John KreeseI'm sorry. I realize that I was too hard on you. You were young, and I went overboard. You were my best student. You had so much potential. I just couldn't stand seeing you lose. I know I could be a tough son of a bitch. But if you'd seen some of the things that I've seen... Well, that doesn't change what I did. For years I've regretted that night. But when I heard that you brought back Cobra Kai, I thought that maybe this could be a shot for me to redeem myself. 'Cause believe me, there ain't nothing that I'd like more in this world than to have another chance. I understand if you never want to see me again. But just remember: I am the guy who always rooted for you. Ah, I almost forgot. [Takes out Johnny's 2nd place trophy from the 1984 All Valley Karate Championships] I fixed it for you. It may say second place. But in my opinion, you were always the better fighter. See you, kid.
[Johnny has his students lined up in front of a cement mixer truck]
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?
Good. Then climb up, get inside, and make it spin.
Sensei, we're sorry for messing around.
[lowers the cement mixer's ladder]Get in!
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.
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.
[long pause before Miguel steps forward]
[after breaking up with Moon, Hawk storms into the Cobra Kai dojo and starts attacking a punching bag. Kreese enters the room]
John Kreese
You get into a fight?
John Kreese
No, you didn't. The fight is only over when you say it is.
John Kreese
Ah, hey, Johnny. Here to congratulate me on my victory?
John Kreese
Talk about what?
JLJohnny Lawerence
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.
Yeah, that's where we have a problem.
John Kreese
Oh, do we?
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
I haven't forgotten anything. You know what? I'm sorry, I thought this could work, but I was wrong.
John Kreese
Look-
We're done. I don't ever wanna see you in this dojo again.
John Kreese
Class! We have a visitor.
The hell do you think you're doing?
John Kreese
What does it look like? I'm teaching my students.
John Kreese
You let them down when they needed you the most. Somebody needed to remind them what it takes to win.
[Johnny starts toward Kreese, but the Cobra Kai students block the way.]
After everything I did for you?
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.
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.
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.
This was a mistake. You want Cobra Kai? It's yours.
[Johnny leaves the room; Kreese watches him go.]
John Kreese
Class! Forward strike.
[Daniel goes to Cobra Kai after hours looking for Johnny]
Johnny? [In the main room, he sees a life-sized cardboard cutout of Kreese] What the hell?
[Kreese comes out of the backroom]
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?
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]
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.
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]
[Amanda goes to Cobra Kai looking for Kreese]
Hello? Is anyone here? [Kreese comes out of the backroom, an exercise towel around his neck]
John Kreese
We're closed, darling. But if you've got a youngster you'd like to put on the list for karate lessons, I'd be happy to help you.
Is one of those lessons "how to jump a bunch of kids and break one of their arms"? Because that's what your students did tonight.
John
...Did they? [beat] Must've had it coming.
Like my daughter deserved it when one of your minions attacked her at the high school? [It dawns on Kreese who he's talking to]
John
[laughs] Ahh....that must make you Mrs. LaRusso! [chuckles] What's the matter? Little Daniel's not manly enough to fight his own battles anymore?
Hey Rambo, kids are getting hurt! Just cull your band of karate thugs or I'm going to the police! Got it?
John
You're a feisty one. But I like that. I like it-[Amanda slaps Kreese hard across the face]
I don't give a shit what you like, you sociopath. And I'm shutting you down if it's the last thing I do...[leaves]
[The three senseis are giving speeches to their students]
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—
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—
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—
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?
EMEli "Hawk" Moscowitz, Tory Nichols, Miguel Diaz, Samantha LaRusso, Demetri
YES, SENSEI!!
[Daniel and Johnny have managed to subdue Kreese]
You keep your Cobra Kais away from our kids!
John Kreese
It's a free country.
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-
Johnny We won't lose.
[at a lull in Terry Silver's party]
John Kreese
Nice view from up here. I guess you get what you pay for.
Is that what you want, John? A check?
Kreese
I wanna finish what we started.
[scoffs] "Finish what we started". Just like we were supposed to do 35 years ago? Before you vanished?
Kreese
I was in a bad place. There's no question about that. But I'm back now, and you can be too.
Look around. I'm doing just fine.
Kreese
Are you? Because the Terry Silver that I knew would have roundhoused old Four-Eyes back there for calling Cobra Kai "adorable." Do you remember when we got back from 'Nam? We went through hell watching our friends die, only to be welcomed home by a bunch of hippies calling us killers. People needed to learn some respect, some discipline. That's why we started Cobra Kai. Together, we made a difference.
Kreese
We can do it again. There's a whole new generation out there that can use what we know. The only thing standing in our way is Daniel LaRusso.
Kreese
He's even teamed up with... Johnny Lawrence.
Wait, wait. Your champ and LaRusso working together?
Kreese
That's why I'm here. I need a partner. And the only other person who knows how to teach Cobra Kai is you. What do you say?
I say... no. Back in the '80s, I thought I could conquer the world. [reflects on how he trained and manipulated Daniel] And I came pretty damn close. I was so hopped up on cocaine and revenge I spent months terrorizing a teenager over a high school karate tournament. It sounds insane just talking about it. After that tournament, I hit rock bottom. But I built myself back up. [raises hands like getting things clear] Got my ass into therapy, found clarity. Turns out you disappearing was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Kreese
You know, people expect men of our age to pack it in and go off into the sunset. [chuckles] That might work for you... but I still have some fight left in me. Please thank Cheyenne for the tofu.
[Terry reflects before the mirror and suddenly looks at a spot under his arm where a tattoo used to be - and it brings him back to a moment in the 70s with Kreese at a tattoo parlor, where Kreese says he volunteered Cobra Kai for the then-relatively new All-Valley Under-18 Karate Tournament]
What? We don't have any students yet.
Kreese
We will. And this would be the perfect venue to show the whole world that our way is the right way. [sees Silver's glum face] What?
It's my father. He wants me to take over his company. [Kreese scoffs] He said if I don't, he's cutting me out of the inheritance.
Kreese
But what about the dojo? We... We were just about to open it.
You will. No, I can still pay my half of the rent. Even more. I just won't be able to be there.
Kreese
Yeah, but I can't do this without you. Terry, I can't do this without you. We started this together. We gotta see it through together.
Maybe someday. My father wants me to put all this karate and Vietnam behind me. But I don't know if I can ever go back to a normal life.
Kreese
Hey, remember, fear does not exist. You can get through anything. You know why? 'Cause you got me. I didn't leave you behind in the war and I'm not gonna leave you behind now. [offers hand] Cobra Kai?
Never dies. [the last two words ring hard in Silver's memory]
[Kenny Payne has just revealed how two Eagle Fang members harassed him over his Cobra Kai shirt]
We still owe that Judas some payback.
Kreese
Everyone fall in. As you know, our enemies are working together. They are combining their styles to beat us. But they are destined to fail. Because there is only one way. And what is that way?
The Way of the Fist, sir!
Kreese
Exactly. However, that doesn't mean that we can't double down. Class, meet Sensei Terry Silver. [a man appears] Co-founder of Cobra Kai and one of the most ferocious fighters in the history of the sport. Together, we built Cobra Kai from the ground up, and now he is here to help you prepare for the All Valley. [they bow to each other]
Thank you, Sensei Kreese. It's an honor to be here.
Kreese
With two senseis, you will receive twice the instruction. That means twice the work. And if you are not prepared to put in 200%, then you can leave right now.
But if you dig in and follow our lead, we're gonna take you to the next level.
[Stingray enters the Cobra Kai dojo in his original white gi and tries to be chummy with everybody]
Sensei! Sir, I am reporting for duty and I require no thanks.
Kreese
Thanks for what?
Oh, uh, you know, just defending the dojo and I-I served my time, Sensei sir.
Kreese
Look, we're trying to train for a tournament. Let's carry on, everyone.
The All Valley tourney. I'm well aware. Say, listen, I got a couple of good ideas. Just basic strategy.
Kreese
Don't be ridiculous. You were never part of this team. You're a buffoon. A joker, an embarrassment. You have no value here.
Wow, what? But, Sensei, I'm, um, one of the guys, you know.
Kreese
You will never be Cobra Kai. You get that?
Oh, wait, wait, w-wait, I got you. Th-This is, um... [chuckles] This is a test, right? Yeah, this is a test.
Kreese
[coldly] Get the hell out of here.
Challenge accepted. [leaves]
[pops cork] 1998 Bollinger. Been sitting in my cellar for years, waiting for the right moment.
Kreese
Not unlike yourself.
Touché. I gotta give you credit, John. You reawakened something in me. Something I forgot was there. And I'll always be grateful for it.
Kreese
Told you. [toasts] To Cobra Kai.
The number-one dojo in the Valley. I gotta say, I'm surprised you backed off on Nichols in the finals. That's not like you.
Kreese
Well, what can I say? I had a moment of sympathy.
That's a first. You remember when you asked me what I thought your weakness was? It's Johnny Lawrence. That's what this was all about, right? It was never about us teaming up or bringing back the glory days. That was all bullshit.
Kreese
That's not true.
Yes it is. And I fell for it. You know why? Because everyone has a weakness, John. And mine is you.
Kreese
You think that I'm your weakness? Well, you've got it backwards, because I am your strength. I have been your strength ever since Vietnam.
Yes! There it is. I can always count on you playing the guilt card. How many times do you expect me to repay that debt before we're square?
Kreese
[they notice the police arriving; to Silver] What did you do?
[flashback at the hospital]
DDetective
It's okay, Raymond. The man who did this can't hurt you anymore. Give me his name and I promise you I'll put him away for a long, long time.
[remembers beatdown at the hands of Silver, who made him a certain deal] His name is Sensei... Kreese. John Kreese. [detective leaves; Stingray has an attack of conscience; weakly mutters] Fuck!
I'm shedding my weakness, Captain.
DDetective
John Kreese, you're under arrest for aggravated assault and attempted murder. You have the right to remain silent.
[feigned surprise] John, what did you do?
PPolice officer
Hands behind your back. Come on. [Kreese shoves him off but elbows another officer] Hey!
John, take it easy. Don't worry about a thing. I'm sure I can dig up an old friend or two to help out with Cobra Kai while you deal with your legal problems.
Kreese
You're gonna regret this! I am Cobra Kai!
DDetective
Put him in the car!
And don't worry about Lawrence. I'll take good care of him too.
Cobra Kai · 95 quotes
