#3: Erik Paulson - "The Creative Act of Martial Arts"

“It doesn’t matter where it comes from as long as it works, and you don’t know if it works unless you experiment with it.  In order to get good at everything you got to break it all up and pull it apart.  Find the common thread, that’s how the styles will merge.”  -- Erik Paulson

My guest on this episode is Erik Paulson who is an Encyclopedia of Martial Arts and the first American to win the World Light Heavyweight Shooto Championship in Japan.  He was trained by legendary instructors like Guro Dan Inosanto, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Gene Lebell, Yori Nakamura, Rigan Machado, Rickson Gracie, Tim Tackett, Ajarn Chai, and Billy Robinson.  He is a multi-style Black Belt and master instructor of Jeet Kune Do, Kick Boxing, Savate, Shoot Fighting, Filipino Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, Catch Wrestling, and a 6’th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He is the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling and STX Kickboxing.  He runs the CSW Training Center in Fullerton, California, where he has trained MMA Fighters like Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Cub Swanson, Sean Sherk, James Wilks, and Brock Lesnar.

This episode is all about connection and seeking the common thread in all martial arts.  My key takeaway is that martial arts is a creative act.  We must be humble and open so that we can learn and absorb from all sources.  What we learn must be tested so that we know that we can make it work, and the only way to test it is to experiment with it.  Martial Arts is a creative process, of transforming knowledge, wisdom, to understanding.  Erik Paulson is a true genius of the game, his understanding of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of martial arts sets him apart and allows him to mentor and guide his students toward excellence.  This is a special episode, filled with insight and old-school stories of Jeet Kune Do and the development of MMA from someone who has first-hand knowledge and experience.  Tune in for an unforgettable episode.