the Best Around
This weekend that just passed, I attended Creation Entertainment’s Tribute to Cobra Kai. Although I have already met some of the cast members before, this was highly anticipated. I decided to splurge and go for the V.I.P. package. Armed with my decorative jacket (which prompted Dan Ahdoot who plays Anoush on the show to call me “the General of Cobra Kai”) complete with an Imbolg back patch and decorative pins, I walked into the Hanover Marriot in Whippany, NJ to witness the outpouring of countless fans that gathered for the same reason. Our love for this amazing show. And that is an understatement in many ways. People came from all over the country and the world. Some of whom had to overcome a lot to just get there. But despite any of that, we all made it! Watching the live panels (one of which included a live stunt demonstration and Comedy show), seeing the effort that many fans made by piecing together their own Karate Gis, lining up to ask the actors questions and more.
Because I purchased a V.I.P. pass, I was fortunate enough to not have to wait in line much and got to meet pretty much every guest from the show (some more than once). This was not the first time I had the pleasure of meeting some of the casts members. That was in 2018 when I met Susan Gallagher (who plays Homeless Lynn) and in 2022 at "Cobra Kai live and bad Ass" when I met Courtney Henggeler (who plays Amanda Larusso. who has since retired from acting but is now like myself writing in her own blog: Notes from the Guest Cottage) I have always said that the magic of Cobra Kai is in the fact that everyone involved is so down to Earth, humble and grateful for what they are a part of. Xolo Maridueña (who plays Miguel on Cobra Kai) really drove this point home when I met him. He really expressed how much he was aware of the fact gratitude is so important. He was also happy when I gifted him with an Imbolg shirt, as were the other cast members.
I can’t express enough what a unique and uplifting experience this was. Even if I didn’t get to meet any of people who had acted on the show or the writers, Just being there to witness the impact that has on so many people is totally inspiring. I always refer to Cobra Kai, and the unimaginable dream that became a reality. Simply, because never in my life, I think that the characters that I saw in the original movies would be brought back with so much depth (a 90 minute movie can only tell you so much about a character. TV episodes really help us understand them) but also them interact with other characters in ways I never thought of. Think about it, did you ever think that you would see Johnny Lawrence again let alone his whole backstory, or Him face-to-face again with not only Daniel Larusso, but also his OG Cobra Kai friends (Yes, I know we got to see that in the "Sweep the Leg" video from No more Kings video & “How I Met your Mother”) His former Sensei John Kreese, or the other Karate Kid protagonists turned allies? Completely mind blowing to think about it? We owe all of this to none other than the writers of the show : Jon Hurwitz , Josh Heald, & Hayden Schlossberg aka “The Big 3”. Who I also had the pleasure of meeting last weekend.
I realize that I could go on for pages upon pages about how great this was. But it still wouldn't even scratch the surface. Last week's event started off on Thursday when I went to see the new Karate Kid Legends movie. It was a planned meet up with none other than Drew aka the Cobra Kai Kid and his film crew for the upcoming Netflix documentary Kai Hards
Obviously this show has impacted my life greatly. But like I said earlier, that is merely an understatement. I was inspired to do my own Cobra Kai videos, and after seeing a live Broadcast from the Cobra Kai Kid, I discovered the Veteran's Charity that I have been supporting through my Charity Music Festival Bravofest
Not only that, all the stories that people on and off the show have told about their own personal struggles has really made other people aware that they are not alone when they in crisis. One of the worst feelings a a person can have in my opinion is feeling like no one can relate to or understand what you are going through. Hence why there are support groups for people. It reminds me of something I saw in my building earlier "When we have have each other, we have everything". So please understand that you are NEVER alone. Someone will always be willing to reach out and help. And despite what you are going through, you should be proud of who you are. William Zabka did express this thought during one of the meet and greets, so if Johnny Lawrence says it you better listen! Fortunately many people today are more conscious of the seriousness of Mental Health Awareness including the Cobra Kai Kid, which he has stated many times on his channel. The event even had an antibullying panel as well. Since this was something completely overlooked years ago. These are just some of the many great ways this show has impacted the world. One message I really hope people take away from the show is something Daniel learned from Kumiko in Season 3 : "If you put good out in the world, good will comeback to you". Basically the principals of karma.
It is quite obvious as to why I named this entry "the Best around" the theme song from the original Karate Kid movie, that was actually written for Rocky III not only that but because this was one of the best times i've had in years. I can't wait until next year's event and whatever events will be coming in the future. With the great rapport that this cast and crew have with each other, I wish they would reunite for more conventions or do stuff like they did in the past where the show would be revamped into a skit based variety show or some charity events. Thanks again for reading and thank you to everyone who this a weekend never to be forgotten. Best Always, Nate xoxo
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