Varna, Bulgaria—a city typically known for its coastal charm—is once again solidifying its reputation as the European epicenter of high-stakes striking. On December 6, 2025, SENSHI 29 arrives as the organization`s grand final act of the year, bringing together 24 elite athletes from 16 nations for 12 deeply consequential battles. This event is more than just a fight card; it is a definitive technical showcase, steeped in tradition, and overseen by the very legends who defined the sport decades ago.
SENSHI has demonstrated explosive growth in just five years, hosting over 20 events and featuring nearly 250 athletes globally. SENSHI 29 represents the organization’s current peak, combining world-class talent with a unique commitment to technical mastery, underscored by its pioneering rulesets.
The Technical Crucible: Understanding KWU Rules
The hallmark of a SENSHI event is its dual approach to rules, deliberately challenging athletes to adapt to nuanced technical demands. Competitors must navigate two separate rule sets, both rooted in the structure of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU):
KWU Full Contact
This ruleset aligns closely with traditional K-1 and standard kickboxing protocols. It permits all manner of boxing punches, all kicks, and the dangerous spinning backfist. Critically, it restricts knees to the head and strictly prohibits the use of elbows. This format favors volume, movement, and precision striking—a clean, classic kickboxing display.
KWU SENSHI Rules
For those who find standard kickboxing insufficiently complex, the SENSHI ruleset escalates the violence, expanding the technical toolbox significantly. This version permits all legal actions from Full Contact but adds two crucial elements: elbow strikes and throws. This inclusion pushes the competition closer to Muay Thai or traditional Kyokushin knockdown combat, demanding superior clinching, balance, and spatial awareness.
The willingness of SENSHI to employ these hybrid rulesets ensures that every fight carries an element of unpredictability, rewarding the most complete martial artists rather than specialized strikers.
The Old Guard Oversees the New Blood
Adding unparalleled legitimacy to the technical proceedings is the presence of the sport’s most iconic figures. Preceding the fights, Varna will host the final international SENSHI training camp of 2025. During this camp, and subsequently as judges and referees during the event, a pantheon of kickboxing legends will lend their expertise:
- Semmy Schilt (Four-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion)
- Ernesto Hoost (Four-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion)
- Albert Kraus (First K-1 MAX Champion)
- Andy Souwer (Two-time K-1 MAX Champion)
- Nicholas Pettas (K-1 Japan GP 2001 Champion)
It is a rare—and perhaps slightly intimidating—experience for a young fighter to be evaluated by individuals who, collectively, own more grand prix trophies than some entire nations. The stakes are raised when `Mr. Perfect` and `The Killer` are scoring your footwork.
Matchup Spotlight: National Pride and Global Ambition
SENSHI 29 features several compelling narratives, mixing established veterans with explosive rising stars. Notably, several athletes, including Croatia’s Vito Kosar, are balancing commitments, competing in Varna even while simultaneously challenging for WAKO world titles in Abu Dhabi—a testament to the grueling schedule and dedication required at this level.
The Mr. SENSHI Showdown
In the -75 kg division, fans will see a major test for Bulgarian star Atanas Bozhilov, affectionately nicknamed `Mr. SENSHI` for his consistency and impressive 25 appearances in the ring. Bozhilov, a 2023 SENSHI European Champion, brings a dominant 23-2 professional record against the challenge posed by the Netherlands’ Rocky Grandjean. Bozhilov represents the reliable, decorated face of the promotion.
The Glory Challenger Steps In
Perhaps the most recognized international name on the card is Swiss-Congolese striker Ulric Bokeme (34-6). Known as `Black Beast,` Bokeme arrives in the -85 kg division just months after challenging Glory champion Donovan Wisse for the middleweight title. His appearance at SENSHI against Frangis Goma is a powerful indicator of the organization’s draw. Bokeme’s size, reach, and elite experience make him a massive favorite, but the pressure to perform following a razor-thin title loss will be immense.
The Confidence of the Contender
A matchup under the advanced KWU SENSHI ruleset promises fireworks at -70 kg as England`s multi-platform champion Nathan Bendon meets Colombia’s Nicolas Sanabria. Bendon, a champion across the XFC, KGP, and MTGP platforms, has not been subtle about his intentions.
“It’s going to be explosive from the start to the finish. If he makes it out of the first round, he’ll be lucky,” Bendon stated in a media interview.
This supreme confidence, coupled with the freedom of being able to deploy elbows and throws, sets up a potential early night, demonstrating exactly why the SENSHI ruleset is designed for finishes.
The Final Word for 2025
SENSHI 29 is positioned as a comprehensive statement on the organization’s trajectory. By marrying historic martial arts principles (via the unique KWU rules) with modern elite competition and the validation of kickboxing’s Hall of Fame, SENSHI is carving out a truly distinctive niche. For the fight fans watching the action unfold from Varna, this event will be a technical spectacle—a fitting, hard-hitting conclusion to the year 2025.
