Taz Skylar is the breakout star of Netflix's One Piece who plays the kick-fighting chef Sanji, and he is arguably the best "celebrity role model" your teen could be following right now because he pairs elite physical discipline with a refreshing level of emotional honesty.
While most of the internet is arguing about "sigma" males and toxic productivity, Taz Skylar is out here showing millions of kids that you can be a world-class athlete and a high-level actor while still being a kind, thoughtful human who talks openly about his struggles. If your kid is suddenly asking for a punching bag or trying to learn how to cook a perfect omelet, Taz is probably the reason why.
TL;DR: Why Taz Skylar is Trending
- The Role: He plays Sanji in the live-action One Piece, which just hit its Season 2 peak.
- The Vibe: High-energy, disciplined, and incredibly supportive of his fans.
- The Impact: He advocates for "Gutter to Gold"—a philosophy of turning struggles into strengths.
- The Content: Mostly intense workout clips, surfing, and behind-the-scenes footage of him training for his own stunts.
Taz Skylar is a Spanish-English actor, writer, and producer who shot to global fame in 2023 when the first season of One Piece defied the "live-action anime curse" and actually became good. Now that we are well into 2026 and Season 2 has expanded the world of the Straw Hat Pirates, Taz’s profile has exploded.
He plays Sanji, the crew’s chef who fights exclusively with his legs (because a chef’s hands are sacred). What makes Taz unique is that he didn't just "act" like a martial artist; he spent years training for hours a day to do his own kicks and stunts. For a generation of kids who are often stuck behind screens, seeing that level of tangible, physical "grind" is incredibly magnetic.
Beyond the show, he’s an ultra-marathon runner, a surfer, and a playwright. He’s not just a face on a screen; he’s a creator who clearly values hard work over shortcuts.
If you’ve noticed your teen spending more time on Instagram or TikTok looking at "workout motivation" videos, there’s a high chance Taz Skylar is in the mix.
Kids love him because he’s "real" in a way that feels earned. He doesn’t have the polished, untouchable vibe of a traditional Hollywood A-lister. He posts about his failures, his injuries, and the days he doesn't want to train. In a digital landscape filled with filtered perfection, Taz’s "messy" dedication to his craft stands out.
He also leans heavily into the "found family" theme of One Piece. The cast of the show are notoriously close in real life, and seeing a group of young adults support each other so loudly online is a great counter-narrative to the "everyone is a rival" energy often found in competitive gaming or social media.
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Taz Skylar’s portrayal of Sanji has created two very specific (and mostly positive) trends among fans:
1. Martial Arts and Mobility
Because Sanji’s fighting style is so leg-heavy, Taz’s training involves incredible flexibility and core strength. This has led to a surge of interest in Taekwondo and "mobility training" among teen boys. Unlike "bodybuilding" culture, which can sometimes lean into body dysmorphia or supplement abuse, Taz’s focus is on what the body can do rather than just how it looks.
2. The "Chef" Factor
In One Piece, Sanji’s primary role is nourishing his friends. Taz took this seriously and actually trained in professional kitchens to learn how to cook for real. We’re seeing a lot of "Sanji-core" content where kids are learning basic culinary skills because they want to emulate the character’s competence in the kitchen.
This is where Taz Skylar really shines. He often speaks about his past—growing up in the Canary Islands, dealing with feelings of not fitting in, and his journey with sobriety and mental health.
He uses the phrase "Gutter to Gold" to describe his production company and his life philosophy. It’s the idea that your lowest points (the gutter) are the raw materials you use to build your future (the gold). For a teenager struggling with school, social anxiety, or the general "what am I doing with my life?" dread of 2026, this message hits home.
He’s also very vocal about the "why" behind his fitness. He doesn't run ultra-marathons for the medals; he does it to manage his own mind. Teaching kids that physical activity is a tool for mental regulation—rather than just a way to get "shredded"—is a huge win for digital wellness.
If your kid is a fan, you don't need to over-analyze it, but you can use his influence to start some pretty great conversations.
- On Discipline: "I saw that video of Taz Skylar training for Season 2. It’s wild that he spent four hours a day just practicing one kick. What’s one thing you’d want to be that good at?"
- On Social Media: "Taz seems to post a lot about his 'bad' days too. Do you think that makes him more relatable than other influencers who only show the highlights?"
- On Masculinity: Sanji is a character who is a fierce fighter but also loves to cook and is very chivalrous (sometimes to a fault). You can talk about how Taz balances being "tough" with being "kind."
Learn more about navigating "influencer" culture with your kids
Q: Is Taz Skylar's content safe for my 12-year-old?
Yes, his personal social media is generally very positive and focuses on fitness, travel, and acting. While he occasionally uses some mild language in interviews, he doesn't promote "adult" lifestyle content or toxic behavior.
Q: Does Taz Skylar do his own stunts in One Piece?
He does almost all of them. He trained extensively in Taekwondo and breakdancing to ensure that Sanji's unique fighting style looked authentic without needing a stunt double for every shot.
Q: What is the 'Gutter to Gold' thing my kid keeps mentioning?
It is Taz Skylar’s personal brand and philosophy. It focuses on the idea that you can take the difficult or "ugly" parts of your life and work hard to turn them into something valuable and beautiful.
Q: Is the show One Piece okay for middle schoolers?
One Piece is rated TV-14. It has some stylized violence and some blood, but it is fundamentally a story about friendship, dreams, and standing up against oppression. It’s much more "adventure" than "gritty drama."
Taz Skylar is a rare breed of celebrity in 2026. He manages to be aspirational without being exclusionary. He’s someone who encourages kids to put down the phone (ironically, through phone content) and go do something hard—whether that’s running a mile, cooking a meal, or just being honest about a bad day.
If your teen is looking up to him, you can breathe a sigh of relief. He’s teaching them that being a "hero" isn't about having superpowers; it's about the work you put in when no one is watching.
- Watch together: If you haven't seen One Piece on Netflix, give the first few episodes of Season 1 a try. It’s a great "bridge" show for parents and teens.
- Encourage the "Sanji" skills: If they want to take a cooking class or a martial arts trial, lean into it.
- Check the links: Explore our guide to One Piece to see if the show's themes align with your family's values.