From Kickboxing to MMA – What Can Fans Expect at SENSHI 27 on Varna’s Beach on July 12?
The thrilling clashes of SENSHI 27 are fast approaching, and martial arts fans are eagerly awaiting the action-packed duels set to take place on the beach arena in Varna, Bulgaria, on July 12. Eight professional bouts will bring together 16 experienced fighters from 12 countries, including three Bulgarian warriors, who will engage in epic battles under two different rulesets – KWU FULL CONTACT and KWU OPEN. The beach arena in the resort “St. St. Constantine and Helena” will be hotter with the finals of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2025, which will be held under the KWU SENSHI rules.
But what sets these styles apart, and what techniques are allowed under each one? Here’s what you need to know before the big seaside showdown:
KWU FULL CONTACT – Classic Full-Contact Kickboxing
This ruleset is the closest to traditional kickboxing and dominates the SENSHI fight cards. Fighters are allowed to use all boxing punches, kicks, spinning back fists, sweeps, leg grabs with a simultaneous strike, and a single knee to the head following a two-hand clinch. The clinch is limited to 5 seconds.
Prohibited: Elbow strikes, throws, ground fighting, biting, choking, groin shots, strikes to the back of the head and spine, and attacks from a downed position.
KWU OPEN – A Spectacular Form of Modified MMA
The most liberal of the three styles includes ground fighting, with each takedown limited to 30 seconds to maintain a focus on stand-up action. If the bottom fighter reverses the position, a new 30-second countdown starts. Inactive ground positions can be stopped by the referee to restart the game standing up.
Allowed: Chokes and submissions on the Achilles (no twisting of the ankle or knee), and body punches and knee strikes while on the ground.
Prohibited: Elbows or knees to the head on the ground, strikes to the groin or knee joint, throws resulting in a landing on the opponent’s head or spine, biting, and attacking a downed opponent from a standing position.
KWU SENSHI – Kickboxing with Elements of Muay Thai
This style brings even more intensity to the ring by allowing, in addition to standard kickboxing techniques, elbow strikes, throws, sweeps, and Muay Thai clinching for up to 5 seconds. A single knee to the head after a two-hand clinch is also permitted.
Prohibited: Groin strikes, blows to the back of the head or spine, holding the head with one hand while striking with the other elbow, attacks on a downed opponent, inside-glove strikes, strikes to the knee joint, and ground strikes. Biting and choking are also strictly forbidden.
SENSHI 27 promises once again to deliver battles with varied dynamics, techniques, and strategies. The distinct rule sets will make every match a unique challenge for fighters and an unforgettable experience for fans.
Tickets are already on sale via Eventim.bg – don’t miss your chance to be part of this international sporting spectacle on the shores of the Black Sea in Varna!
The 27th edition of SENSHI 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 are Boec.BG and Boec.COM, Bulgaria ON AIR, MAX Sport, the American online combat sports television TrillerTV, Dir.bg, KWUnion.com, KyokushinKarate.New
