Cobra Kai is a 2018 martial arts comedy-drama television series and a sequel to the original The Karate Kid films created by Robert Mark Kamen. Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence have been rivals since high school. Their rivalry ended when Daniel defeated Johnny in a karate championship. This was thirty-four years ago in the movie ‘Karate Kid’. Now, ‘Cobra Kai’ continues their story in the present day. Many things have changed for the characters over the years. Daniel has found great success, but Johnny’s life has taken a downturn. Their changing fortunes shape their stories and reflect in the places they visit. If you want to know where the show was filmed, here is the answer.
Where was “Cobra Kai ” Filmed?
Season One: Principal filming began in October 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Filming took place in Marietta, the Briarcliff Campus of Emory University, Reseda, and Union City. In November, shooting moved to the Tophat fields of the North Atlanta Soccer Association in East Cobb, then to Marietta and Conyers. Exterior shots were filmed in Tarzana and Encino, Los Angeles. Scenes were also shot at Golf N’ Stuff in Norwalk and South Seas Apartments in Reseda, locations from the original Karate Kid movie.
Season Two: Filming started in September 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia, continuing through October and November around Marietta. In December, the production moved to Rio Bravo Cantina restaurant in Atlanta, which was closed during filming.
Seasons Three and Four: Some scenes were filmed in Okinawa, Japan.
Season Four: Principal shooting began in February 2021 and concluded in April, primarily around Atlanta.
Season Five: Filming commenced in September 2021 and wrapped up in December, taking place around Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia, as well as in Los Angeles, California. Additionally, a two-day filming block was held in Puerto Rico for the Mexico scenes, and filming also took place in Okinawa, Japan, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Tokyo for the third season.
Specific Locations
Atlanta Motors Superstore, Union City, Georgia: In the show, after Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) loses in a karate tournament, Johnny (William Zabka) decides to teach him that “the best defense is more offense.” At LaRusso Auto Group, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) learns that a Cobra Kai flyer is on the billboard. This makes Daniel realize that it was Johnny’s doing.
The sequence was filmed at the Atlanta Motors Superstore in Union City, Georgia. It was one of the largest car dealerships in the state. Unfortunately, the Superstore is now permanently closed. Visitors can still see the scene and snap photos.
South Seas Apartment Complex, Reseda, California: In another scene, Johnny (William Zabka) chooses a 2009 Challenger car and wants to test drive it. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) has to accompany him. They stop at the old South Seas apartment complex, where Daniel once lived. They realize they have more in common than they thought, and Johnny invites Daniel for a drink.
The apartment complex scene was filmed in Reseda, California. Reseda is in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. It’s a vibrant city with great weather and many attractions. The city has excellent parks, like Reseda Park & Recreation Center, with baseball fields, basketball courts, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center, Atlanta, Georgia: In a school fight scene, Tory (Peyton List) sends a message to Sam (Mary Mouser) about confronting her. They fight in the hallway, and Robby (Tanner Buchanan) tries to stop it. Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) sees Robby grabbing Tory and attacks him. This triggers a big brawl involving several members from both dojos.
This scene was filmed at C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The center offers activities like lap swimming, water aerobics, basketball, and game rooms. The centerpiece is its Olympic-sized pool, heated year-round. Visitors can take swimming lessons or enjoy recreational swimming. Kids also love the water slides.
Johnny’s Apartment, Tarzana, California: After a date, Johnny (William Zabka) hears a knock on his door. He thinks it’s Carmen (Vanessa Rubio) but finds Robby (Tanner Buchanan) and an intoxicated Sam (Mary Mouser). He lets them stay the night and tells Robby the next day to inform Daniel (Ralph Macchio) about the incident. Robby begs him not to and offers to take the blame.
This scene was filmed in Tarzana, California, an affluent neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. Tarzana is known for its tree-lined streets and suburban feel. It has shopping outlets, fitness centers, entertainment venues, and restaurants. Natural attractions nearby include Lake Balboa Park and Sherman Oaks Park. Residents also enjoy being close to Universal Studios Hollywood and Griffith Park.
LaRusso House, Marietta, Georgia: In this scenario, Samantha LaRusso (Mary Mouser) and Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) bring together Eagle Fang Karate and Miyagi-Do Karate pupils to fight Cobra Kai. During Christmas week, they deploy a “parent trap” strategy to bring both dojos together at the LaRusso family home. While attempting to negotiate peace, Cobra Kai unexpectedly attacks, hurling Bert through the window of the LaRusso home.
This scene was shot in Marietta, Georgia, a thriving city located just north of Atlanta. Marietta has nearly 60,000 residents and combines suburban beauty with urban vigor. The town, founded in 1824, exudes historical appeal with its tree-lined lanes and antebellum mansions.
Crossroads Shopping Center in Atlanta, Georgia: In this scene, Kenny Payne (Dallas Dupree Young) attends the dojo and is tormented by Anthony LaRusso (Griffin Santopietro). His brother Shawn (Okea Eme-Akwari) advises him to seek help from Robby (Tanner Buchanan). Kenny struggles at first, but takes Robby’s advise and punches Kyler Park (Joe Seo) while his attention is diverted.
This scene was filmed at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The complex features over 100 retailers and restaurants, a cutting-edge movie theater with 16 screens, an outdoor seasonal ice skating rink, and a free play area for children. Special events, such as a weekly farmers market, are hosted here.
These are the main filming locations for ‘Cobra Kai’. The show uses these places to tell its story and add depth to its characters. Fans of the show can visit these locations to see where their favorite scenes were filmed.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cobra Kai
Q: Where was Cobra Kai filmed?
A: Cobra Kai was filmed in several locations, primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, and Los Angeles, California. Specific locations include Marietta, the Briarcliff Campus of Emory University, Reseda, Union City, and various spots in Los Angeles such as Tarzana and Encino. Some scenes were also shot in Okinawa, Japan, and Puerto Rico.
Q: When was the first season of Cobra Kai filmed?
A: Principal filming for the first season of Cobra Kai began in October 2017. The shooting continued across different locations, including Marietta, the Briarcliff Campus of Emory University, Reseda, and Union City, and concluded in late November 2017.
Q: When was the second season of Cobra Kai filmed?
A: Filming for the second season of Cobra Kai started in September 2018. The production took place in various locations around Atlanta, Georgia, including Marietta, and continued through October and November. Some scenes were filmed in December 2018 at the Rio Bravo Cantina restaurant in Atlanta.
Q: What are some specific filming locations in Los Angeles used in Cobra Kai?
A: In Los Angeles, several exterior shots were filmed in Tarzana and Encino. The crew also shot scenes at Golf N’ Stuff in Norwalk and South Seas Apartments in Reseda, which were originally featured in the 1984 Karate Kid movie.
Q: When was Cobra Kai first released?
A: Cobra Kai first premiered on May 2, 2018. Initially, it was released on YouTube Red (now known as YouTube Premium). Later, the series moved to Netflix, where it gained even more popularity.
