The SENSHI 21 Fighting Gala will take place on April 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Congress Hall of the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria. Martial arts fans from around the globe will witness 14 exciting bouts featuring top-tier fighters from 16 countries, including four Bulgarian athletes.
The event will also host legendary martial artists who will serve as special guests and referees, adding prestige and expertise to the evening.
SENSHI 21 Guests and Referees
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Ernesto Hoost
A true icon of martial arts, Ernesto Hoost is a 4-time K-1 World Champion, Savate World Champion, ISKA Full Contact World Champion, and Muay Thai World Champion. Known for his unparalleled skills and strategic approach to fighting, Hoost is also a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI. -
Shihan Semmy Schilt
Semmy Schilt is a towering figure in martial arts with an incredible record as Glory Grand Slam 16-man Tournament Champion, Glory World Champion, 4-time K-1 Grand Prix Champion, K-1 World Champion, 3-time King of Pancrase, and 2-time World Kudo Champion. He currently serves as President of KWU SENSHI Europe and as a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI. -
Shihan Nicholas Pettas
A European and World Karate Champion, Shihan Pettas was the last uchi-deshi (live-in student) of the legendary Masutatsu Oyama. He is also a K-1 Japan Grand Prix winner, SENSHI ring announcer, Head of the KWU SENSHI PR and Marketing Committee, and a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI. -
Albert Kraus
Albert Kraus made history as the first K-1 World MAX Champion in 2002 and went on to become the first SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Champion. He is also a World Champion in Kickboxing and Muay Thai, and a valued Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI. -
Andy Souwer
A decorated fighter, Andy Souwer is a two-time K-1 World MAX Champion, four-time Shootboxing World Champion, Showtime 70MAX World Champion, and World Muay Thai Champion. He is also a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI. -
Sensei Ewerton Teixeira
Sensei Teixeira is the 2008 K-1 World GP Fukuoka Champion, 2007 Absolute Kyokushin World Champion, 2005 Kyokushin World Weight Champion, and a 5-time All-American Champion in open weight. He serves on the KWU SENSHI PR Committee and Board. -
Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili
An accomplished martial artist, Sensei Nikoleishvili is the 2011 Absolute Kyokushin World Champion, a 100-man kumite completer in 2014, the 2010 Absolute Champion of Japan, and the 2010 European Champion. He is a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI Europe. -
Sensei Zahari Damyanov
A 4-time American Absolute Champion and 4-time European Champion, Sensei Damyanov was crowned Absolute Kyokushin World Champion in 2015. He is also a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI Europe. -
Sensei Jan Soukup
Sensei Soukup achieved 2nd place at the 9th Kyokushin World Open in 2007 and is a European Champion, All Japan Tournament winner, and Yangame’s Fight Night Heavyweight Champion. He serves as a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI Europe. -
Sensei Andrews Nakahara
A World Kyokushin Champion in 2005 and 2-time South American Champion, Sensei Nakahara also won the All-American Absolute Championship. With 4 of his 11 professional wins by knockout, he is a member of the KWU SENSHI Marketing Committee and Board. -
Sensei Petar Martinov
Sensei Martinov is the 2014 Kyokushin World Champion and the 2006 European Champion. He also placed 3rd at the European Open in 2008 and is a 3-time European Tameshiwari Champion. He serves on the Board of KWU SENSHI Europe. -
Sensei Yusuke Fujii
A six-time All-Japan Champion in absolute and weight divisions, Sensei Fujii placed 3rd at the KWU World Championships. He is also an Australian and New Zealand Full Contact Champion, SENSHI and KWU SENSHI Chief Operations Officer (COO), Chairman of the Strategic Committee, Chairman of the Educational Committee, and a Member of the Board of KWU SENSHI.
This impressive lineup of world-renowned fighters and officials ensures that SENSHI 21 will be an unforgettable event, blending skill, tradition, and excitement for martial arts fans in Varna.
SENSHI Gala 21 is organized in cooperation with the KWU International Professional League, as well as with the special support of Armeec Insurance Company, MAX Sport, Bulgaria Air, M Car Group – BMW dealer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Service and St. St. Constantine and Helena Holding.
