Cobra Kai: Under the Cobra Emblem

Cobra Kai, now widely recognized as a mixed martial arts (MMA) school, boasted no more than forty star students. These elite few formed the core of the school and were its greatest hope for excelling in tournaments that demanded far more than a mere desire to learn self-defense.

The reason for today's grand opening was to welcome the influx of new students, most of whom would begin their journey by learning karate, considered the cornerstone martial art of the school.

This was only possible thanks to Max, who had persuaded Jean Roqua to join Cobra Kai, merging his classes with Johnny's. The result was one of the most comprehensive martial arts schools in the country.

As part of their training strategy, Johnny took charge of weeding out the weaker students. From there, those who aspired to advance or simply stay enrolled would join special classes taught by Jean or Max.

Beyond martial arts, the school provided gym instructors to design fitness routines that would help students build endurance, along with medical staff, neurologists, psychologists, and security at the entrance.

Max had invested over two million dollars, creating a facility that rivaled the best in the country. Effectively, he was the owner of Cobra Kai, though Johnny ran the karate program, and Jean taught martial arts without interference.

The exterior training area, situated at the school's entrance, was overseen by Max and Johnny. With the official opening underway, the influx of new students brought fresh energy to the dojo.

Soon after, experienced students began mentoring the newcomers, fostering camaraderie and teamwork—a hallmark of the school's philosophy.

After changing into his black uniform, Max walked out alongside Devon, who wore the same attire.

When they reached the training area, Max scanned the crowd of new students and a few veterans, all clad in uniform.

"How many signed up?" Max asked Ryan with a serious look.

Ryan stepped closer and replied quietly, "Fifty new students. We're hoping at least twenty stick around."

Max nodded as Ryan departed to join Jean's advanced class upstairs. The sessions for beginners were about to start.

Miguel, one of Johnny's most skilled students, approached Max. "Shall we begin?"

"Yes. Have everyone line up."

"Alright, everyone, follow me. This is called Heiko Dachi, also known as the resting stance," Miguel announced, demonstrating the position for the new students.

"Remember, both feet should be shoulder-width apart. Keep your toes pointed forward, and distribute your weight evenly between both feet. Your hands should be relaxed."

"Rest!"

"Yes!"

The more experienced students responded sharply, assuming the resting stance with precision. Meanwhile, the new students—some of whom were attending their first class—stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

Max, noticing their confusion, smiled kindly. "Don't feel embarrassed or afraid. This is your first class, so it's normal to make mistakes. Remember, we learn from them."

Miguel moved to the back rows, helping those who were out of position, offering individual guidance. Within minutes, everyone had managed to assume the stance correctly.

"Excellent, you've all mastered the basics," Max said approvingly. "Now, everyone form a circle and prepare for further instruction!"

"Yes!"

The veterans swiftly moved aside, leaving the center of the dojo open for Max. Though he rarely led such specific instruction, today was special. He wanted this session to serve as a defining moment for the new students—a beginning or an end to their Cobra Kai journey.

"Mimic your more experienced peers and assume the resting stance as taught," Miguel commanded, his tone now sharp and authoritative.

"Rest!"

"Yes!"

This time the class was more synchronized, though a few students still struggled. Max, standing at the front, noticed and frowned slightly.

Once again, the struggling students were corrected, though now with less patience. Time wasted on repeated mistakes disrupted the lesson for everyone. Moving forward, errors would carry consequences.

"Class, what's the penalty for mistakes?" Max shouted, his voice stern and commanding, surpassing even Devon's in authority as she guided the newer students.

"Thirty push-ups!" The veterans roared in unison, their coordination so perfect it sent chills through the air.

Max had deliberately structured this first lesson to test resolve. He knew many would quit, but he wanted to emphasize the discipline and accountability required at Cobra Kai.

While some might view the school's strict discipline as excessive, many parents praised the dojo for the positive changes it brought to their children's attitudes and behaviors.

"What is our motto against the enemy?" Max asked loudly.

"Strike first, strike hard, no mercy!"

The discipline instilled here extended beyond martial arts; it was a way of life that many outside the dojo struggled to understand.

"Since this is your first class, there will be no punishments. Half—or maybe all—of you may not return tomorrow. So, I won't waste time reminding you what mistakes cost. Understood?"

"Yes, Sensei!"

Max, whose skills rivaled those of a master, had earned his reputation as the dojo's shining star. For the students, training under him was an honor, as his teachings had propelled him to great heights in martial arts.

"Alright, let's begin!"