Martin Kove is best known for his role as John Kreese, the main antagonist of the Karate Kid franchise. Kreese is the ruthless sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo, and he teaches his students to win at all costs.
But is Martin Kove a real martial artist himself?
His Martial Arts Background
Yes, Martin Kove is a real martial artist. He has black belts in Okinawa-te, Kendo, and Tiger Kenpo. He began training in martial arts at the age of 14, and he has continued to train throughout his life.
Okinawa-te
Okinawa-te is a traditional Okinawan martial art that is known for its emphasis on hard strikes and takedowns. Kove studied Okinawa-te under Shihan Gordon Doversola Shihan.
Kendo
Kendo is a Japanese martial art that is based on traditional swordsmanship. Kove studied Kendo under Shihan Tak Kobota.
Tiger Kenpo
Tiger Kenpo is a hybrid martial art that incorporates elements of karate, boxing, and judo. Kove studied Tiger Kenpo under Ed Parker.
Other Training
In addition to his formal training in Okinawa-te, Kendo, and Tiger Kenpo, Kove has also trained in other martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do and boxing.
Martin Kove’s Martial Arts in the Movies
Kove’s martial arts training has served him well in his acting career. He has performed his own stunts in many of his films, including the Karate Kid franchise and Cobra Kai.
The Karate Kid
In the original Karate Kid film, Kove’s character, John Kreese, is a ruthless sensei who teaches his students to win at all costs. Kove’s martial arts training helped him to convincingly portray the character of Kreese.
The Karate Kid Part II
In the sequel, The Karate Kid Part II, Kove’s character, John Kreese, seeks revenge on Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for defeating his student, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) in the All Valley Karate Tournament. Kove’s martial arts training helped him to perform the impressive fight scenes in the film.
The Karate Kid Part III
In the third installment of the Karate Kid franchise, The Karate Kid Part III, Kove’s character, John Kreese, opens a new Cobra Kai dojo in Los Angeles. Kove’s martial arts training helped him to perform the fight scenes in the film, and he also choreographed some of the fight scenes himself.
Cobra Kai
In the YouTube Premium web series Cobra Kai, Kove returns to the role of John Kreese. The series picks up 34 years after the events of the original Karate Kid film, and Kreese is now a retired sensei. However, when he sees an opportunity to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo, he can’t resist.
Kove’s martial arts training has helped him to reprise the role of Kreese in Cobra Kai. He is still able to perform his own stunts in the series, and he also helps to choreograph some of the fight scenes.
Martin Kove’s Martial Arts Philosophy
Kove’s martial arts philosophy is based on the importance of discipline, respect, and self-defense.
Discipline
Kove believes that discipline is essential for success in martial arts. He teaches his students to be disciplined in their training and in their everyday lives.
Respect
Kove also believes that respect is important in martial arts. He teaches his students to respect their instructors, their training partners, and their opponents.
Self-Defense
Kove believes that the main purpose of martial arts is self-defense. He teaches his students how to defend themselves against physical attacks.
Conclusion
Martin Kove is a real martial artist with black belts in Okinawa-te, Kendo, and Tiger Kenpo. He has been training in martial arts since he was 14 years old, and he has continued to train throughout his life.
