We specialize in assisting schools like yours in seamlessly integrating a structured, professional grappling, striking, or MMA program. Benefit from our expertise as we guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation tailored to your unique needs.

Gain unrestricted access to our exclusive online affiliates area, available to you round the clock. Explore a vast array of training resources, marketing materials, and program development tools at your fingertips. Harness the power of continuous learning with our comprehensive online platform with over 8000 videos.

Join a thriving community of like-minded professionals who share your passion for grappling, striking, or MMA. Connect with fellow affiliate members, foster valuable relationships, and engage in collaborative exchanges that promote growth, inspiration, and mutual support.

The Combat Submission Wrestling Online University and the Affiliate Instructor Archive are continuously updated with new training videos throughout the year. Together, these platforms form one of the largest instructional libraries in the industry, with well over 8,000 videos and growing. As an affiliate member, you receive full access to both archives, providing an ever-expanding library of curriculum, drills, and training resources designed to support your ongoing development and success.

When you initially join the Association, you choose the primary program you want to enter with, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Combat Submission Wrestling, MMA, Shooto 2.0, or STX Kickboxing. This allows you to focus your training and implementation on the system that best fits your background, your students, and your academy’s current needs.

Once you are an active affiliate, you have the flexibility to add additional programs at a discounted rate. This makes it easy to expand your academy’s schedule, diversify your offerings, and increase value for your students without the burden of sourcing or building new curriculum on your own. The modular structure lets you grow intelligently and at your own pace while keeping all programs aligned under a single, professional organization.

We use a detailed tracking system built specifically for our affiliates to ensure clarity, consistency, and accountability throughout the advancement process. This system allows us to track training time, rank progression across multiple systems, and attendance at training events and camps. It was designed intentionally so affiliates never fall between the cracks or get lost in the system.

All testing and rank advancement is conducted in person at our Coach Development Program Camps. These camps ensure that evaluations are consistent, hands-on, and aligned with the system’s standards. There is no additional cost for testing or advancement as part of your affiliate membership. Unlike many organizations that charge extra fees for rank promotions or certifications, advancement within our association is included. Progression is based on demonstrated knowledge, performance, and commitment, not on payments or politics.

This association is not a short-lived program or a trend-based system. It has been active for decades and is built on a foundation of proven training methods, continuous evolution, and real-world application. The curriculum is refined and expanded over time, not replaced or abandoned, ensuring affiliates are investing in something with lasting value.

At the core of this longevity is Erik Paulson, widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in the development of modern mixed martial arts. Erik’s influence spans multiple generations of fighters, coaches, and systems. With a background that includes Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Gracie family, Shoot Wrestling under Yorinaga Nakamura, and Catch Wrestling under Billy Robinson, he helped bridge traditional martial arts into functional, integrated combat systems long before MMA became mainstream.

Erik is also the founder of Combat Submission Wrestling and STX Kickboxing and has coached elite athletes across the early no-holds-barred era, the rise of MMA, and into the modern competitive landscape. His ability to adapt, evolve, and refine training over decades is a direct reflection of how this association operates. Programs are continuously updated, standards are maintained, and affiliates benefit from a system that grows with the industry rather than chasing it.

Stay at the forefront of the industry with our commitment to your professional growth. Enjoy the privilege of attending our exclusive camps, specifically designed for our affiliate members, providing you with continued education opportunities that expand your knowledge, skills, and teaching abilities. They are FREE to you as an affiliate member!

Our affiliates have direct access to a full-time support staff that is dedicated to their success. Questions are answered quickly, guidance is clear, and support is provided by real people who understand the program and the needs of working instructors. When you reach out, you are not routed through layers of automation or left waiting for weeks. We get back to you quickly and help you move forward. You can text our Association Director HERE to get answers!

As an affiliate, you can enhance your school’s reputation and credibility by aligning with our renowned association. Leverage our established brand and industry expertise to elevate your professional image and attract more students to your program.

No Politics: If you’re tired of the typical martial arts association politics and are looking for a professional organization that does not play those games, you’re in the right place. This organization is built around clear standards, transparent progression, and mutual respect. Advancement is based on knowledge, performance, and contribution, not favoritism, ego, or internal alliances. We go out of our way to maintain a fair and balanced training environment where instructors are supported, communication is direct, and the focus stays on quality training and real development rather than organizational drama.

Once you are an active affiliate within the Association, you have the option to bring assistant instructors onto your team at a discounted rate. This allows you to develop your staff efficiently while maintaining consistency in curriculum, standards, and progression. Assistant instructors receive access to the same training resources, advancement structure, and ranking pathways as affiliate instructors, ensuring they are aligned with the system you are teaching. This model makes it easier to build a capable instructional team, scale your academy responsibly, and maintain quality control as your program grows, all with the support and guidance of the Association.

In addition to technical training, we provide real business support specific to the martial arts and training industry. Our video academy includes a dedicated business development section focused on topics such as academy growth, student retention, scheduling, pricing, staff development, and long-term sustainability. This material is designed to help instructors not only teach better, but run stronger, more profitable academies.

For affiliates who want more direct guidance, optional coaching support is available. These coaching options include scheduled Zoom calls and ongoing Zoom-based sessions, available monthly. When you choose this option, you work with a live coach who understands this industry and can help you build and refine your business based on your specific goals, challenges, and environment. This allows you to get personalized support rather than generic advice, and to apply practical solutions that make sense for your academy.

This program is designed for professional instructors, academy owners, and serious practitioners who want structured, high-level training and long-term development. It is ideal for coaches and school owners who want a proven system, clear standards, and ongoing support to strengthen their programs and elevate their students.

At the same time, you do not need to be an instructor or teach classes to be part of this association. Many members join purely for personal development. If you are an everyday individual who wants to deepen your skill set, train within a well-organized system, and continue advancing without political barriers or arbitrary limitations, this program is open to you.

Whether your goal is to teach professionally, build or grow an academy, or simply take your own training to a higher level, the system provides clear pathways for advancement, education, and continued growth. Participation is based on commitment to training and development, not on whether you run a school.

This program may not be the right fit for those looking for quick rank, minimal accountability, or a purely recreational experience. It is built for people who value structure, consistency, and meaningful progression.