Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) finally received proper recognition for being a sensei in the fourth season of Cobra Kai. After the series, its characters, and Johnny himself questioned whether or not he should even be a sensei, Cobra Kai created a moment to answer this query. Despite all the hiccups along the way, that answer was a resounding yes.
Cobra Kai has never shied away from poking fun of Johnny's living circumstances. Whether the show was pointing out the small dingy apartment Johnny had lived in by himself for years, the misery he felt from losing to Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) at the All Valley that followed him into his adulthood, or his utter inability to adapt to new technologies and modern activities, Cobra Kai provided plenty of jokes at Johnny’s expense. However, season 4 gave Johnny a moment to take pride in his life choices.
In season 4's third episode "Then Learn to Fly," Johnny directly confronted the ridicule he had faced since Cobra Kai's first season. The episode began with the Miyagi-Dos and the Eagle Fangs swapping senseis for the day. As the Eagle Fangs learned how to think outside the box from Daniel’s exercise, the Miyagi-Dos were brought to the top of a building to learn about taking initiative by jumping to another rooftop. While the Eagle Fangs fully embraced Daniel’s training, the Miyagi-Dos were much more apprehensive. This conflict of interests between Johnny and the Miyagi-Dos escalated into a verbal argument between Sam LaRusso (Mary Mouser) and Johnny. After Sam criticized Johnny’s teaching methods and lifestyle, Johnny gave a short but powerful speech about how he was doing what he loved. Though he made plenty of mistakes along the journey, all of his choices lead to a life he was happy with. In this small moment, Cobra Kai established how much Johnny’s life had changed for the better by becoming a sensei.
Johnny wasn't the only one whose life was transformed by his new career choice. Though unconventional and perhaps a bit controversial, Johnny’s teachings inspired his students to harness their full potential while they were at their lowest. Eli Moskowitz (Jacob Bertrand), who once saw himself as a nerdy loser, gained a wealth of confidence and even demonstrated newfound leadership abilities that others looked up to. Aisha Robinson (Nichole Brown), who was feeling down by her lack of friends and her bullies’ teasing, gathered the courage to stand up for herself with encouragement from a supportive community. Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) learned the meaning of never giving up and even found a father-figure he could rely on for advice outside of the dojo. Johnny would not have been able to help these children as a professor or as a guidance counselor, but his lessons as a sensei changed more lives for the better.
When Johnny talked about being able to do what he loves, he didn't mention teaching karate. He spoke proudly about helping kids find their own way. After being haunted by his past for so many years, Cobra Kai gave Johnny an opportunity to use his painful experiences to create a meaningful present for both himself and others.