The first day of the SENSHI camp in Varna, Bulgaria, was marked by exceptionally high intensity, offering participants a priceless opportunity to refine their combat skills under the guidance of world-renowned champions. The camp, running until February 23, gathers around 400 fighters from 18 countries, eager to gain knowledge and develop their techniques with the help of some of the best martial arts masters in the world.
Among the special guests and instructors at the camp are legendary fighters such as Shihan Akira Masuda, Shihan Ryu Narushima, Shihan Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, and other globally recognized names.
The morning training session began with a warm-up and stretching led by Shihan Ryu Narushima, setting the tone and spirit for the days ahead. Afterward, the fighters were divided into two main groups—Kyokushin and Kickboxing. The Kyokushin training was led by Shihan Akira Masuda and Shihan Ryu Narushima, while Andy Souwer and Albert Kraus worked with the kickboxers.
Shihan Akira Masuda took charge of the coaches and instructors of the Bulgarian Karate Kyokushin Federation (BKKF), emphasizing the importance of distance in the fighting stance. To help fighters better understand proper movement, he introduced a drill in which the hand was symbolically considered a knife—an exercise that aids in mastering the principle of optimal sparring distance. The training then moved on to the correct execution of key movements, concluding with body and spirit strengthening through game-based methods.
Shihan Ryu Narushima, along with Sensei Zahari Damyanov, Sensei Tariel Nikoleishvili, Sensei Yusuke Fuji, Sensei Jan Soukup, and Sensei Petar Martinov, conducted a training session for active BKKF competitors, focusing on body coordination and strike accuracy. Fighters worked in pairs, divided into three groups based on their skill and experience levels, emphasizing proper stance, stability in combat, and kick defense. Narushima paid special attention to precision techniques, which are crucial in professional Kyokushin.
In the kickboxing group, Andy Souwer and Albert Kraus emphasized fight control through movement and angle creation. One common mistake noted by the instructors was the repetitiveness of combinations. “Even if the first two combinations are the same, make sure the third is a surprise. That surprise gives meaning to the fight. Try to diversify your attacks and experiment with new techniques.”
Semmy Schilt focused on distance and movement in the correct fighting stance. He explained the fundamental difference between a beginner and an advanced fighter, highlighting the importance of proper hand positioning. One of the key tricks he demonstrated was: “Look down at the opponent’s legs as if aiming for a low kick, but actually attack with a high kick” —a tactic that can catch even experienced opponents off guard.
Ernesto Hoost, on the other hand, focused on an effective fight strategy: a low kick, followed by a knee lift without touching the ground, ending with a mae geri (front kick) to the stomach. The training was entirely in pairs, and Hoost also demonstrated an effective feinting combination “A kick followed by a surprising front-hand punch, which should be fully extended to break the opponent’s guard. According to him: “Repeating an exercise is crucial for mastering it.”
The training ended with words from “Mr. Perfect,” thanking the participants for an incredible session and appreciating the spirit of the kickboxers who continue to inspire him.
The third and final training session of the day was filled with emotions, dynamism, and a strong fighting spirit. Participants applied the techniques they had learned in sparring sessions, encouraged to experiment with new combinations assigned by Shihan Ryu Narushima and to refine their reactions.
The SENSHI camp started with exceptional energy, and from day one, participants received valuable practical advice and techniques from some of the greatest names in martial arts. The coming days are expected to bring even more intense training and exciting challenges, contributing to the growth and development of all fighters taking part in this prestigious camp.
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