The global elite of martial arts arrives in Bulgaria for this prestigious event
Once again, Kamchia is hosting one of the largest martial arts and combat sports events in Europe and worldwide — the 19th International Martial Arts Summer Camp, organized by the Professional League of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU) and the Bulgarian Karate Kyokushin Federation. The camp officially began today, with more than 2,000 participants from 44 countries lined up for the first open training session.
This year’s edition of the camp is among the largest in its history and features a full schedule packed with intensive training in various martial arts disciplines, including Kyokushin Karate, Kickboxing, Kudo, and Iaido. Daily sessions will be led by some of the most legendary figures in martial arts — world champions, renowned senseis, and shihans with decades of experience and global recognition in the combat sports community.
Over 20 top-level instructors in Kyokushin Karate and Kickboxing will be teaching in Kamchia this week. Among them are the legends Shihan Akira Masuda, Shihan Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, Shihan Francisco Filho, Shihan Glaube Feitosa, Sensei Ewerton Teixeira, Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili, Sensei Zahari Damyanov, and many more internationally acclaimed names.
Joining them are the esteemed Japanese Kudo masters, Jukucho Shihan Kenichi Osada and Shihan Kiyotaka Kato, who will be sharing their expertise and insights from the ring and the octagon. The renowned Japanese sword master, Soke Masanori Ogawa, will be leading specialized sessions in the samurai art of Iaido. All instructors will guide participants through advanced technical sessions, seminars, belt promotion exams, and live demonstrations.
The 19th International Martial Arts Summer Camp 2025 will also feature several major competitions throughout the week. On Tuesday, July 8, the World Cup Varna in Kyokushin Karate for juniors and cadets will begin, gathering over 340 competitors from more than 26 countries. Bulgaria will be represented by 66 young athletes competing for medals and the prestigious cup.
Another key highlight of the week is the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2025, taking place on Thursday. Participants will go through three qualification rounds, with the finals to be held during the spectacular professional fight night SENSHI 27 on July 12, set on the beach of the “St. St. Constantine and Helena” resort in Varna, Bulgaria.
For more information about the 19th International Martial Arts Summer Camp, please visit the official website: https://www.kwunion.com.
