Erik Paulson holds a 5th degree black belt under Rigan Machado in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is also the founder of CSW gym in Fullerton, CA. He is a black belt in multiple martial arts and as a pioneer in mixed martial arts was the first American to win light heavyweight gold in the Shooto promotion in Japan. I spent a few hours with Erik this past weekend in Fullerton, CA at CSW gym while I was in town for IBJJF Worlds. Erik is one of the most interesting people you'll meet in the martial arts world and has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things grappling / mma related. It was an honor to sit down with Erik and hang out at the legendary CSW gym. Erik Paulson is widely known as the trainer of former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Ken Shamrock, and Josh Barnett. Enjoy !