Erik Paulson Books & DVDs

Erik Paulson is an accomplished martial artist, instructor, and coach widely recognized as one of the most versatile and knowledgeable combat sports figures in the world. Born on June 16, 1966, in California, Paulson has built an extraordinary career spanning multiple disciplines.

Paulson holds the distinguished rank of black belt in several martial arts systems, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Machado brothers, Japanese Shootwrestling under Fujiwara Yoshiaki, and Jeet Kune Do under Dan Inosanto. He is one of the few people certified to teach the complete Bruce Lee/Dan Inosanto JKD curriculum.

As a competitor, Paulson made his mark in the 1990s as the first American to become the Shooto light heavyweight world champion in Japan (1993). His competitive career includes numerous victories in submission wrestling, shootfighting, and mixed martial arts competitions.

In 1992, Paulson founded Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW), an innovative training system that integrates techniques from various martial arts disciplines with a focus on practical application for both sport competition and self-defense. CSW has become internationally recognized for its effectiveness and comprehensive approach.

Throughout his career, Paulson has coached numerous world champions and professional fighters in UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, and other major organizations. Notable students include Josh Barnett, Sean Sherk, and Ken Shamrock, among many others.

Paulson is also known for his encyclopedic knowledge of techniques and his exceptional teaching ability. He has produced extensive instructional materials covering various aspects of martial arts and combat sports, making him one of the most influential instructors in modern mixed martial arts.

Today, Paulson continues to teach at his CSW Training Center in California and conducts seminars worldwide, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with new generations of martial artists.