From May 15 to 18, 2025, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, was the proud host of the first-ever SENSHI Camp, bringing together over 300 participants from various countries. The training sessions took place at Kolodruma Hall and were led by world-renowned instructors in Kyokushin and kickboxing: Shihan Akira Masuda, Shihan Semmy Schilt, Shihan Francisco Filho, Ernesto Hoost, Shihan Ryu Narushima, Shihan Sam Greco, Shihan Asen Asenov, Shihan Glaube Feitosa, Shihan Nicholas Pettas, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, Sensei Ewerton Teixeira, Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili, Sensei Zahari Damyanov, Sensei Jan Soukup, Sensei Andrews Nakahara, and Sensei Petar Martinov.
Day 1 – May 16
The first day featured three training sessions. The Kyokushin instructors – Ryu Narushima, Jan Soukup, Tariel Nikoleishvili, Andrews Nakahara, Ewerton Teixeira, and Glaube Feitosa – focused on flexibility, combinations, intensity, and precision. Feitosa also held a special session for coaches, emphasizing blocking techniques and low kicks. The afternoon kickboxing session was led by Ernesto Hoost, Semmy Schilt, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, and Sam Greco, concentrating on technique, speed, and coordination. The day concluded with the official weigh-in for the upcoming SENSHI 26 Gladiators gala at the Ancient Theatre on May 17, along with an open training session featuring the fighters.
Day 2 – May 17
The second day offered two intense training sessions. In the morning, participants were divided into groups based on their skill level. Shihan Francisco Filho and Shihan Glaube Feitosa worked with the youngest fighters, while Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili and Sensei Jan Soukup focused on advanced techniques for fighters with brown and green belts. The evening session included demonstrations by Ryu Narushima and Akira Masuda for Kyokushin practitioners, while kickboxers continued their training with Ernesto Hoost, Semmy Schilt, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, and Sam Greco. The instructors shared their impressions of the event and its organization. Semmy Schilt noted: “If your strike is light, ask your opponent to hit you harder.” Francisco Filho added: “What we did today was good, but we must strive to make it even better. Always concentrate on the moment and always be happy.”
Day 3 – May 18
The final day was dedicated to sparring and inspirational messages. Kyokushin fighters trained under the guidance of Akira Masuda, Ryu Narushima, Francisco Filho, Ewerton Teixeira, Glaube Feitosa, and Andrews Nakahara. Kickboxers worked with Nicholas Pettas, Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Sam Greco, Andy Souwer, and Albert Kraus. After the sessions, the instructors shared words of wisdom and encouragement with the participants. Akira Masuda said, “I hope to see you again in July.” Ryu Narushima emphasized the importance of passing on the knowledge gained: “I believe you learned a lot today. Everything you experienced here, share it with your colleagues and friends—start practicing it as soon as you return to your dojo.”
The SENSHI Camp in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, provided a unique opportunity for fighters to train under the guidance of globally respected instructors, exchange experiences, and draw inspiration from their stories and advice. The event not only enriched participants’ technical skills but also strengthened the spirit of martial brotherhood and the pursuit of excellence.
