SENSHI: The Next Big Kickboxing Promotion?

When you think of kickboxing, you immediately think of its glory days. You think of the K-1 Grand Prix, Tyrone Spong, Gokhan Saki, Melvin Manhoef and Ramon Dekkers among others.

In 2026, the combat sports landscape is a much different place. There are still multiple powerhouses showcasing kickboxing, but there may just be a new giant arising across Europe.

The Uprising

Emanating from Bulgaria, SENSHI is a newfound kickboxing promotion that prides itself on its main qualities: bravery, respect and honour. From its birth in 2019, the Varna-based promotion has been rising through the ranks to find the greatest strikers across kickboxing and Kyoshokin karate from around Europe, which allows it to differ from many other promotions while providing athletes a chance to perform under a more modern-day rules set.

It’s not uncommon for a promotion to attempt to run before it can walk. History suggests that causes the downfall for many new energetic shows. However, SENSHI has avoided following that tried and tested formula. Instead, they have bided their time, climbing the ranks and gathering momentum while using their social media presence, with over 190,000 followers across all platforms.

Honouring The Legends

Priding themselves on athletes’ bravery, respect and honour, SENSHI is eager to disrupt the kickboxing realm and plant their foot as the future. At the same time, however, they have no issues honouring the fighters that laid the foundations.

In recent times, striking icons Ray Sefo, Sammy Schilt, Andy Souwer and Shihan Niclas Pettas have all been seen in attendance at SENSHI events – as recently as SENSHI 30 this past February – in several capacities; whether presenting awards, embracing media duties or holding seminars to discover and enhance travelling talent.

“It reminds me of the K-1 days,” Sefo said. “It’s really awesome to be here. It’s been amazing to work with so many athletes that have bounced off one another.

“I believe SENSHI has massive potential for such a young promotion. I think they’re only going to grow further in this space.”

Embracing The One-Night Tournament

What made kickboxing a staple around the world in the 1990s and early 2000s was its love for the one-night tournament. It taps into everything that makes combat sports great. It creates superstars. Not just highlighting those who can fight, but those who are willing to put it all on the line and return once or even twice more than evening for an extra dose of punches and kicks until one man stands above all.

SENSHI have quickly made that a staple of their promotion. The latest Grand Prix took place at SENSHI 30. Zhulien Rikov stood tall to win the under 75kg tournament after the 19-year-old dispatched Carlos Barbosa, ONE Championship veteran Constantin Rusu, and Christian Baya.

Given the thrilling success, SENSHI looks to continue basking in the one-night tournament as more stars are created.

The Recruitment Drive

Every new promotion needs stars, but SENSHI has approached their recruitment strategy a little bit differently than others. While the Bulgarian outfit welcomes ready-made stars, they hold trials with strikers from around the globe.

For one week in February, 270 fighters from 27 countries worldwide arrived in Vara to showcase their skills and look to feature in future SENSHI events. Participants included stars from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and more.

SENSHI’s next training camp will take place in July via the Kyoshokin World Union in Varna.

How To Watch SENSHI

Fans can watch SENSHI events live and free on their YouTube channel. The flourishing promotion has plans for five events in 2026 – following the same trajectory as previous years.

Does SENSHI have what it takes to become the next big thing in kickboxing? Let us know below!