Sensei Erik Paulson

Erik started his career in martial arts, starting with Judo at the age of 8. In 1988 he began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rorion, Royce, and Rickson Gracie in Rickson’s garage. While training at the Inosanto’s academy, he met Yorinaga Nakamura, who taught him Shoot Wrestling. Paulson also trained extensively in Catch Wrestling under Billy Robinson. In 1995 Erik began training with the Machado brothers. Erik is the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling and STX Kickboxing. He runs the CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California, where he trains MMA fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Renato Sobral, Cub Swanson, and James Wilks. He is closely affiliated with Sean Sherk and Brock Lesnar of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy.