Had to commit to the prank. Kenshin, "commitment." Hence, Rurouni Kenshin's commitment to not kill, using a reverse bladed sword. (Yes, I just googled the translation and came up with a way to remember it.)
Yes those are all the original actors from Karate Kid II. Including the little girl who Daniel saved during the typhoon. The show is absolutely brilliant!!
Wil Wheaton is as old if not older than Patrick Stewart when Star Trek Next Generation first aired. Mark Hamill was as old as Alec Guiness in the 7th Star Wars film
He was 52 when he first played Miyagi. It's unclear how old Miyagi was supposed to be, but Cobra Kai has established that he was born in 1925 which would have made him 59 in Karate Kid 1. Daniel is supposed to be 51 here (close to Morita's age) whereas Ralph Macchio is 57/58 at the time of filming, close to Miyagi's actual in-movie age. I think the line is supposed to be a meta reference to that. Otherwise they just have their dates off.
@@PrinceAkaiVtuber that was the bigger surprise but I was hoping for that character arc. I like that he's incorporating some of Daniels okinawan karate....not sure if Miyagi's was based in Shotokan or Isshin Ryu
Yes that was actually Tamlyn Tomita. Karate kid 2 was her first role as an actress, so I'm pretty sure she would have come back for Cobra Kai regardless, but she really liked the scripts that they sent. All she wanted was for them to add some authenticity to the Okinawan scenes, so she offered her input, They agreed, and she filmed the episodes. She's also from Okinawa, if memory serves.
Yes, Tamlyn was born in Okinawa and is actually Okinawan-American. Hence the inclusion of Okinawan glass, bingata ryusou(her pink kimono) and the inclusion of uchinaaguchi(沖縄口) in the script.
@@suraweevanichseni9859 yeah, neither did I until she was talking about it last year when Cobra Kai season 3 came out. She said it was nice to work with Ralph macchio again and how he was nice to her back in 1985 when she had never been on a film set before, he was showing her where to stand and find her mark, he made her laugh so it wasn't so stressful, etc.
Ill admit, when they were reading Mr. Miyagi's letters I cried. The Father/Son relationship and then Mr. Miyagi says he feels the pride of a grandfather watching Sam learn Karate, that killed me LOL
It's absolutely incredible how many of the original cast of the films they got to appear in Cobra Kai. Also, that was the real Dee Snider, lead singer of Twisted Sister.
I've been hemi paralyzed from a stroke before and it took so much focus and so much physical therapy, just one day I could wiggle my toes again. It takes time. So this episode held a big place in my heart when Miguel finally moved. It was the best feeling ever when I could stand on my own. I know how much hard work and dedication it takes.
Never in a million years did I think I'd ever get as invested in something like a spin-off of the Karate Kid movies... yet here we are. I'm just very glad I am not alone.
I'm 48 now and there are still jokes (and grudges sadly) I remember from my high school days. You just try to live long enough to make peace with yourself and others.
5:59 Yup, Ralph Macchio is famous for looking much younger than he actually was. He was 21 during the filming of the original Karate Kid but he looked like he was still 14-16.
24:57 "You keep for your collection"... many miss the fact that this is a callback to when Chozen was "evil" and bragged about how Kumiko could keep his shirt for her collection after she had hit it with a tomato.
You might enjoy this is you haven't seen it already. It was made a couple of years before Cobra Kai. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-q_Q53rxghZM.html
The fifth episode was sooooooo good! It answered questions, tied up loose ends, and paid tribute to the memories of Miyagi, Yukie, and Sato. Plus, it gave Daniel closure on ALL levels. And for the record, Chozen has the BEST laugh! Also, I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried a bucket of tears during the Daniel/Yuna scene. To say the writers are awesome is an understatement.
Daniel and Chozen was probably the highlight of Season 3. I was the same way, like "Where are they going with this?" and then just laughed so hard at the payoff.
@@mikeochoa458 Johnny doesn't look that old in real life. They make his character look unkempt and messed up because of alcohol, but they look like they're the same age.
Enjoying your take on the show and re living the episodes through your reactions! Yes that was Tanner (Robby) doing the wall run and flip in the Jail fight. He's pretty athletic and does about 95% of his own fight stunts.
When Chozen gives Daniel the scroll and says "You keep for your collection". That was the same thing Chozen said to Kumico when she threw the fruit or whatever and it busted on his shirt. He took it off and said to her "Here, you keep for your collection."
5:52 Actually, Ralph is even older than Pat was in 1983, when Karate Kid 1 was filmed. Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi, was born in 1932, so he was 51 in 1983 when Karate Kid 1 filmed. Ralph Macchio was 58 when season 3 of Cobra Kai filmed, so he is 7 years older now than Pat Morita was in Karate Kid 1, but they made the characters the same age. I'm convinced that Ralph is a youth vampire, stealing the youth from others to stay young himself xD He looked like he was 17 when he was already 28 in Karate Kid 3, he was was actually older than the actor who played Terry Silver in Karate Kid 3.
I think it's a plot hole? Mr. Miyagi's wife and son were in an US internment camp during WW2, which would make him significantly older in the 1980s than Daniel is now. But technically correct if you are using their true ages.
@@audreyandlinCompany Yeah, the character ages don't actually line-up with Daniel's statement here. Miyagi was born in 1925 even though Pat Morita was born in 1932, so Miyagi would have been 59 in 1984 when Karate Kid 1 was set even though Pat was 51 when Karate Kid 1 filmed. Daniel meanwhile was 16 in Karate Kid 1 even though Ralph was 22 when the movie filmed, and Daniel was 50 at the start of Cobra Kai, so he would be 51 in season 3, not 59 like Miyagi, even though Ralph himself was 58 when season 3 filmed.
You ask all these questions and I always want to answer, so this time I did (plus a few comments/responses): 1. Regarding Japanese accents: I have come across people here in Japan with no accent at all, so any range is possible. But in general we know that in film it's done for our convenience. 2. In Tokyo (and Kanto?) you stand on the left side of the escalator. In Kansai you stand on the right, and in Okinawa you just stand wherever. :p 3. Karate Kid II was filmed in Hawaii, sadly. 4. The Tomi Village shown is just a studio set. American Village has most of those things but doesn't look like that. 5. Ralph Macchio is now 60 years old, so he was probably 58 when this was filmed. 6. The actor that plays Chozen is Japanese-American. 7. That one knuckle fist (keiko ken?) is definitely in Goju Ryu. So is the ko uke. 8. Dee Snider was the lead singer of Twisted Sister, an 80's metal band.
As an American kid growing up in the 80s Karate Kid 2 was a staple in my childhood. The Nostalgia with bringing back Chosen & Kumico was pretty special. What these 3 writer's are doing is unbelievable. I'm sure Yuji Okumoto had a lot of training to do to get back in somewhat decent shape.
I doubt Yuji had to do that much. He was already an experienced martial artist when he shot of TKK 2, so he's probably been training at a pretty consistent pace since.
Yeah something tells me he shouldn't be singing anymore, that scene was awkward as hell, must've been even worse to film... "Yeah, sounds great Dee, you still got it bro!". Shame, the guy used to have a great voice too.
I just recently found your channel, and am binge watching all of your Cobra kai reviews. I LOVE hearing your thoughts as a Japanese man, as a Sensei, and as a human being. I had the pleasure of visiting Okinawa back in the summer of 2000, and got to see the Kansai International Airport in Japan briefly on my way there and back to the United States. The experience was extraordinary. The people I met there were beautiful and amazing. I love hearing your perspectives on all the cultural differences between our two countries. You have such a peaceful, open mind, and I find that very refreshing. I love the way you talk to your audience, and I hope you keep making videos. You have a great way of reaching people. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on everything. It's so cool to see a story like Cobra Kai unite so many different people. This world could use a lot more of that. Much love from Texas :)
The writers are constantly surprising me too with the precise attention to every detail and their creative way to combine the old with the new. It's such a great series!
At 17:15 for those unaware those were nerve strikes. Which are usually not taught in detail till higher ranks or years of training with an instructor if ever at all.
My sensei (who trained in Okinawa) told me that (I'm not sure if I'm remember this correctly) but told me that Karate was used for poor people to defend themselves from Samurai or just mercenaries. I'm not sure how accurate this is.
I was told the same thing, especially when learning about farm tools that got repurposed as weapons. I have learned to question everything I was told, as I became aware of the staggering amount of BS that got ingrained to entertain children and even adults, oversimplify for children and as always, marketing. Children grow up believing those and pass it on to others who take it as gospel. So I realize that I basically don't know anything, and I'm actually pretty happy with that. It's A LOT easier for me to be a beginner than a know-it-all.
@@thebob6385 Maybe sometimes could be things got lost in translation but as far as I'm aware from Okinawans, it was to defend themselves from Japanese Samurai invasion, since Okinawa was not that keen to Japan mainland but I could be still wrong. Maybe a native from Okinawa could confirm this.
kinda. from what I've heard that may be simplifying it. in that initially it was the Okinawan nobility but, with the japanese invasion they were reduced to being poor like everyone else. basically it started as a rich persons thing but, when the japanese came those rich people were now in the same class as the poor people before the invasion making it seem like something all farmers did. I feel like there are a few videos either here or on Jesse Enkamps channel discussing this.
The Okinawan aristocrats learnt it from the Chinese confuscian scholars . It was a sign of status and a duty towards the rest of the people. This offshoot of kung fu was called Te. But of course the Satsuma made everyone poor , the aristocrats included
@@DaimonAnimations That's pretty much 100% a myth. I suppose it came along with a story about developing a punch so fast and powerful they could punch through the samurai armour and kill them with one blow before then could complete their sword swing? (Yes that's something I heard from someone). In reality, karate was basically a civilian self-defense system, a combination of native Okinawan "te" boxing techniques and whatever various teachers learnt from Chinese kung-fu schools over the years. You can read some actual history of karate from Okinawans who have written about it. Funakoshi's "Karate-Do, My Way of Life" has some interesting history, and Morio Higaonna has written a full book titled "The History Of Karate", which, while mostly focused on Naha-Te and Goju-Ryu, does have a bit about the early history and the invasion of Okinawa by the Satsuma clan. Despite the romantic notion of trained karateka with deadly fists battling katana-wielding samurai to the death, Higaonna's book paints a more realistic picture, one where battles are fought between perhaps a hundred Okinawans armed with staffs and spears, vs over a thousand Japanese armed with guns. The Okinawans may have fought valiantly, but the entire war was over within a month or so. Not only was the war far too short to allow the evolution of an entirely new combat system, the Okinawans who did fight were smart enough to use the weapons available, even if they were a far cry from the cutting-edge (for the day) firearms the invaders possessed.
9:28 remember the ice blocks he had to break in Part 2???? Also, remember....in the dance club, the second him and Kumiko touched hands.....Chozen came. SAME here..... what a well made series that pays homage to the originals
"Because Daniel-san, for a person with no forgiveness in heart, living is worse punishment than death." - Mr. Miyagi. That's the problem with Kreese before and now Robby - he doesn't forgive.
the okinawa trip was done perfectly, i loved it so much and had so much fun seeing the karate kid 2 movie characters, the actors did their roles with such grace and love.
Seeing this for the third time, the trip to Okinawa still makes me cry. What an awesome show this is. And I love experiencing again with you, Yusuke-san. Domo arigatou gosaimasu
It's good that you followed my suggestion of cutting Season 3 by two eps for these episodes. There is a lot of things going on in these episodes and we cant wait as much as to what you can say about the Japanese centered episodes as well as the one on Kreese. Suggestion, while you actually do have a pointer to tell about the scene, pause it. So you dont miss any important scene next time. Thanks, Nagano-san!
Amanda may well be my favorite character in the series. I love that she transforms from, "you boys need to finish your penis-measuring and grow up!" To "This S.O.B. is evil and HAS GOT TO GO!"
Karate kid II was and still is my favorite movie. I watched it the first time before moving to Hiroshima, and about 30 times since. I lived on the east side Fukuromachi park. This video helped to take me back once more, thank you.
The school fight was great in terms of spectacle, but I think the house fight in S3 was just as good in terms of story and seeing Hawk's redemption. I wonder how they will top these final fights in seasons 4 and 5 🤔
@@mcfry13 the cast said something about episode 9 and 5 of the season and how it was their favorites so we'll have to see what's in store for those. They also mentioned a crazy climax at the end of the season
Love this show and your reactions. I grew up on all 3 Karate Kids..And you gotta remember Ralph was in his early 20s when he got the role so he was like 23-25 when KK2 came out and was filmed .. so these episodes put him in his early 50s. And Chozen was my favorite character return for this series. His uncles name was Sato.
WadoRyu was banned from karate tournaments in the US for several years(many years ago) because we were seen as too "hard core". We definitely make use of pressure strikes like you said.
Love that exchange at the 17 minute mark “It’s not hundreds of years ago, there’s no reason to kill,” “Sometimes you have to kill,” It’s just like Fallout says “War Never Changes,” No matter how civilized or advanced humans claim to be, deep down we are still the naked monkeys from the days when fire was young and all it takes is a flash of red for us to kill again.
I used to practice Wado-Ryu at a reasonably high level. I had a really mean haito-uchi. I could hit any surface with it full power. My instructors hated me for practicing it on punching bags. The chains holding them up started to rupture from the bag when I learned to go full force
I really liked your insight to when they visited Japan. That is super cool that you recognize some spots in the show. And I was stocked to see your reaction to the old characters returning. You could totally learn some flips with your style. You have the discipline already. I would start tumbling and start learning flips at a local gymnastics studio. Great videos!
Interesting that ultimately miyagi-do and Silver's philosophies are the same, in terms of taking away an enemie's ability to fight. Just very different executions...
Really enjoying your journey through the whole saga, and they've done a steller job bringing back so many of the original cast and have been very authentic to the original source whilst not always perfect in translation of both karate moves or culture they have shown upmost respect in giving the world a beautiful glimpse into japanese/ okinawan traditions and culture.
Uncle's name was Santo played by Danny Kamekona who pass away in 1996 (born 1935). Chozen Toguchi played by Yuji Okumoto, who is a Japanese American actor, filmmaker, and Eagle Scout. In addition, Samantha LaRusso in the (Laser Tag arena area) scene was experiencing an anxiety attack caused by the H.S. student karate brawl. Similar to how Daniel was feeling when Chozen suddenly appeared after 32 years, as Daniel is in the company of Kumiko. Chozen is 62 yrs old and Daniel is 60.
Is my favorite episode yet that you did, I love that you translated a lot of the Japanese dialect because I tried looking it up and even asking some people and they didn't understand! Arigato gozaimasu! By the way, I'd love to be your American sidekick on these videos, I'm 41 and know a lot about pop culture and have a fun personality, I think we would totally get along and it would be great :-) I'm a professional pianist total opposite of what you do!
In these episodes, there is some Okinawan(uchiinaguchi) specific language used, which is an endangered language. Which is why many may have trouble, since it isn't 日本語.
The Karate Kid part II was filmed in Hawaii because the producers found that Okinawa (in the 1980's) was too expensive. But this episode was actually filmed on Okinawa. I grew up on Kadena AFB from 83-88, when I graduated. This episode was a little bit like a trip home, even though I didn't really recognize anything specific.
Great analysis and commentary! If you are interested in a great stunt martial artist, Scott Adkins is my favorite! I first saw him in “Ninja” (2009) and was hooked on his great feats and intensity! He has a RU-vid Channel. He is a phenomenal and very flashy MA stunt performer.
Its always so interesting hearing from someone that knows about specific topic and can talk about all the little things in the background which would go over my head. I really love this show and its nice to know that amongst some fictional story stuff, the writers did their research too.
Hey if you're having problems with uploading the earlier vids, you can probably upload it to Patreon as a Patron only video.. I would pay to see it. :)
I'm enjoying your reactions. I love Japanese and Okinawan cultures. Watching this again with you, and learning the bits of culture that you add in is wonderful. どうもありがとうございます
These reactions have been so much fun to rewatch the series with you after finishing season 4. Glad you're doing them since it gave me a way to discover the channel!
This is one of the best if not THE best episode of all. Even until season 4. Watched this episode multiple times, still gives me goosebumps, tears and laugh. Excellent!!!
5:52 - "I am the same age now that Mr. Miyagi was when he met me." As hard as that is to believe, the truth is even harder. At the time Ralph Macchio filmed this scene, he was actually OLDER than Pat Morita was when he filmed the first Karate Kid.... by well over SEVEN YEARS! Macchio, having been born in November of 1961, had just turned 59 when Cobra Kai Season 3 premiered which means he was probably a late 58 when he filmed this scene. Pat Morita, having been born in June of 1932, had JUST turned 52 when the Karate Kid premiered in late June of 1984, meaning he was 51 when he filmed his first scenes with Ralph.
Nobody ever mentioned this but this episode represents Japan after 1945. They now have a philosophy of helping people in every way they can. Sure, they have their culture and costumes but if you ask for help they say yes right away with a smile.
Chozen's uncle is Sato,the big dude who almost started a fight with Mr Miyagi in that public village in Okinawa,the guy who helped evacuated most of the people during the typhoon and the man that was there when Daniel faced off with teenage Chozen
I watched all the jarate kid movies as a kid. What they did with this show imo was simply unbelievable! They way they continued the story, all the characters, the acting, the writing, the way they made it a true family show for kids and adults to enjoy. This is one kf my favorite shows of all time. Im sad its ending!
Enjoyed watching vid with ur insightful n informative comments such as on the martial arts n various cultures. Kudos. New subscriber because of this vid. Looking forward to ur next one. Peace.