Just days before SENSHI 32 Grand Prix, one of kickboxing's greatest legends – four-time K-1 World Champion Semmy Schilt – shares his vision for the future of martial arts in a special interview for NOVA TV.

On July 11, the international fight gala will bring together the world's elite combat sports athletes at the beach arena in Varna, featuring а middleweight Grand Prix tournament and two spectacular Super Fights. For Semmy Schilt, the true value of SENSHI is not measured solely by the action inside the ring, but by the opportunity to pass on the experience, discipline, and values of legendary champions to the next generation of fighters. This continuity is at the heart of the SENSHI philosophy, making every event much more than a fight gala—it is a school for future champions.

Welcome back to Varna. You've been here many times before. Are you excited to be here again?

I have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation of karate practitioners and kickboxers. That's why I'm happy and excited to be back. And, of course, the city is beautiful.

Do we have many talented fighters here in Varna, Bulgaria?

I think not only in Varna. When we come here for the training camp, people arrive from all over Europe. Sometimes fighters even come from Brazil and Japan to train here. It truly is an international platform. Of course, the Bulgarian fighters have the advantage of competing on home ground, and that's a great opportunity for them.

This is the 32nd edition of SENSHI Grand Prix, right? What can fans expect from the event?

Yes, and it is also the third edition of the amateur gala that we are organizing. The event will take place at the beach arena in the St. St. Constantine and Helena resort near Varna, and it will be a spectacular show, just as always. When the athletes are selected at such a high level and are evenly matched, you are guaranteed exciting fights.

If you had to explain SENSHI to someone like me who has never watched it before, what would you say?

You have to experience it. I would even recommend trying a combat sport yourself, because only when you feel what a fighter feels can you truly understand it. SENSHI gives karate practitioners and martial artists the opportunity to step onto a major professional stage. It provides karate athletes with the chance to transform into kickboxers. But the best way to understand what it feels like to climb the ladder of success is to experience martial arts training yourself.

As a referee, what is the one thing you never compromise on inside the ring?

First of all, respecting the rules. That is extremely important. Everyone knows the rules, so they must be followed. We have to be uncompromising. Fortunately, I haven't had to make difficult decisions very often. The fighters appreciate the opportunity to compete with us. We are the old legends of the ring, and they want to show us their skills in the best possible way.

What can young fighters learn during the training camps?

It's a six-day training camp, and we mainly teach movement techniques and how to use them correctly. We do sparring sessions, work on mental resilience, and teach them how to overcome challenges. We want them to experience the true spirit of SENSHI.

What would you like young fighters to learn outside the ring?

To live by the SENSHI principles: with courage, dignity, and determination. That is the most important lesson we teach young people when they come to train. We teach them how to deal with defeat, difficulties, and victories alike. Because when you win, you must never become arrogant. Victory should always come with respect for your opponent. We teach them resilience—to keep moving forward when things become difficult while preserving their honor and staying true to themselves.

Semmy Schilt's message is also reflected in the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2026, which will take place on July 9 and 10 in Varna, Bulgaria, immediately before SENSHI 32 Grand Prix. The third edition of the amateur tournament will bring together 48 talented fighters from 22 countries, giving them the opportunity to take their first major step toward the professional stage.

You can watch the full interview with K-1 legend Semmy Schilt on the NOVA TV website.