Martial arts is an ancient art glorified by the entertainment industry, most notably by mixed martial art franchises such as the UFC. 

Yet martial arts has a history of thousands of years in many different continents and is built on layers of respect that have gone into years of technique training. Those who choose to learn a martial art must be prepared to go through both mental and physical tests.

When the media attempts to portray martial arts, it can go one of two ways. Martial arts can be shown as the sport that it is: a great way to stay fit while practicing self discipline and respect. 

But shows such as Cobra Kai and Kickin’ It portray martial arts comically. Both series are labeled as “action comedies,” with Cobra Kai being a spinoff of the The Karate Kid saga.

The Karate Kid saga shows a respectful approach to the arts through Mr. Miyagi’s teachings, but the fights and unrealistic rivalries contradict the respect taught by all martial arts. Cobra Kai capitalizes on the theme of lacking discipline, as the show tells the story of rivals Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence.

The two men’s rivalry from Karate Kid spreads to their students, who engage in fights outside of competitions and sparring matches. These fights make up the majority of the action scenes in Cobra Kai.

The teachings of Cobra Kai are a mix of mixed martial arts and taekwondo. In the first three seasons, the students only focus on sparring. This is only part of taekwondo, which has sections in forms, weapons, self defense, and board breaks.

In the recently released fourth season, board breaks, weapons, and forms are briefly addressed in the All Valley Tournament. This is appreciated, as it pays mind to other important factors to martial arts.

The show also does a decent job of demonstrating taekwondo techniques commonly taught, such as the superman punch, axe kick, and floor takedowns. 

For the most part, the sparring matches and fights pictured in Cobra Kai are just demonstrations of technique. Half the moves used are not for practicality and would never be used in a real sparring match.

Fighters in the real world don’t take the time to use physically appealing kicks. They use their dominant leg and keep a closed profile.

Many characters from Cobra Kai have noticeable jewelry on during competitions. This is highly unrealistic, as that person wouldn’t be able to fight.

Likewise, a mouth guard is required to spar in martial arts and even in the UFC. No mouthguards are worn during the All Valley competition in the series. Although this might affect an actor’s diction, it would be nice to see this rule portrayed.

Critiquing this lighthearted show may seem a little harsh, but when it comes to something as sacred and respected as martial arts, jokes aren’t meant to be made.