What color is Johnny Lawrence's karate gi?

Johnny Lawrence wears the signature Cobra Kai gi, which is solid black with yellow trim and features the red and yellow Cobra Kai snake logo on the back.

How do you tie the karate belt for this costume?

Wrap the belt twice around your waist, cross the ends, tuck one end under all the layers, and tie a standard square knot so both ends hang down.

Can I wear shoes with this costume?

While martial artists train barefoot, for a party or trick-or-treating you should wear simple black slip-on shoes, black sneakers, or martial arts slippers.

Johnny Lawrence

Johnny Lawrence Costume

Strike first, strike hard, show no mercy in classic Cobra Kai style.

Johnny Lawrence is the iconic antagonist of the 1984 classic The Karate Kid and the rugged protagonist of the sequel series Cobra Kai. Played by William Zabka, his signature look is the striking black and yellow Cobra Kai karate gi. Wearing this outfit instantly channels 1980s nostalgia and martial arts attitude.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $30–75

See yourself as Johnny Lawrence →What you need Buy the Johnny Lawrence costume

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What you need for a Johnny Lawrence costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Johnny Lawrence costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Johnny Lawrence at Spirit ↗

Black karate gi top
A sleeveless or short-sleeved black martial arts wrap top with yellow trim along the collar and lapel.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off a standard black karate gi or black wrap shirt, and fabric-glue yellow ribbon along the collar.
Amazon
Cobra Kai patch
A large circular patch featuring the yellow and red Cobra Kai striking cobra logo, placed on the back of the gi, with a smaller version on the left chest.
DIY: Print the Cobra Kai logo onto iron-on transfer paper and apply it to black canvas fabric, then safety-pin it to the gi.
Amazon
Black karate pants
Loose-fitting black cotton martial arts pants that allow for easy movement.
DIY: Use plain black sweatpants or loose black scrubs.
Amazon
Black martial arts belt
A thick black cotton belt tied around the waist in a traditional square knot.
DIY: A long strip of black canvas fabric or a black robe tie.
Amazon
Black headband
A black fabric tie headband worn around the forehead, featuring the Cobra Kai logo or left plain.
DIY: Cut a strip of black cotton fabric, tie it snugly around your head, and trim the excess.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Johnny Lawrence costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the loose-fitting black karate pants.
2
Slip on the black gi top, wrapping the left side over the right side.
3
Tie the black belt around your waist, securing it with a flat square knot in the center so the ends hang down evenly.
4
Affix the large Cobra Kai snake patch to the center back of the gi top, and the smaller patch to the left chest.
5
Tie the black headband around your forehead, securing it at the back of your head under your hair.
6
Go barefoot or wear simple black slip-on martial arts shoes to complete the dojo look.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair in a feathered, messy 1980s blonde sweep. If you do not have blonde hair, a short, feathered blonde wig works perfectly.

Johnny Lawrence for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with Daniel LaRusso in his white Miyagi-Do gi for an iconic rivalry look.
group: Gather a group to dress as the classic 1984 Cobra Kai team in matching black gis, led by Sensei John Kreese.
kids: A miniature version of the black Cobra Kai gi with a black headband is perfect for kids who love martial arts.
Plus size: The wrap-style gi top and elastic-waist karate pants offer an adjustable, highly comfortable fit for all body types.
pet: A small black dog t-shirt decorated with a yellow felt collar and a tiny printed cobra logo.

Tips

Keep the gi wrap secure by using small safety pins on the inside overlap so it doesn't open up while you move.
Practice a few basic karate stances and the classic 'sweep the leg' pose for photos.
Wear a lightweight black t-shirt or tank top underneath the gi for comfort and warmth if wearing it outdoors.

Johnny Lawrence costume FAQ

What color is Johnny Lawrence's karate gi?: Johnny Lawrence wears the signature Cobra Kai gi, which is solid black with yellow trim and features the red and yellow Cobra Kai snake logo on the back.
How do you tie the karate belt for this costume?: Wrap the belt twice around your waist, cross the ends, tuck one end under all the layers, and tie a standard square knot so both ends hang down.
Can I wear shoes with this costume?: While martial artists train barefoot, for a party or trick-or-treating you should wear simple black slip-on shoes, black sneakers, or martial arts slippers.

Did you know? William Zabka had no prior martial arts training before being cast as Johnny Lawrence in the 1984 film, but he was an accomplished high school wrestler and quickly learned Tang Soo Do for the role.