Day two of SENSHI’s invitation-only special training camp began with exclusive techniques, practical advice, and a highly individual approach delivered by two of the greatest kickboxers in history. The camp is designed for selected professional fighters up to 75 kg and is led by legends of the division Albert Kraus “The Hurricane” and Andy Souwer “The Destroyer”, who traveled from the Netherlands especially for the event.
The morning session started with a warm-up and intense training drills, but quickly moved into unconventional techniques and detailed guidance developed specifically for the camp participants. Albert Kraus—the first K-1 MAX Tournament World Champion in 2002 and the first SUPERKOMBAT middleweight champion—focused on footwork and demonstrated a specific step for distance control. Тypically used in boxing, the technique allows fighters to evade an attack while simultaneously creating an opening for a counterstrike. The legendary Dutchman, who also holds four separate world titles in kickboxing and muay thai, emphasized the importance of “reading” an opponent and thinking several moves ahead.
Andy Souwer, a two-time K-1 MAX world champion, four-time Shootboxing world champion, Showtime 70MAX world champion, and Muay Thai world champion, shared a similar message:
“Use partner work to learn from each other and continuously build your skills. Adapting to your opponent’s movements is the key to developing your own style, setting the pace, and succeeding in the fight,” Souwer said.
Albert Kraus also highlighted the significance of the camp itself:
“I haven’t seen another organization that brings together camps like this, where fighters can learn directly from the best. SENSHI is investing in you—make the most of it. You are part of an elite selection with the potential for world titles, and these days are the time to take as much as you can.”
After the morning session, the fighters faced an unconventional challenge—an ice bath in the Black Sea at sub-zero temperatures, aimed at toughening not only the body but also the mind. The day continues with an evening training session focused on sparring.
The special camp brings together in Varna, Bulgaria, 32 professional fighters from 13 countries: Italy, France, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Greece, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Portugal, and Bulgaria. Among the invited athletes are 11 Bulgarians, and many of the fighters training side by side today are former opponents from different SENSHI editions—including Atanas Bozhilov, Adrian Madalin, Rocky Grandjean, and Samo Petje, as well as other well-known names from the fight scene.
The camp runs until Sunday, January 25, but Albert Kraus and Andy Souwer will return to Varna in just one month. Together with several other world champions, they will once again serve as leading instructors at the first major international SENSHI camp of the year and will be part of SENSHI’s 30th anniversary edition on February 28. Both are members of the SENSHI refereeing team and sit on the board of directors of KWU SENSHI.
