Erik Paulson

Combat Submission Wrestling Founder, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt:

Starting with Judo in 1974, Paulson has trained in many disciplines including Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Kali/Eskrima, Catch Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, studying first with Rorion Gracie, Royce Gracie, Rickson Gracie in his garage in 1989. He has studied with 40 different teachers over his 30 years of training including Rick Faye, Greg Nelson, Charlie Gergan, Yorinaga Nakamura, Larry Hartsell, Tim Tackett, Ajarn Chai Sirisute, Nic Saignac, Rigan Machado, Rico Chipparelli, and the legendary Dan Inosanto, who claims Erik is one of the world's most dynamic grapplers.

He currently runs the CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California where he trains MMA fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Renato Sobral, Cub Swanson, Ben Jones and Ginelle Marquez. He is closely affiliated with Sean Sherk and Brock Lesnar of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy. Erik came out of retirement in October 2007 to headline the first HDNET MMA fight card. Paulson took on Jeff Ford in the main event of the night. Paulson made quick work of Ford, winning by spinning arm bar in the opening minutes of the first round.

Erik recently received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Rigan Machado. Erik is the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling, and STX Kickboxing.