The mysterious Mr. Yerkovich might have been a broad wink at Anthony Yerkovich, who is best known for creating the TV blockbuster series Miami Vice (1984) but had been writing for numerous TV shows prior.
John Fujioka is Joe Armstrong's (Michael Dudikoff) ninja mentor in American Ninja (1985). Whereas, Marjoe Gortner is the main villain "The Cobra" in American Ninja 3 (1989).