Summary
Warning: Spoilers for Cobra Kai season 6 part 1
ThoughCobra Kaiis only five episodes into its final season, it’s already apparent that giving up Eagle Fang was a huge mistake for Johnny. Created in season 3 as a way for Johnny Lawrence to continue his version of Cobra Kai but without its proper name, Eagle Fang Karate emerged as a key figure in the show’s overarching narrative. However, its relevance to the plot came to an end inCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1, with Johnny officially putting the dojo’s name and gis to rest ahead ofthe Sekai Taikai tournament.
In the season premiere, Johnny arrived at the realization that Eagle Fang was just an extension of Cobra Kai, making it a part of Kreese’s legacy. Wanting nothing further to do with Kreese, Johnny decided to officially join Miyagi-do. Serving as a compromise between Johnny, Daniel, and Chozen,the end of Eagle Fang Karate was framed as a positive step forward, especially since it united all the students under one style and direction. But in retrospect, it looks like killing Eagle Fang was a costly mistake, and one that needs to be immediately rectified.
All Sekai Taikai Teams Competing In Cobra Kai Season 6
Cobra Kai season 6 part 1’s ending finally unveiled the various karate teams that will compete at the international Sekai Taikai tournament.
Cobra Kai’s Returning Rivalries Can Be Blamed On Eagle Fang’s Fate
Daniel Tried To Change Johnny (Again)
Daniel and Johnny both had good reasons for thinking that getting rid of Eagle Fang could be good forCobra Kai’smain characters, but the events of the season thus far demonstrated otherwise. Similar to how their dynamic worked in season 4,Daniel placed huge expectations on Johnny, wanting him to follow the ways of Miyagi-do.Naturally, this led to tension between the two characters, with Johnny being somewhat flexible but not willing to bend in a way that satisfied Daniel. Not only did this ultimately destroy their friendship, but it impacted their team as well.
Tory’s defection from Miyaig-do to Cobra Kai relates directly toJohnny and Daniel’s feud. The argument over whether Tory and Sam’s fight should continue was escalated by Johnny, who was quick to take sides against Daniel.Had he and Daniel been on better terms, there’s a good chance the two could have found a way to resolve the problem, talk it out, and avoid Tory storming out of the dojo and joining Kreese’s Sekai Taikai team. Instead, their lack of unity fractured their team and cost the pair a valuable fighter.
Cobra Kai Season 5 Proved Why Johnny Needs Eagle Fang
Balance Is What Made Their Dojo Work
Daniel and Johnny’s falling out wasn’t inevitable.Cobra Kaiseason 5 is evidence of that; after Daniel finally decided that Johnny’s teachings had their merits, the two were able to develop a working partnership. This lasted throughout season 5, with Johnny even going as far as to brag about Daniel to Chozen. They were able to enjoy success with this becausethey both had accepted the balance between Miyagi-do and Eagle Fang.
Even the Sekai Taikai committee acknowledged the unique nature of their partnership, meaning that it likely played a role in them showing interest in their dojo in the first place. In other words,the concept was integral to what made their team-up work, and with it falling apart now inCobra Kaiseason 6, Eagle Fang’s importance is all the more clear. Johnny may be right about it being an indirect product of Kreese’s teachings, but it also represents who Johnny is too. Miyagi-do, on the other hand, will never fit with Johnny is as a person.
It May Not Be Too Late To Save Eagle Fang Karate
Johnny May Change His Mind About Eagle Fang
Given that Johnny is seen wearing the Miyagi-do gi in Barcelona when he arrives alongsideMiyagi-do’s Sekai Taikai team, it can be assumed that this change won’t be undone anytime soon. That said,Cobra Kaihasn’t necessarily closed the book on Eagle Fang Karate forever. Theoretically, it could still be reversed by the end of the series. If the Sekai Taikai is the focus ofCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1 (as episode 5’s ending implies), then it’s possible that the third segment will segue into the aftermath of the tournament.
If that’s the case, this story could see Johnny resurrect Eagle Fang. That would be a sensible move for the character, given season 6’s developments. Early on, Johnny talked about pursuing this career path and opening more dojos, but also made it clear he has no interest in working with Daniel in the long term. Regardless of whether their friendship is repaired, getting Eagle Fang back on its feet could be the ideal future for Johnny afterCobra Kaiends.
