About Erik Paulson
The Legacy Of Erik Paulson
For more than five decades, Erik Paulson has dedicated his life to studying, competing, coaching, and evolving martial arts. As the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling and STX Kickboxing, his influence continues to shape students, instructors, fighters, and martial artists around the world.
The Journey
A Life Shaped By Martial Arts
Long before mixed martial arts became a global sport, Erik Paulson was already exploring how different martial arts systems could work together. His passion for learning led him to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Shoot Wrestling, Judo, Muay Thai, Boxing, and numerous other combat arts under some of the most respected instructors in the world.
Rather than limiting himself to a single style, Erik dedicated his life to understanding every range of combat and how each discipline could complement the next. That lifelong pursuit of knowledge eventually became Combat Submission Wrestling, a complete martial arts system recognized throughout the world.
Today, Erik continues to teach, coach, and mentor students, instructors, competitors, military personnel, and law enforcement professionals from the World Headquarters of Combat Submission Wrestling in Fullerton, California.
Lifelong Student
More than five decades devoted to studying and refining martial arts.
System Builder
Founder of Combat Submission Wrestling and STX Kickboxing.
Coach & Mentor
Helping students, instructors, and elite athletes reach their highest potential.
Still Teaching Today
Continuing to coach daily from the CSW World Headquarters.
The Journey
The Evolution Of A Martial Artist
More than five decades of continuous learning, competition, coaching, and innovation.
The Beginning
Erik’s martial arts journey began through Judo, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to learning and personal growth.
Expanding His Knowledge
His pursuit of knowledge led him into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Shoot Wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing, and numerous other combat arts.
Making History
Erik became the first American to win the Shooto World Championship, earning international recognition as one of the pioneers of modern mixed martial arts.
Building A System
Drawing from decades of experience, Erik founded Combat Submission Wrestling and later developed STX Kickboxing, creating systems still taught worldwide today.
Coaching Champions
Over the years, Erik has coached UFC champions, ADCC champions, world-class competitors, instructors, military personnel, law enforcement professionals, and martial artists from around the globe.
The Legacy Continues
Erik continues teaching daily from the World Headquarters of Combat Submission Wrestling, mentoring the next generation of students, instructors, and champions.
The Systems He Built
Two Systems.
One Philosophy.
Decades of study, competition, coaching, and refinement led Erik Paulson to develop two martial arts systems that continue to influence instructors, competitors, and students throughout the world.
Combat Submission Wrestling
Combat Submission Wrestling was created to connect every range of combat into one intelligent system. Drawing from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Shoot Wrestling, striking, takedowns, clinch work, and submissions, CSW teaches students how everything works together rather than as isolated techniques.
- Standing To Ground Integration
- Submission Grappling
- Catch Wrestling Principles
- MMA Applications
- Real-World Functionality
STX Kickboxing
STX Kickboxing blends timing, footwork, combinations, defensive movement, and intelligent pressure into a complete striking system. Designed for modern martial artists, STX develops technical skill while remaining practical for competition and personal protection.
- Footwork & Angles
- Combination Development
- Counter Fighting
- Timing & Distance
- Defensive Movement
Influence Beyond The Academy
A Legacy That Reaches Around The World
Erik Paulson’s work has reached far beyond the walls of the CSW Training Center, influencing fighters, instructors, academy owners, military professionals, law enforcement personnel, and students across the globe.
World-Class Fighters
Professional athletes have sought Erik’s coaching to sharpen their skills and prepare for the highest levels of competition.
Instructors & Academy Owners
Martial arts instructors around the world continue to study, teach, and share the systems Erik created.
Military & Law Enforcement
CSW principles have helped professionals develop practical skills, confidence, and problem-solving ability under pressure.
Everyday Students
From beginners to advanced martial artists, students continue to grow through Erik’s systems and the coaching culture at CSW.
The Journey
A Lifetime Of Learning
Long before mixed martial arts became a global sport, Erik Paulson was already searching for something bigger than a single martial art.
His passion for learning led him to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Shoot Wrestling, Judo, Muay Thai, Boxing, and numerous other combat arts under some of the most respected instructors in the world.
Rather than limiting himself to one style, Erik devoted his life to understanding how every range of combat could connect into one complete system. That lifelong pursuit eventually became Combat Submission Wrestling.
Today, Erik continues to teach, coach, and mentor students from the World Headquarters of Combat Submission Wrestling in Fullerton, California.
The Philosophy
A Philosophy That Continues To Evolve
Never Stop Learning
Martial arts is a lifelong pursuit of growth. Every class, every training partner, every success, and every setback becomes another opportunity to learn.
Adapt. Don’t Imitate.
True martial arts is not about collecting techniques. It is about understanding principles, solving problems, and adapting knowledge to the individual standing in front of you.
Leave The Art Better Than You Found It
A legacy is measured not only by what you accomplish, but by what you pass on to others. Every student, instructor, and academy carrying the CSW philosophy becomes part of that continuing evolution.
World Headquarters
Continue The Legacy
For more than five decades, Erik Paulson has dedicated his life to learning, teaching, and sharing martial arts. Today, that journey continues through every student who steps onto the mat.
Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, fitness, or simply becoming a better martial artist, your journey begins at the World Headquarters of Combat Submission Wrestling.