After four days filled with intensive training sessions and dynamic sparring at SENSHI Gym in Varna, Bulgaria, the 14 professional heavyweight fighters successfully completed their participation in the SENSHI international camp. Athletes from seven countries—Germany, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Cameroon, and Bulgaria—exchanged professional experience from their respective fighting schools and received valuable guidance from Dutch legends Ernesto Hoost and Shihan Semmy Schilt.

On the final day, the fighters shared their impressions of the camp’s organization, the high-quality sparring sessions, and expressed gratitude for the personal attention and mentorship provided by the combat sports icons.

Varna-based fighter and SENSHI European champion in the under 90 kg division, Eduard Aleksanyan, stated that he respects every sparring partner in the gym, but when it comes to a fight, both the audience and his opponent can expect only a knockout.

Loic Njeya from Cameroon thanked the organizers for the invitation, noting that the SENSHI camp had been extremely beneficial for his preparation—both in terms of conditioning and overall training, including sparring. He added that he is ready for new fights in the SENSHI promotion in 2026.

The selection camp in Varna, Bulgaria, serves as a strong platform for developing new fighting skills, refining kickboxing techniques, and improving overall style. Very soon, some of these elite fighters may be seen in the SENSHI ring, where they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential.

The special SENSHI camp for fighters in the 80–95 kg categories also served as a final stage of preparation for Italian fighter Ludovico Toya ahead of his upcoming bout. Several other participants likewise relied on the SENSHI camp as part of their preparation for professional matches scheduled in April and May.

From April 22 to 26, Varna, Bulgaria, will host the next SENSHI Invitational Camp, aimed at selected fighters in the lighter 70–75 kg divisions. In addition to specially invited participants, this edition will offer several open spots for talented young fighters. Active professional fighters in the lighter categories who aspire to step into the SENSHI ring can apply for the April camp at follow link: www.kwusenshi.com/info-fighter. Applications are open until March 30.

During the selection camp held from March 18 to 22, lead instructors Shihan Semmy Schilt and Ernesto Hoost took part in SENSHI’s special project “Beyond the Bell,” where they shared personal experiences with the fighters, passing on champion-level insights and a mindset geared toward high performance. The discussion focused on the true cost of success in combat sports—the balance between talent, survival, and the compromises fighters make under pressure.

“Beyond the Bell” revealed the hidden side of the profession—fear, physical and moral sacrifices, and behind-the-scenes practices that remain invisible to the audience. Ultimately, becoming a champion is not only a matter of skill or strategy, but also of circumstances and the ability to seize opportunities. The fighters questioned whether this path is worth it despite its harsh, demanding nature. The answer is not simple, but the mindset required to face it is what builds true championship character.

SENSHI’s special camps are extremely valuable for up-and-coming fighters who need mentorship on their journey. They can also serve as a real springboard for a fighting career, as a victory in the SENSHI ring shows the world what kind of champions these fighters can become—and what they are truly made of.

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