SENSHI is a series of professional gala fight nights, celebrated as a symbol of spectacular, high-quality, and captivating martial arts showcases. The SENSHI ring brings together some of the most renowned names in martial arts, presenting electrifying bouts in kickboxing, Muay Thai, Kyokushin karate, and exclusive SENSHI-style fights under the rules of the International Professional League of the Kyokushin World Union (KWU).
Each SENSHI edition offers a unique format where elite fighters from various martial arts, ensuring thrilling battles in the arena. SENSHI’s rules are specially crafted to amplify the excitement, combining time-honored Kyokushin techniques with near-unlimited combat possibilities. Athletes can utilize head strikes, elbow blows, and throws, making every fight unpredictable and action-packed.
In 2019, SENSHI introduced the revolutionary KWU International Professional League rules. These rules allow head strikes, elbow techniques, and takedowns, harking back to the foundational principles of Kyokushin karate. Sosai Masutatsu “Mas” Oyama, the legendary creator of Kyokushin, championed this full-contact philosophy. For Oyama, the most effective technique was the one that best neutralized the opponent. His rigorous training in isolation and his relentless focus on “Kumite”—full-contact sparring—formed the backbone of his martial art.
Historically, Kyokushin emphasized intense sparring sessions where fighters endured powerful strikes to build skill and resilience. Head blows, grappling, takedowns and even groin strikes were allowed, with matches often ending in knockouts. This ethos of unyielding combat was famously tested in 1964 when Oyama’s karatekas faced Muay Thai masters in Thailand. Under Thai rules, the Kyokushin fighters triumphed 2-1, proving the effectiveness of their art.
Over the years, Kyokushin karate has inspired numerous offshoots and fighting styles, including Ashihara Karate, Kickboxing, Kyokushin Budokai, Seidokaikan, Kudo, Shidokan, and Enshin Karate. Notably, Seidokaikan’s founder, Kazuyoshi Ishii, went on to create K-1, one of the most popular and dynamic martial arts competitions today.
Rooted in the legacy of Kyokushin, the KWU International Professional League, under the leadership of Shihan Ivo Kamenov, revives the glory of full-contact martial arts. SENSHI epitomizes this vision, showcasing martial arts in their raw, powerful form.
The KWU International Professional League offers three distinct rulesets, all crafted to honor the spirit of Kyokushin and ensure exhilarating, high-intensity competition.
