Day three of the 19th International Summer Martial Arts Camp in Kamchia began with a now-familiar rhythm – energy, enthusiasm, and strong martial discipline even before sunrise. The day started with a karate kyokushin training session as early as 7:00 AM.
Participants were divided into multiple groups based on age and rank. For the younger fighters, special attention was paid to proper technique. The sessions included game elements that both entertained and taught precision. This way, the children could learn to improve their movement, control, and spirit almost effortlessly.
In one of the children’s groups, the legendary Shihan Francisco Filho demonstrated and explained the famous Brazilian kick – his signature move. But he didn’t just teach, he inspired:
“The moment you started training and came to this camp, you should’ve asked yourself – what do I want to achieve? And once you ask, you need to answer and know it. Everything starts in your mind. You’re tired because you decided in your mind that you are tired. If you think that way, you ruin everything you came here for.”
The children’s morning session ended with a fun challenge – holding a bridge position the longest. Shihan Ryu Narushima motivated the kids with:
“In Japan, children hold it for five minutes.”
The challenge was met with smiles and determination. Standing beside Ryu Narushima was Sensei Petar Martinov, who helped and encouraged the children throughout.
Right after the Kyokushin sessions, the martial day continued with a kickboxing workout led by a star team: Ernesto Hoost, Shihan Sam Greco, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, and Shihan Nicholas Pettas. Each demonstrated their favorite techniques, including famous combinations that launched them to the top of the world’s rings.
The afternoon brought a wave of new energy. A special Iaido training was held, led by the esteemed Soke Masanori Ogawa – a Japanese master who introduced participants to the art of the sword with precision and silence, contrasting with the high energy of the other martial disciplines.
The day didn’t end there. An intense Kudo session was held in one of the halls, led by Jukucho Shihan Kenichi Osada, Shihan Kiyotaka Kato, and Sensei Andrews Nakahara – experienced fighters from Japan and Brazil. They combined techniques from kickboxing, judo, and karate – the hallmark of this hybrid martial art.
Meanwhile, Shihan Assen Assenov gathered all Bulgarian coaches and instructors to unify their work on kata and kihon – the fundamentals essential for progress. This session focused on detail and methodology, ensuring that every club back home would pass on the knowledge consistently and with quality.
The evening brought a second kickboxing session – proof that strength doesn’t wane with time. And finally, the day ended as it began – with Kyokushin. The final training of the day was no less intense than the morning one – marked by full dedication, energy, and desire.
This year again, the Kamchia Camp brings together the elite of martial arts from around the world. They don’t just demonstrate techniques – they pass on the spirit of martial arts. Each of them is part of the week’s grand finale – SENSHI 27, which will take place on July 12 at the St. St. Constantine and Helena resort.
