No, John Kreese is definitively not portrayed as a good guy. From his introduction in the Karate Kid universe, he has been consistently depicted as a formidable antagonist whose influence is detrimental.
Kreese's Portrayal in the Original Film
In the original 1984 Karate Kid movie, the character of John Kreese served as the primary antagonist, embodying a dark and unyielding approach to karate. He was not merely a strict sensei but was characterized as the manipulative and aggressive adult orchestrating the actions of his students.
- Antagonist Role: Kreese was the "psychopathic adult pulling the strings" behind the aggressive and bullying behavior of his star student, Johnny Lawrence, and the Cobra Kai dojo.
- Harmful Philosophy: His infamous "Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy." mantra encapsulated his brutal philosophy, which advocated for aggression, intimidation, and a complete lack of compassion. This philosophy directly led to unsportsmanlike conduct and violence from his students.
- Manipulative Influence: He exploited his students' vulnerabilities and fostered a culture of fear and dominance, making them tools for his own twisted sense of honor and victory rather than guiding them toward personal growth or true martial arts discipline.
Why Kreese is Seen as a Villain
Kreese's actions and teachings throughout his appearances solidify his status as a villain rather than a good guy.
- Encouragement of Violence: He consistently encouraged his students to inflict pain and show no mercy, even when it was unnecessary or unethical.
- Lack of Empathy: Kreese rarely displays empathy or understanding, often resorting to anger and force when confronted with failure or dissent.
- Abusive Behavior: His methods often veered into emotional and physical abuse, particularly evident in how he treated his students after losses or perceived weaknesses.
His character is designed to represent the dark side of martial arts: power without responsibility, aggression without discipline, and victory at any cost. This portrayal firmly establishes him as an antagonist, making it clear he is far from being considered a "good guy" in the narrative.
