A training session in an unusual setting for SENSHI’s heavyweights took place today at an interesting place – the Pantheon in Varna, Bulgaria. The specially selected fighters participating in the SENSHI Invitational Camp trained outdoors in a Bulgarian seaside city, facing piercing winds, low temperatures, and conditions far removed from the comfort of a sports hall. Competitors from the professional ring in divisions above 85 kg were put under additional pressure by the weather, the cold, and the wind.

The iconic location for the town, popular among local residents for walks and sports, was transformed into a training ground for the kickboxing stars of the SENSHI camp. During an exhausting 90-minute session, they proved that no force of nature can stop them from training. Sparring under the open sky, fast sprints up the monument’s stairs, and technical drills were carried out in a spirit of teamwork and individual competition.

The 14 athletes from 7 countries – Germany, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Cameroon, and Bulgaria practiced combat techniques under the expert guidance of martial arts legends Shihan Semmy Schilt and Ernesto Hoost, demonstrating how willpower, strong character, endurance, and the drive for new fighting skills are forged.

Dutch legend Shihan Semmy Schilt motivated each fighter to give 100% effort with the words: “You are not here for me, you are not here for anyone else in this cold. Each of you is here for yourself. Train hard and chase your dream.”

Ernesto Hoost led by personal example, showing the fighters that a champion’s spirit is built constantly, regardless of time or conditions, and that training can happen anywhere—not just within the limits of the mind or the gym.

The camp continues until March 22 with more intense sessions, in which the fighting stars will elevate their level alongside the elite SENSHI school.

Tags: Ernesto Hoost, Kickboxing, Semmy Schilt, SENSHI, SENSHI Invitational Camp