The electrifying battles of SENSHI 27 are just around the corner, and martial arts fans are eagerly counting down the days to the adrenaline-filled clashes set to unfold at the beach arena in Varna, Bulgaria, on July 12. The event will feature eight professional bouts, bringing together 16 skilled fighters from 12 different countries, including three of Bulgaria’s own top warriors. These exciting matchups will take place under two of SENSHI’s signature rulesets – KWU FULL CONTACT and KWU OPEN.
Adding even more intensity to the night, the beach arena at the St. St. Constantine and Helena resort will also host the finals of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2025, which will be conducted under KWU SENSHI rules.
But what makes these styles distinct, and what techniques are allowed in each format? Here’s a complete guide to the rules you need to know before the highly anticipated seaside spectacle:
SENSHI Gala Rules
KWU FULL CONTACT – Classic Full-Contact Kickboxing
This ruleset is the most similar to traditional full-contact kickboxing and is a staple in SENSHI events. Fighters can use a variety of techniques, including all standard boxing punches, powerful kicks, spinning back fists, sweeps, leg grabs combined with an immediate strike, and a single knee to the head after securing a two-hand clinch. The clinch duration is restricted to 5 seconds.
Prohibited techniques: Fighters are not allowed to use elbows, throws, or ground fighting. Biting, choking, groin attacks, strikes to the back of the head or spine, and attacks from a grounded position are also strictly forbidden.
KWU OPEN – A Dynamic and Modified Form of MMA
The KWU OPEN ruleset is the most liberal among the three and introduces ground fighting, though with strict time limitations. Takedowns can last up to 30 seconds, ensuring the action remains fast-paced and stand-up focused. If the fighter on the bottom manages to reverse the position, a new 30-second clock starts. Referees may stop the action on the ground if there is insufficient activity and restart the bout in a standing position.
Allowed techniques: Fighters can execute chokes and submissions on the Achilles tendon (without twisting the ankle or knee), along with body punches and knee strikes while on the ground.
Prohibited techniques: Fighters cannot use elbows or knees to the head while on the ground, strike the groin or knee joints, perform throws that cause the opponent to land on their head or spine, bite, or attack a grounded opponent from a standing position.
KWU SENSHI – Kickboxing with Muay Thai Elements
This ruleset elevates the intensity by combining classic kickboxing with the brutality of Muay Thai. In addition to traditional kickboxing moves, fighters are permitted to use elbow strikes, sweeps, throws, and Muay Thai-style clinching for up to 5 seconds. A fighter is also allowed to deliver a single knee to the head following a two-hand clinch.
Prohibited techniques: Prohibited moves include strikes to the groin, blows to the back of the head or spine, holding the head with one hand while elbowing with the other, attacking a grounded opponent, inside-glove strikes, strikes to the knee joint, and all forms of ground striking. Biting and choking remain strictly banned.
SENSHI 27 is set to once again showcase the incredible diversity of martial arts, delivering battles packed with unique techniques, tactical approaches, and thrilling variations in fighting styles. The distinct rules of each format will challenge the fighters in different ways and guarantee an unforgettable night for the fans.
SENSHI 27 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.
The media partners of SENSHI 27
Boec.BG and Boec.COM, Bulgaria ON AIR, MAX Sport, the American online combat sports television TrillerTV, Dir.bg, KWUnion.com, KyokushinKarate.News, Fighto.News and Novinata.bg.
