Exclusive: Luka Sabbat Talks Being Part of the Foot Locker and ASICS ‘Welcome to the Dojo’ Campaign

Check out our exclusive interview with Sneaker Samurai Luka Sabbat.

Foot Locker and Asics are teaming up to bring you the “Welcome to the Dojo” campaign. The campaign will feature an original, short anime series The Sun and the Snake as well as a new collection of apparel and footwear which will be available exclusively at Foot Locker, Inc. retailers. The anime features voice-over talent like Luka Sabbat as the lead character “Sneaker Samurai,” Princess Nokia as “Kiku” and YFN Lucci as “Ghost Samurai.” Within the anime, our protagonist enters a dojo and emerges to learn his ASICS GEL-Lyte I sneakers have been stolen, embarking on a journey to retrieve his beloved footwear. Check out what Luka had to say about the “Welcome to the Dojo: Sneaker Samurai” collection and upcoming anime series. 

The Knockturnal: Can you tell us about you became the Sneaker Samurai? 

Luka Sabbat: They reached out. All people have to do is reach out! But then again, I have to say, “yes.’   They called me and asked me to be in the anime and I said, “Hell yeah! Let’s go right now!”  Then they drew me and I liked the way my character looked, I look tight. 

The Knockturnal: How hands-on were you in creating your character? 

Luka Sabbat: I was able to help style my character, pick out the outfit. I had to make him look good.  

The Knockturnal: Did you enjoy working with your co-stars? 

Luka Sabbat: I didn’t get a chance to see them yet, but I actually know Princes Nokia I shot one of my first editorials ever with her.

The Knockturnal: Did you watch a lot of anime growing up and what were some of your favorites?

Luka Sabbat: Yes! Death Note, Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, Bleach, Naruto and the list goes on.

The Knockturnal: Did you ever imagine yourself in an anime?

Luka Sabbat: No! that’s one of the reasons I did it!

The Knockturnal: Can you tell us about your favorite part of the collections?

Luka Sabbat: The footwear because of the color palette. I like black and yellow’s a good color. I think the colorways are subtle and not over-the-top. They made a nice black and yellow shoe that’s not trying hard to be a dad shoe or anything.

The Knockturnal: What are some of your essentials for putting together an outfit?

Luka Sabbat: Pants have to fit right and they either have to be boot-cut or straight. A good white tee. I only wear these white tees (Rick Owens) that are slightly transparent and really cozy. Cowboy boots and then when I get on a plane sometimes sneakers. I wear sneakers when I’m working out, which is honestly very rare.

The Knockturnal: Men’s Fashion week just ended, which collections or pieces excited you the most?

Luka Sabbat: Rick Owens, Matthew Williams Alyx, Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton, Off-White, Maison Margiela. There was a lot of good stuff this season, this was definitely one of the better seasons.

The Knockturnal: Are you going to continue pursuing more acting roles? Can you talk about some of your upcoming projects?

Luka Sabbat: Yeah, I definitely want to do more acting. I’m working on something right now, but I can’t tell you. It’s not Grown-ish. Although I am doing season 2, I’m doing something else.

The “Welcome to the Dojo” collection, which includes apparel and footwear, will be available exclusively on August 24 from Foot Locker, Inc. retailers including Foot Locker, Footaction, and Champs Sports.