LONDON - With the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s One Piece currently dominating global streaming charts, breakout star Taz Skylar has pulled back the curtain on the grueling physical discipline required to embody the "Black Leg" stylist, Sanji. In a new high-intensity training demonstration, the British-Spanish actor showcased a hybrid workout that fuses traditional strength conditioning with the acrobatic demands of Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The routine, designed to ensure Skylar can perform his own high-stakes stunts without the need for digital enhancements, emphasizes functional mobility and "bulletproof" joint stability—essential for an actor whose character famously fights using only his legs.
The session begins with an intensive cardiovascular warm-up centered on high-speed skipping. Skylar utilizes advanced footwork, including the "Muhammad Ali step" and rhythmic double-unders, to prime his agility and fast-twitch muscle fibers. This is followed by a series of explosive bodyweight movements that serve as the foundation for his on-set durability. Among these are "worm sprawls"—a variation of the burpee designed for shoulder stability—as well as 360-degree pushups and "Tyson pushups." These specific drills are engineered to build "functional impact resistance," allowing Skylar’s body to absorb the physical shock of repeated stunt takes and hard landings.
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Core strength remains the engine of Skylar’s "Sanji" physique, particularly the rotational power needed for mid-air kicks. The actor incorporates jiu-jitsu-inspired movements like "triangle crunches" and sit-ups integrated with snapping kicks to replicate the specific abdominal demands of his character's combat style. To further "bulletproof" his frame against the rigors of production, Skylar utilizes kettlebell training, performing high-repetition 360s, cleans, and "snatch and twists" while maintaining a deep squat in a combat-ready stance. These weighted rotational movements are designed to build a resilient posterior chain and prevent the lower-back injuries common in high-impact choreography.
The workout concludes with the most technical phase of the day: specialized Taekwondo drills and shadowboxing. Having earned a black belt in Taekwondo specifically for the role, Skylar focuses on executing his signature kicks with clinical precision, ensuring he can deliver maximum power without "telegraphing" his movements—a crucial skill for maintaining the cinematic illusion of an elite fighter. As One Piece continues its 2026 run, Skylar’s dedication to performing every kick himself remains a hallmark of the series' authenticity, proving that for this "martial artist chef," the line between actor and athlete has effectively vanished.
