Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Cobra Kai season 6 part 1!
Summary
Cobra Kaistar Ralph Macchio has explained why Daniel LaRusso is ready to quit his life in karate during season 6, and what’s influencing the decision he’s made. During the start ofCobra Kaiseason 6 part 1, Daniel informs his wife Amanda that, following the upcoming Sekai Taikai tournament he’s preparing for with Miyagi-Do, he will be leaving his life as a karate instructor behind. The decision is a big one for him to make, considering how important martial arts have been to his life up until this point.
Speaking withTVLine,Macchio explained the reasoning behind Daniel wanting to quit karateinCobra Kaiseason 6, explaining the factors that have made the decision feel like the right path. The actor explained how, with his character now starting a family and getting into so many karate conflicts so far, he wants to have a peaceful life unimpeded by martial arts. Check out what Macchio had to say below:

Sometimes in life you tell yourself something that you want to believe in the moment because of all the trauma that is churned up. I’ve had those moments in my life where I’m saying, ‘You know what? I’m done with this for now,’ and then all of a sudden it finds its way… [Daniel’s] trying to be a good husband at that point after dragging his wife and kids through this endless karate war in the San Fernando Valley.
Will Daniel Actually Quit Karate By The End Of Cobra Kai?
TheCobra Kaiseason 6 castis going through plenty of turmoil in the show’s newest episodes asthe Sekai Taikai tournament looms over Miyagi-Do.Throughout the latest season, Daniel conflicts with Johnny about their approaches to karate, while Tory grapples with whether or not she wants to continue learning under her current teachers. Compounding this with the possibility that one of the main characters might leave his passion behind after the tournament, and it seems like everything that’s been built so far in the show is slowly coming to an end.
Even though Daniel has been training since theKarate Kidmovies,it’s understandable why he would want to quit after going through so much during the TV sequel series.The number of conflicts he’s been part of have no doubt impacted the life he wants to live with Amanda, something that can only be achieved with a more peaceful line of work. However, he is also extremely passionate about teaching his students, no doubt making him feel more conflicted about his choice as the final season goes on.

Cobra Kai Explains What Happened To A Forgotten Character
A memorable Cobra Kai character has been absent since season 2, but season 6 has finally revealed what they’ve been up to since leaving Johnny’s dojo.
While it’s possible Daniel really will give up his position as a karate teacher at the end ofCobra Kaiseason 6, there’s also potential he’ll be able to find a balance between the two lives he wants to live. Depending on the choices he makes, he could still find time to be a karate teacher, even if he’s not as involved as he is now. However, the extent of his decision and what he finally lands on probably won’t be decided until the next two parts of season 6 arrive.

Season 6 part 1
09-07-2025
Season 6 part 2
21-07-2025
Season 6 part 3
2025
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.