More than 470 participants representing 35 countries. Over 420 athletes from 27 countries gathered for the training camp alone. Eleven legendary guest instructors from six countries. Eighteen elite fighters from 13 nations competing on the anniversary stage. For four days, Varna, Bulgaria stood at the center of the international striking world.
From 26 February to 1 March 2026, SENSHI celebrated its 30th edition with a Grand Prix Week that went far beyond a traditional fight night. The anniversary event delivered a comprehensive fight week format — combining world-class competition, strong global media attention, and one of the largest and most international training camps in the organization’s history.
A Record-Setting SENSHI Open Training Camp
Before the arena lights and tournament intensity, the foundation of the week was built inside the training hall. The First SENSHI Open Training Camp of 2026 brought together more than 420 athletes from 27 countries, guided by 11 internationally respected instructors. Participants were not simply preparing for competition; they were learning directly from some of the most accomplished figures in modern kickboxing and Kyokushin karate.
Among the leading instructors were iconic K-1 champions and prominent members of the KWU SENSHI leadership: Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, and Nicholas Pettas. Their presence ensured that every session reflected elite-level knowledge, championship mentality, and decades of top-tier experience.
Kyokushin tradition and technical excellence were further represented by Sensei Jan Soukup, Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili, Shihan Asen Asenov, Sensei Zahary Damyanov, and Sensei Petar Martinov. For the first time, six-time World Kickboxing & Muay Thai Champion Ray Sefo joined the camp as a special guest instructor, adding global prestige and heavyweight authority to an already outstanding lineup. The camp became more than preparation — it offered direct insight into the mindset and methodology of elite striking.
Fight Week Atmosphere Builds
As Fight Week officially began, Varna welcomed athletes, coaches, officials, and media representatives from across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America. Delegations arrived from Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the USA, Scotland, Japan, New Zealand, and Bulgaria — highlighting the truly international scale of SENSHI 30.
Journalists from the Netherlands, Scotland, the USA, and Bulgaria reported live from the venue, while additional coverage from Italy, Serbia, and other countries extended the event’s global reach through digital platforms. The international media presence reinforced SENSHI’s growing influence within the worldwide combat sports community.
The official weigh-ins, face-offs, and SENSHI press conference intensified the competitive atmosphere. Fighters met face to face, bold statements were made, and ambitions were declared publicly. Those promises were ultimately fulfilled in the ring, as Bulgaria’s Zhulien Rikov kept his word to Albert Kraus by becoming the first SENSHI Grand Prix Champion in the 75 kg division.
During the Open Media Training session, athletes displayed sharp combinations, explosive power, and tactical precision, offering fans and journalists a preview of the high-level matchups that awaited on fight night.
Adding to the media dimension, Grant Waterman — the recognizable voice of SENSHI — documented the entire four-day experience through the official SENSHI YouTube podcast series “Legend Talk” and “Fight Talks.” Through exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and fight predictions, the content further expanded the event’s international audience.
18 Fighters on the Anniversary Stage
When fight night arrived, 18 elite competitors from 13 countries entered the arena determined to make history. The 30th anniversary event delivered a card worthy of the milestone, featuring intense exchanges, technical battles, and decisive victories that energized the crowd.
Three decades after its inception, SENSHI has grown beyond the boundaries of a traditional fight promotion. It now stands as a global platform dedicated to elite striking competition, martial arts education, and the preservation of fighting traditions. SENSHI 30 Grand Prix Week confirmed that the organization’s international presence continues to expand and strengthen with each edition.
The entire SENSHI team expressed sincere appreciation to the fighters, coaches, instructors, media representatives, partners, and supporters who contributed to this landmark event. The anniversary week in Varna will remain a defining chapter in SENSHI’s legacy and a powerful statement of its ongoing global development.
