The All-Valley Karate Tournament has been a staple of the ‘Karate Kid‘ franchise since the original 1984 film. As the biggest martial arts competition in the San Fernando Valley, it attracts the best young karateka from all different dojos to prove their skills.
Over the ‘Karate Kid‘ films and ‘Cobra Kai‘ series, several characters have emerged victorious by winning the championships. Here is a ranking of every All-Valley champion from worst to best based on their skills and impact on the franchise.
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8. Xander Stone
Xander Stone was depicted as the reigning All-Valley Tournament Championtook in ‘Cobra Kai’ season one but left little impression. He was depicted as cocky and overconfident, lacking the dedication of better champions. While talented, he lost to Miguel who was still learning. His flashy style couldn’t be a match for the up-and-coming complete fighters.
7. Darryl Vidal
A champion who stood out only as the opponent Johnny Lawrence had to defeat. Darryl Vidal seemed skilled with his footwork but lacked character development. His primary role was to establish Johnny’s strength before losing, with little else explored about his path to the championship. A legitimate winner but amongst the more forgettable in the tournament’s history.
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6. Tory Nichols
Emerging as the first female All-Valley Tournament Champion in ‘Cobra Kai‘ season two, Tory showed ferocity and talent that fit her. However, shadows were cast over her victory through cheating.
While she proved her abilities against Sam, the match’s integrity remained in question. If the tournament was held honorably, the outcome might’ve been different. Still, Tory demonstrated potential for greatness if given a fair shot.
5. Miguel Diaz
The inaugural Cobra Kai champion shone as a dedicated student who fought hard to win. Miguel’s victory in the original All-Valley was well-earned, even if his opponent Robby was less experienced. Since then, injuries have held Miguel back from reaching his peak. At his best, he likely would have ascended further up the ranks with more victories to cement his legacy as one of the best.
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4. Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz
Hawk exemplified growth and heart in his championship run. Training under forces as disparate as Johnny, Kreese, and Daniel helped broaden his skills and mindset. While injuries prevented testing himself against Miguel in prime form, outdueling fellow champion Robby displayed his mastery. With continued evolution, he may rise higher still as one of the most well-rounded titleholders.
3. Robby Keene
Never emerging victorious but twice reaching the finals, Robby showed himself a prodigy among prodigies. Only defeated by champions Miguel and Hawk, he possessed dedication and skill well beyond his years. Had circumstances been different, Robby seemed destined for a title of his own. His impact as a formidable foe establishes him as an elite talent in tournament history.
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2. Johnny Lawrence
A two-time victor whose wins were only referenced without being witnessed leaves Johnny’s achievements open to debate. However, to be praised as highly as he was by Kreese implies greatness, as does coaching multiple champions. If the series provided flashbacks to Johnny’s wins, he may rank even higher. As is, he remains one of the best to ever step foot in the All-Valley tournament.
1. Daniel LaRusso
As the original Karate Kid himself, Daniel proved the most complete and well-rounded. He defeated two-time champion Johnny Lawrence, and dangerous opponents like Mike Barnes, and survived lethal attempts on his life by Terry Silver. Cementing himself as a living master of Miyagi-Do, Daniel stands well and above as the most accomplished and renowned All-Valley champion the tournament has ever seen.
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