WITH the recent release of the third season of Cobra Kai on Netflix, the Daily Echo takes a look at when youngsters in Bournemouth aspired to be like Daniel Larusso.

Although many believe it’s style originated in India, karate was born in Okinawa as a form of self defence. It came at a time when weapons were banned by invading Japanese forces - hence the meaning of the word - empty hands.

Karate was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1956 by Vernon Bell and was spread throughout by various masters, rapidly becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the land.

Due to a surge of martial arts movies since the 1970s, many took up the sport - including some from Dorset.

These pictures were taken February 11, 2001 and show youngsters competing in a junior tournament at Littledown Centre.