The landmark 20th International Martial Arts Summer Camp concluded successfully near Varna after an intensive week filled with training sessions, competitions, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation. The event took place from July 5 to 12, 2026.

The camp brought together more than 1,600 participants from 49 countries and once again confirmed its position as one of the largest international martial arts gatherings in the world.

Over the course of the week, hundreds of athletes and instructors trained alongside some of the greatest masters and legends in combat sports, exchanging knowledge and experience across various martial arts disciplines.

KWU SENSHI President Shihan Akira Masuda shared:

“This summer camp is not just about training. It is a place where people from different countries come together, learn from one another, and build friendships through martial arts.”

During the camp, participants had the opportunity to train side by side with some of the world’s most renowned martial arts masters and benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience.

The kickboxing and K-1 training sessions were led by world-renowned legends of the sport, including Shihan Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, Shihan Sam Greco, Ray Sefo, and Shihan Nicholas Pettas.

The Kyokushin program was led by some of the most respected figures in international martial arts: Shihan Akira Masuda of Japan, Shihan Francisco Filho of Brazil, Shihan Ryu Narushima of Japan, Shihan Glaube Feitosa of Brazil, Sensei Ewerton Teixeira of Brazil, Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili of Georgia, Sensei Andrews Nakahara of Brazil, Sensei Jan Soukup of the Czech Republic, and Sensei Yusuke Fujii of Japan.

They were joined by Bulgarian Kyokushin champions Shihan Asen Asenov, Sensei Zahari Damyanov, and Sensei Petar Martinov, as well as senseis representing the next generation of Bulgarian Kyokushin champions.

The daily program included two Kyokushin karate and two K-1 training sessions, as well as specialized Iaido masterclasses and refereeing seminars aimed at further improving the qualifications of coaches, referees, and competitors.

One of the major highlights of the week was the Kyokushin World Cup Varna, held on July 7. The prestigious international tournament brought together 435 competitors from 25 countries and gave young karate practitioners aged 14 to 21 the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, determination, and fighting spirit on the international stage.

The KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs brought together 48 fighters from 21 countries across six divisions and crowned its new champions after two days of competition.

The culmination of the week came on July 11 with SENSHI 32 and its Middleweight Grand Prix tournament. Joshua Akingbade won the championship belt after three fights in one night, finishing two of them by knockout.

The anniversary camp concluded on July 12 after a week filled with intensive training sessions, major sporting events, professional development, and unforgettable moments for the international martial arts community.