Do you like that, Yukie? I heard that in a car commercial. [Daniel and Kumiko laugh at the joke] Kanashii, love, Nariyoshi Miyagi."

Daniel

[looks up after Kumiko puts the letter back in the envelope] Thank you Mr Miyagi. [to Kumiko] Thank you.

Kumiko

[presents him the letter] Arigato.

Daniel

Friend of yours?

Kumiko

Friend of ours.

Daniel

Oh I'm sorry I -

Don't worry it's been a long time since we met. I was a child then and it was during a typhoon.

Daniel

[remembers the girl he rescued] Yuna?!?!

You remember?

Daniel

Are you kidding me?! How could I forget? [embraces her] Oh my God, how have you been? Your English is so perfect.

Good, thank you. I work in international sales. Perfect English comes in handy. [nods to Kumiko]

Daniel

Sales, wow that's great, same here. Well maybe not for much longer, but who do you work for?

Doyona.

Daniel

What, you work for Doyona?

Senior vice-president of sales for Doyona International.

Kumiko

[when Daniel looks at her, thinking she delivered for him again] Like auntie Yukie said, nan kurenai-sa- put good out into the world and good will come back to you.

Daniel

Mr Miyagi was right for loving her. [Kumiko smiles at him. to Yuna] So Yuna, can I buy you a drink?

I should hope so, Daniel-san. I'm about to save your business.

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!!

Samantha LaRusso

Look, I'm sorry, Dad. I should've told you that I invited Miguel over.

Daniel

All right, new rule. If you're gonna bring boys over to the dojo, leave the door open.

Samantha

[rolls her eyes] Come on, Dad, it's not 1984...

Daniel

[sighs] Look...you've grown up. You're a young woman now, okay? I get it. I just feel like in this past year, there's been Kyler, and Miguel, and Robby. Now back to Miguel? Seems like you're adding more drama to your life than you need. And just imagine if Robby knew Miguel was back in the picture! [Sam grimaces and she shifts nervously on her feet] Oh no. Sam, really?!

Samantha

He came by last night, when I was here with Miguel.

Daniel

And he saw you two...?

Samantha

[makes disgusted face] NO! God, Dad!

Daniel

What, I saw it!

Samantha

I know, it's been a lot. But can you please try to remember that I'm still your daughter? And that you can trust me?

Daniel

It's not you I don't trust, Sam.

Samantha

Miguel's changed. He's a good person. He's not Cobra Kai's #1 bully; he's not even in Cobra Kai anymore!

Daniel

[sighs] Maybe you're right...