Miyagi-Do was a form of karate taught by Daniel LaRusso in the Cobra Kai series. It extolled values like diplomacy, balance, and personal growth for every individual one of its students. With a heavy focus on defense and a humble training style, its methods certainly aren’t for everyone.
However, there are a number of anime characters who would find Miyagi’s teachings to be amazing and would agree to serve the dojo however they can. It is through these characters that Miyagi’s legacy can live on well after his death.
10/10 Hanayama Was Much Nicer Than His Yakuza Origins Suggest
Baki
At first, Baki‘s Hanayama might not seem like a good fit for Miyagi-Do. He is the alcoholic leader of the Yakuza who has often participated in street fights. However, Hanayama has been known as a chivalrous and gentle giant who helped to defeat the escaped convicts.
This shows the exact type of moral accountability that Miyagi or LaRusso would seek in a potential budding sensei. He also has incredible durability, which accommodates a defense-heavy fighting style well.
9/10 Miyagi-Do Accommodates Ojiro’s Heroic Qualities
My Hero Academia
Ojiro was one of the few characters in My Hero Academia who relied exclusively on karate. He became so committed to his craft that he used a gi for his hero uniform. Considering that Ojiro already has a background in karate and aspires to become a hero, Miyagi-Do would help him further his training.
Should Chozen lead Class 1-A in an egg-related exercise, it would also teach them the value of teamwork and how to overcome opponents much stronger than they are. Ojiro might even be able to add his own spin to Miyagi’s techniques by using his tail for supplementary support.
8/10 Naruto’s Sage Jutsu Works Perfectly With Miyagi-Do
Naruto
Despite his impatient nature, the titular protagonist of Naruto learned restraint from the toad sages of Mount Myoboku. By standing completely still and controlling his breathing, he harnessed the unmitigated power of sage chakra against Pain.
Considering that Miyagi-Do values concepts like patience and balance, it would be the best dojo to enhance Naruto’s already formidable training. In return, he could teach them more about how to use ninja tools, such as his famous kunai or shuriken.
7/10 Fujitora Understands The Merits Of Restraint
One Piece
Of all admirals in One Piece, Fujitora is best prepared to join Miyagi-Do. He already illustrated a tremendous sense of patience and justice when refraining from arresting Luffy at Dressrosa. When the innocent piled aboard the dock to wish him well in his departure, Fujitora admirably stood down.
Considering that Miyagi-Do sometimes blindfolds its students to enhance their sense of awareness, Fujitora might benefit greatly for joining them. Although he primarily works with a blade, it would be an excellent countermeasure against opponents that are conniving and difficult to detect in a fight.
6/10 Tanjiro Has Already Discovered The Power Of Breathing
Demon Slayer
Although Tanjiro is still relatively young in the grand scheme of Demon Slayer, he has mastered the values of Miyagi-Do well. By putting strain on his breathing, he has enhanced his strength and endurance to an extent that should not be possible.
Tanjiro also shows compassion to opponents that he defeats even if he must do what is necessary against them. Nonetheless, he avoids needless fights, as seen when he repeatedly turned a blind eye to Inosuke’s provocations. LaRusso would appreciate this, likely asking him to teach as a sensei.
5/10 Miyagi-Do Plays Into Alphonse’s Kind Nature
Fullmetal Alchemist
Despite being a metal construct, Fullmetal Alchemist‘s Alphonse is kind at heart. He tries to show mercy and compassion toward even the most irredeemable opponents, such as Pride and Kimblee. Alphonse may be a trained alchemist, yet he has much to learn in martial arts.
Should LaRusso offer him instruction, he could make the best of his metallic body and learn how to better defend his brother and friends from harm. Additionally, weaving alchemy into his fighting style would make it easier to take opponents off-guard.
4/10 Armin Resembled Daniel LaRusso In Many Ways
Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan‘s Armin Arlert is a spitting image of Daniel. Although kind and intelligent by nature, he can sometimes be goaded into violence, as seen when he punched Eren for insulting Mikasa. Nonetheless, Armin always seeks diplomatic solutions even with those who have seriously wronged him.
Considering their many similarities, Daniel would eagerly invite Armin to join him in Miyagi-Do. Since Armin’s hand-to-hand skills need work and now that all shifters have lost their powers, Armin should leap at the opportunity to learn from the All Valley’s finest teacher.
3/10 Shinra Needs More Practice With Self-Control
Fire Force
Despite being Fire Force‘s most promising young recruit, Shinra Kusakabe has a dark side that must be controlled. When tested, he nearly lashed out at Arthur in spite of the rapport they had built together.
Ultimately, Shinra isn’t a bad person and actively tries to help, he just has some demons that he needs to confront. Should he beseech Miyagi-Do for help, they would be able to temper his worst impulses and turn his ignition ability into a meaningful force for truth and justice.
2/10 Baron Zeppeli Could Teach Miyagi-Do Hamon
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Like Naruto, Baron Zeppeli’s Hamon shares many similar qualities with what Miyagi-Do practices. It places balance and controlled breathing as a top priority, even weaponizing it into newfound life. Zeppeli himself has also shown a keen interest in teaching the next generation, as seen through his time with Jonathan Joestar.
Given that he also sacrificed his life so that Jonathan could defeat Dio, he is the most well-rounded and qualified JoJo’s Bizarre Adventurecharacter to work alongside Daniel LaRusso. As a highly credentialed veteran, he’d likely be offered a sensei position immediately.
1/10 As The Avatar, Balance Is What Aang’s All About
Avatar
Aang is the main protagonist of Avatar and a young boy perfectly suited to join Miyagi-Do. His intuitive sense of justice and restraint both make him a great fit, especially since he is more prone to laugh insults off than throw himself into battle.
Like LaRusso, Aang also considers the most peaceful way to end fights. For example, he bent Ozai’s energy out of his body instead of simply killing him. His mindfulness and respect for life would make him perfect for the dojo even if his martial art skills could still be improved.