John Kreese Obituary
Also known as: John, Kreese

John Kreese, a fierce yet complicated figure known to many simply as "Sensei Kreese," passed away leaving behind a legacy marked by discipline, resilience, and unwavering loyalty. He was most famously known as the sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo, where he taught his controversial yet effective philosophy of Karate to generations of students.

Born with a warrior’s spirit, John Kreese found his first calling in the United States Army, where he served with distinction during the Vietnam War. That chapter of his life forged both the steel of his will and the demons he would spend years wrestling. After his military service, Kreese channeled his experience into martial arts, founding Cobra Kai with a mission to instill strength and survival in his students. He lived by the mottos: “No Mercy” and “I am Cobra Kai.”

While his exterior was hard-edged, those who truly knew him understood the depth behind the discipline. Kreese was a man shaped by conflict, but driven by a desire to protect and to empower. One of his proudest, most redemptive moments was sacrificing himself for Johnny Lawrence, the very student who once needed him most—a final act that revealed the enduring heart beneath the armor.

He was not married and leaves behind no known children or surviving family, but his true family was forged through battle and brotherhood. His students, fellow veterans, and those who trained under his guidance carry his legacy forward.

Kreese held no formal religion, but if he believed in anything, it was the indomitable code of Cobra Kai. To him, it was more than a dojo—it was a way of life.

As a leader and sensei, he impacted lives deeply. He gave direction to the lost, strength to the weak, and purpose to the broken. His legacy lives on not just in the dojo walls, but in the fire he lit in the hearts of those who followed him.

“COBRA KAI, NEVER DIES.”