The third edition of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2026 is set to bring together fighters from around the world in one of the most prestigious summer events for karate practitioners. This exciting tournament, featuring techniques from full-contact karate and Muay Thai, will take place during the 20th International Martial Arts Summer Camp from July 5 to July 12 in Varna, Bulgaria.
High prestige, adrenaline, and strong international competition await the participants in a tournament that will feature skilled fighters from Argentina, Brazil, the United States, England, Poland, Spain, Kazakhstan, Japan, and many other countries from Europe and around the world. A total of 48 experienced competitors will step into the ring, demonstrating not only excellent technique and physical preparation but also the strict discipline characteristic of martial arts.
The tournament will be held in 6 weight categories: up to 70 kg, up to 75 kg, up to 80 kg, up to 85 kg, up to 90 kg, and over 90 kg, with 8 participants in each division. The bouts will be conducted under the KWU SENSHI ruleset, which is similar to Muay Thai. Spectators will enjoy elbow strikes, active clinching, throws, and sweeps, while each fight will consist of three rounds of three minutes each.
The KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs continues to establish itself as an important platform for the development of future professional fighters. Participants will have the opportunity to attract the attention of coaches, sports organizations, and media representatives, test their skills against high-level opponents, and gain recognition on the international stage.
In addition to competing for prestige and sporting glory, fighters will also contend for substantial financial incentives distributed across the tournament’s three key stages: qualifiers, semifinals, and finals. Winners of the qualification bouts will receive €1,000 each, while the losing competitors will receive €500. Successful semifinalists will earn €1,500 each, while their opponents will receive €1,000. Champions in each weight category will be awarded €2,000, while the runners-up will receive a cash prize of €1,000.
The competition days of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs will be held on July 9 and 10, 2026. All bouts will be streamed live on the KWU SENSHI YouTube channel. Admission to the tournament is free, and spectators will be able to watch the fights at the sports hall of the Kamchia Resort Complex, Varna, Bulgaria.
The third edition of the World Cup will provide participants with opportunities for professional development and unforgettable world-class experiences. Once again, the tournament will bring together representatives of different martial arts schools and demonstrate how sport unites people and cultures from different countries.
One of the most exciting and fiercely contested amateur combat sports events of 2026 is expected to deliver a serious challenge for all competitors ready to fight for the title and earn a place among the new champions of KWU SENSHI.
