MOMENT OF TRUTH¹ eli moskowitz

strike first

Johnny had gotten his dojo ready to go for students and everything. Amara and Miguel were standing in the dojo wearing gym-like outfits. Johnny was wearing his black gi. They were just staring at each other. It was really awkward.

“So, are we gonna get the karate pajamas too?” Miguel asked.

“Quiet!” Johnny exclaimed.

Amara jumped back. “Ok.”

“The students only speak when spoken to. Is that understood?” Johnny asked the kids.

“Y-yes.”

“Yes.” Miguel said after Amara. “Yes, ‘sir’?”

“Always address me as ‘Sensei.’ Johnny told the kids. “Is that understood?”

“Yes, Sensei.” Amara and Miguel said in unison.

“These arent pajamas. This is a girl. And you two will get one when you've earned it. Ready to bring your training?”

“Yeah, Sensei.” Miguel said.

“Yes, Sensei.” Amara nodded.

Johnny crouched down, throwing his leg under Amara’s, sweeping her off her feet. Amara fell onto the ground and groaned. Johnny quickly stood to his feet. He grabbed Miguel and pivoted, slamming him onto the mat. A loud thud from Miguel’s body echoed throughout the whole dojo.

“Oh my God.” Miguel moaned in pain.

“Lesson one.” Johnny said, “Strike first. Never wait for the enemy to attack.” The two slowly got up and stood on their feet.

“You could have given us, like, a warning.” Amara said as she pushed herself onto her feet.

“Quiet!” Johnny yelled. Miguel got up and stood behind Amara. He gasped for air. “We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak.” Johnny began to walk around Amara and Miguel as Miguel pulled out his inhaler and began to take two puffs. “Here on the street, in competition, a man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy.” He made his way over to his two students. “What is the problem, Mr Diaz?”

“There's no problem, Sensei.” Miguel said out of breath. “You… you punch me, and I have asthma, so…”

Johnny snatched the inhaler out of Miguel’s hands and threw it against the wall, smashing it into pieces. “Not anymore. We do not allow weakness in this dojo. So you can leave your asthma, and you peanut allergies and all that other made-up bullshit outside. Understood?”

“But, Sensei, my peanut allergy and Miguel’s asthma are real medical problems.” He gave Amara a weird look. She had taken a step back. “Yes, Sensei, understood.”

“Cobra Kai isn't just about karate. It's about a way of life.” Johnny pointed to the words on the back wall.

STRIKE FIRST
STRIKE HARD
NO MERCY

“Take that first lesson. Striking first is the initial step towards victory. Ok? Like when you're at a party, and you see a hot babe.”

“Yeah.”

Amara looked at Johnny confused. “Or dude I guess.” Johnny continued. “You don't wait for another guy or girl to talk to them first, do you?”

“I mean, I've never been to a party, so…” Miguel spits.

“Yeah, me neither.”

“Big surprise.” Johnny said, sarcastically. “All right, look. Striking first is about being aggressive, all right? If you're not aggressive, you're being a pussy, and you don't wanna be a pussy. You wanna have balls.”