Shihan Semmy Schilt is one of the true legends of martial arts and one of the most remarkable figures we see in every edition of SENSHI in his role as a referee and instructor at KWU SENSHI International Martial Arts Camps. It is no coincidence that he caught the attention of one of Bulgaria’s major TV networks, where for the “Before Noon” talk show, he told us more about his amazing career in martial arts, his work with SENSHI, and another one of his equally intriguing roles – the one as an actor.
Under the spotlight, right from the training hall, where Semmy Schilt was teaching during the 18th International Martial Arts Camp in July, he mentally transferred viewers to the set of “Transporter 3,” where he partnered with the famous Hollywood actor Jason Statham.
“Are you the small one?” Statham asks Semmy Schilt in the iconic fight scene from 2008. “I like acting a lot. I’ve also done a couple of films in the Netherlands, and I’ve got about 30 shooting days in total, which is definitely something. It is no secret that I have a great desire to act in a famous film, for example, some Viking movie,” said Semmy Schilt.
And we know that he will be great at it! Semmy Schilt is a Glory Grand Slam 16-man tournament champion, Glory world champion, four-time K-1 Grand Prix champion, K-1 world champion, three-time King of Pancrase titleholder, and two-time world Kudo champion, President of KWU SENSHI Europe, and a member of the Board of the KWU SENSHI. But what is behind this success? Here’s his answer:
“I just trained hard and listened carefully to what my coach was telling me so that I could do what I needed on the ring. That’s how, at some point, I developed myself as a fighter!” explained Semmy Schilt, adding that in combat sports, talent is not as important as hard work. In his opinion, everyone has a chance to succeed as long as they train hard and don’t bend in the face of difficulties.
After the end of his professional career as a fighter, Semmy Schilt continues to be a significant part of the development of martial arts not only in his home country but in the world – this time, as an instructor and referee at SENSHI International Martial Arts Gala Nights. Very soon, we will see him again on Bulgarian soil – he will arrive for the next edition of SENSHI 23, which will be held on September 7 in Varna.
“Today, I am very grateful because I can be part of SENSHI. It’s a huge organization where I can pass on my experience to all the participants. I’m refereeing the SENSHI fight galas now, and it’s a great honor. Everybody should come and see this show because it’s very impressive… and to be honest, when in the ring, I wish I was fighting again!” said Schilt.
The full video of the fighting legend Semmy Schilt, which he gave for the show “Predi obed” on bTV, can be seen HERE.
