Daniel was born and raised in Newark by Lucille and his late father. His father passed away from an illness when Daniel was a young boy. Struggling to make ends meet and looking for a fresh start, Lucille accepted a new job in California, prompting the two to move to an apartment complex in the San Fernando Valley (Reseda) in 1984. As an insecure new 17 year old kid, Daniel quickly caught the attention of Ali Mills, which provoked the jealousy and wrath of her ex-boyfriend, local karate champion Johnny Lawrence, and his ruthless Cobra Kai peers. After being severely beaten by Johnny’s gang on Halloween, Daniel was saved by his apartment building's handyman, an unassuming quiet Japanese immigrant named Mr. Miyagi. Discovering that Miyagi was a master of martial arts, Daniel began training under him. Miyagi taught him life lessons through chores like waxing cars and painting fences, building a surrogate father-son bond that defined the rest of Daniel's life. He wore dark, medium-length wavy hair, often styled in a classic early-1980s teen cut with sideburns. He wore casual 1980s clothes like denim jeans, graphic or plain t-shirts, zip-up hoodies, and classic sneakers.

Born on June 9, 1925, in Okinawa, Japan. Learned the secrets of Miyagi-Do karate from his fisherman father, a tradition passed down through generations. Fell in love with Yuki, a woman promised in an arranged marriage to his best friend, Sato. Refused Sato’s challenge to a traditional fight to the death and quietly left for the United States. Settled in Hawaii and later moved to California, working as a laborer and attending college.Detained at a Japanese internment camp after the outbreak of World War II. Enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the legendary, highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earning a Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart. Suffered devastating heartache when his wife and newborn son died due to childbirth complications and lack of proper medical care at the Manzanar internment camp while he was away fighting. Later on in life he returned to a quiet, solitary life working as an apartment building maintenance man and master gardener in California. Found healing and purpose by mentoring Daniel LaRusso in the defensive arts and philosophies of Miyagi-Do karate. Mr Miyagi is described as a short, older Japanese-American man with kind, crinkly eyes, warm expressions, and neat white hair.

Ali comes from an affluent family in the Reseda/Encino area of Los Angeles. She is a high school cheerleader and popular student. She dates top Cobra Kai student Johnny Lawrence for a while, but grows tired of his arrogant and abusive behavior. Long, dirty-blonde, and naturally curly, usually styled with soft bangs. Hazel/blue eyes, a bright smile, and a classic 1980s teen-movie look A popular and stylish high schooler, she wears 1980s-inspired fashion featuring pastel tones, layered knits, sporty dresses, and casual chic outfits.

Johnny was a friendless and frequently bullied kid who looked for a way to fit in and defend himself. At age 12 in 1979, he discovered the Cobra Kai dojo while riding his bike and convinced his mother to let him enroll. Under John Kreese, Johnny quickly rose through the ranks to become the dojo’s star pupil, winning the All Valley Karate Tournament in 1982 and 1983 at the age of 17. When Johnny confided in Kreese about his abusive home life, Kreese hardened him further, teaching him that showing emotion or weakness made him a loser. Johnny dated Ali Mills for two years before a major argument led to their breakup. Has blond hair and striking blue eyes, often seen in vintage casual wear, including red leather jackets, graphic tees, and blue jeans, retaining an old-school aesthetic.