Chozen’s role in Cobra Kai season 3 helped set up Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zapka) teaming up. The third season of Cobra Kai concluded with a moment The Karate Kid fans have been waiting for ever since the spin-off show started. Daniel and Johnny have put their differences aside to combine Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang Karate so they’re better equipped to take down Cobra Kai once and for all.
Before the longtime rivals decided to do this, Cobra Kai season 3 had to take each of them on particular journeys. Johnny and Daniel tried to work together to find Robby, but their differences repeatedly made that difficult. Neither of them was willing to compromise in this instance, and they were worse off for it. However, Daniel eventually came face-to-face with another past rival, as he saw The Karate Kid Part II‘s villain Chozen during a trip to Okinawa. Thankfully, Daniel’s reunion with Chozen didn’t go as he or viewers anticipated since Chozen was a changed man.
Daniel spent some time with Chozen learning secret fighting techniques that Mr. Miyagi never passed along. And while that came in handy by the end of Cobra Kai season 3, Chozen had a bigger impact on Daniel that should shape the show’s future. By spending some extra time with Chozen, Daniel was able to see that he isn’t the same arrogant kid who tried to murder him in Okinawa. Instead, Daniel and Chozen go their separate ways on pretty good terms. This could be a key moment for Daniel as he experienced how people can change over time. Daniel and Johnny have rarely seen eye-to-eye over the years, but Daniel’s time with Chozen can set up him being more open-minded to the idea of working with Johnny and settling their teenage rivalry aside.
When Cobra Kai season 3 ended with the tease that Daniel and Johnny will work together moving forward, many were quick to give Ali Mills the credit. Her return definitely brought back old memories and feelings for both men, but she ultimately pointed out that they’re more alike than either likes to think. As true as that may be, Chozen’s role in this team-up shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s possible the two could’ve still decided to work together even if Daniel and Chozen didn’t reconnect. Still, it can’t be a coincidence that Daniel and one of his former foes buried the hatchet a few episodes before Cobra Kai teased him and Johnny doing the same.
Whether or not this team-up works is ultimately something Cobra Kai season 4 will explore. There is a reason for optimism that the two senseis can work things out, at least in the short term, so that Cobra Kai is defeated for good. However, Daniel and Johnny also have a lot more history together that either or both could refuse to move past. But if Chozen and Daniel can move past their old rivalry, then there should be hope that Daniel and Johnny can do the same.
