About “Cobra Kai” in a few words:

Cobra Kai is a television series that follows the lives of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, two former high school rivals who have taken vastly different paths in life. Johnny, a once-successful karate champion, now struggles with alcoholism and the challenges of running his own dojo. Meanwhile, Daniel has become a successful businessman and family man who runs a chain of car dealerships. When Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel, a new generation of karate students is caught in the middle. The show is a thrilling and nostalgic continuation of the beloved Karate Kid franchise, featuring a mix of action, drama, and humor.

Meet the fighters from Cobra Kai

Aisha

Aisha is the quietly fierce type who gets stuff done without the big chest-thumping, which is kind of my favorite — she’s smart, scrappy, and low-key intimidating when she wants to be. Loyal as anything to her friends but also has this organized, no-nonsense vibe like she color-codes her feelings (maybe literally, maybe not). She surprises people by being both rational and wildly impulsive in equal measure; like she’ll plan a perfect argument and then punch first, apologize later. Also, tiny fact: she’s terrible at small talk but knows way too much about obscure snack flavors, which makes no sense but I love it.

Xander

Xander is pure good-hearted chaos in the best possible way — goofy, earnest, and very, very loyal even when he’s totally out of his depth. He’s the kind of friend who will make you a ridiculous playlist at 2 a.m. and then forget he sent it, but it’s the thought that counts. There’s an awkward charm there; he tries to be cool and sometimes flat-out fails, but you can’t help rooting for him. Also, he might be secretly emotional about old cartoons? Don’t quote me but I could see it.

Hawk

Hawk (Eli) is that scary, walking mood board: mohawk, tattoos, fierce posture, and this whole “I’m untouchable” aura — until you see the soft edges. He went from bullied kid to alpha predator type and he wears that transformation like armor, but he’s complicated underneath, like he’ll protect his crew and then get weirdly sentimental about a dumb object. He’s impulsive and dramatic and yes, sometimes a little too into the theatrics, but also brutally honest. Weird detail: he collects tiny mismatched socks or something? Probably not, but imagine him with one odd hobby and it works.

Tory

Tory is pure intensity — sharp, unpredictable, and honestly kind of deliciously scary at times. She’s fiercely independent, doesn’t trust easily, and keeps people at an emotional distance, but when she connects it’s deep (and a little explosive). She’s got this edge where she can go from cold sarcasm to startling vulnerability, which you don’t always see coming. Also, I swear she has a secret soft spot for cheesy rom-coms or boba tea even though she’d never admit it in front of anyone.

Robby

Robby is the complicated heartbroken rebel archetype with a killer right hook and a messy moral compass. He’s angry, yes, but it’s the kind of anger that’s protective and sometimes self-sabotaging — like, he’ll help you and then disappear for a week. He’s trying to figure out who he is outside of other people’s shadows (big dad issues), and that struggle makes him fascinating and kind of tragic in an addictive way. Fun little thing: he probably has an old mixtape he plays to psych himself up, very dramatic teenager energy.

Samantha

Samantha is ambition personified but also deeply human — poised, competitive, and not afraid to stand up for herself or get her hands dirty. She’s principled in this quiet, stubborn way: believes in fairness and has a laser focus when she cares about something. You can tell she’s juggling expectations and personal goals, which makes her relatable and kind of a secret softie. Tiny quirk: she’s weirdly into thrift-store sunglasses and will hoard them like treasures, even when they don’t fit.

Miguel

Miguel is pure fire and heart — loyal, brave, and the kind of person who’d throw himself into trouble for his friends without hesitating. He’s got grit and charm in equal doses, and even when he’s struggling he keeps fighting, which is honestly endearing and exhausting in a good way. There’s a humility about him too; he doesn’t need to brag even when he’s the best in the room. Also, fun but random: he might be an excellent baker? Maybe that’s not a thing but I’d love it if it were.

John Kreese

John Kreese is the kind of villain that’s all control and cold philosophy — discipline, toughness, and zero mercy, a militaristic presence who makes you feel like you stepped into a drill sergeant’s nightmare. He’s manipulative, ruthless, and somehow charismatic in this unhinged way, like he could convince you that irony is illegal. He uses fear as a tool and believes in strength above all, which is chilling but fascinating to watch. Little odd image: imagine him with a tiny potted plant he talks to like it’s a cadet — weird but slightly on-brand?

Johnny Lawrence

Johnny is rough-around-the-edges but honestly kind of lovable — gruff, stubborn, guilty-of-trying-too-hard, and somehow full of weird wisdom. He’s got that redeemed-rogue vibe: makes mistakes, owns them (sometimes), and tries to be better in this awkward, endearing way. He loves motorcycles, loud shirts, and has surprisingly decent coaching instincts when he wants to. Also, minor inconsistency: he swears he can’t dance but will absolutely throw down in a terrible dad-dance if the song hits, which says a lot.

Daniel LaRusso

Daniel is old-school honor mixed with a midlife crisis that somehow involves car dealerships and unresolved karate feelings. He’s principled, nostalgic for Miyagi’s teachings, and constantly trying to balance family, pride, and the urge to prove himself — sometimes badly. He can be infuriatingly moral and also stubbornly dramatic; he’ll give a speech and then immediately overthink it for three days. Little quirky thing: he probably keeps a bonsai on his desk and talks to it during tough negotiations, don’t ask why.