Summary
With a brutal fighting style focused solely on leg-based techniques, Sanji is one of the main fighters of the Strawhats. Before theOne Piecetime skip, Sanji developed a wide range of creative, culinary-inspired moves, each more devastating than the last. Thoughhis techniques reached entirely new heights post time skip, pre-time skip Sanji was no joke. If fans remember, this was the man who single-handedly took on Enel and even fought a whole trolley of Marines by himself during Enies Lobby.
Sanji’s pre-time skip techniques reveal the core of his Black Leg Style—precise, powerful, and with a touch of flair unique to the Straw Hat chef. Here’s a look at the five most powerful pre-time skip techniques Sanji used, the situations where they made an impact, and why they’re still some of his most iconic moves inOne Pieceto this day.
Sanji’s Most Powerful Pre-Time Skip Techniques
The Origins of Black Leg Style
The Black Leg Style, characterized by powerful kicks and culinary-inspired names, was developed fromSanji’s rigorous training with Zeff, a pirate-turned-chef known for his own mastery in kicking-based combat. Sanji’s pre-time skip arsenal is a blend of tactical strikes and devastating finishers, making him one of the most versatile fighters in the Straw Hat crew.
Mouton Shot — Sheep Meat Shot
Mouton Shotis easily one of Sanji’s most famous and formidable pre-time skip moves. In this powerful attack, Sanji channels all his strength into his leg, launching a rapid series of kicks aimed at his opponent’s midsection or head. With this move, he creates a high-speed, visually impressive barrage that strikes so quickly it can give the illusion of a single, massive hit.
Mouton Shot epitomizes Sanji’s ability to deliver high-speed, high-damage attacks. It remains one of his most direct and forceful moves and is a clear example of his combat philosophy—overwhelming his opponents with precision and power, all while maintaining his characteristic elegance.
Key Moments:
Sanji first used Mouton Shotduring the Arlong Park arc, where he finished off the fish-man Kuroobi after a brutal series of attacks. Later, he used it again to overpower stronger foes, proving that Mouton Shot was one of his most reliable finishers. This move is iconic for its sheer power and speed, making it a fan-favorite technique that showcases Sanji’s explosive strength.
Anti-Manner Kick Course – The Decisive One-Hit Knockout
TheAnti-Manner Kick Courseis one of Sanji’s strongest single-strike moves, designed to completely overpower an opponent with a single kick. For this attack, Sanji lifts one leg to a full 180 degrees, channeling all his power into a massive downward kick aimed at his opponent’s center of mass. It’s a high-stakes attack, but when it lands, the results are almost always catastrophic for his opponent.
This technique became a fan favorite after Sanji used it to rescue his crewmates from a Bananawani in Alabasta. Later, he used it to counter Big Pan, a giant Wotan fighter in Enies Lobby, a testament to its effectiveness even against larger-than-life foes.
Veau Shot – The Delayed Impact Move
TheVeau Shot(meaning “Veal Shot”) is a powerful sweeping kick that packs an additional twist: a delayed impact that leaves enemies reeling moments after the initial blow. Sanji’s skill and timing with Veau Shot make it one of his most strategic moves, often leaving opponents unaware of their impending downfall until it’s too late. Veau Shot is unique for its “aftershock” effect, which provides Sanji with the opportunity to follow up with another move while his opponent is still trying to process the first impact.
Veau Shot was particularlymemorable during the Alabasta arc, where Sanji used it against Mr. 2 Bon Clay in one of his most intense early battles. The delayed effect of the move left Mr. 2 stunned and allowed Sanji to gain a crucial advantage in their fight.
Parage Shot – The “Cosmetic Surgery” Attack
Sanji’sParage Shot, known humorously as the “Cosmetic Surgery Shot,” is a technique designed to rapidly alter an opponent’s facial structure with a series of precision kicks. This move is a devastating assault on the face, leaving opponents with drastically changed appearances—an effect that has produced both humorous and powerful results in the series.
Sanji first used Parage Shot against Wanzeduring the Enies Lobby arc. The effect was instant: Wanze’s face was dramatically altered, and while it was initially comedic, it demonstrated the sheer power Sanji could put into each kick. Another notable moment was with Duval, whose face was “fixed” to resemble a “pretty boy” look, leaving him grateful rather than vengeful.
Concassé – The Crushing Finisher
Concassé, meaning “crush,” is a powerful, airborne move where Sanji leaps into the air, builds momentum through rapid spinning, and drives his heel down with crushing force. This technique is perfect for breaking through an opponent’s defenses, and the impact is so intense it can send opponents reeling in an instant.
Concassé made amemorable debut in the Skypiea arc, where Sanji used it against Satori, a formidable opponent known for his unpredictable combat style. Sanji’s well-timed execution of Concassé brought down Satori, marking the technique as a key part of his arsenal. It was also powerful enough to temporarily overwhelm Blueno’s Tekkai defense during the Enies Lobby arc.
One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.