Fans often discuss the "Taikai" episode for its intense choreography and the frustration caused by the biased officiating, which served to further villainize Terry Silver.

“Counting the fights in S5E8 (Taikai) feels wrong but again crooked Ref and Sam vs Devon is honestly an unfair matchup.” Reddit · r/cobrakai

Sam LaRusso faces off against Devon Lee. Despite the biased officiating, Sam manages to secure the win, proving Miyagi-Do's skill.

“If the referee hadn't been crooked, Sam wins the finals earlier, showing the strength of Miyagi-Do.” Reddit · r/cobrakai

After Terry Silver’s expansion of Cobra Kai, the Sekai Taikai committee visits the Valley to determine if the local dojos are worthy of the international stage. The Matches:

Kenny uses the "Silver Bullet" technique taught to him by Silver to take down Hawk, though the match was heavily influenced by a crooked referee paid off by Silver.