One of the benefits of being involved with the Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) Association is the opportunity to spend time learning directly from some of the most knowledgeable martial artists in the world. Recently, I traveled from Atlanta to Orange County, California, to attend the annual CSW World Conference hosted by Sensei Erik Paulson.
The conference itself is always an incredible experience. It brings together instructors, coaches, and martial artists from a wide range of backgrounds to train, share ideas, and continue developing their skills. For me, however, one of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to schedule a private training session with Erik.
Even after decades of training, teaching, and coaching, I still believe that one of the most important habits a martial artist can develop is remaining a student. Whenever I have the opportunity to spend time on the mat with someone like Erik, I take it. His ability to see connections between positions, submissions, and transitions is unique, and every session seems to reveal details that most people overlook.
During this particular training session, we spent a significant amount of time exploring shin locks and lower-body submissions. While shin locks are often overlooked in favor of more common attacks such as heel hooks, kneebars, and ankle locks, Erik demonstrated how effective they can be when integrated into an overall submission system.
What impressed me most was not any single technique. It was Erik’s ability to connect multiple attacks together. Throughout the lesson, he showed how a failed toe hold could become a shin lock, how a defensive reaction to a kneebar could expose another submission opportunity, and how seemingly minor positional adjustments could dramatically increase pressure and control.
This is one of the hallmarks of high-level grappling. The goal is not to force a technique. The goal is to create a chain of attacks where every defensive response opens the door to another opportunity.
Watching Erik teach these concepts reinforced something I have observed throughout my martial arts journey: mastery is often found in the details. The techniques themselves may appear simple, but the timing, positioning, and understanding behind them are what make them effective.
Another benefit of these private sessions is the chance to ask questions and explore specific areas of interest. Rather than following a structured seminar format, private training allows for deeper conversations about strategy, mechanics, and problem-solving. Those discussions often provide as much value as the techniques themselves.
The CSW World Conference continues to be one of my favorite annual training events because it provides opportunities to learn, connect with other instructors, and continue growing as a martial artist. No matter how long you’ve been training, there is always something new to discover when you spend time with people who are dedicated to constant improvement.
This session with Erik was another reminder that the pursuit of knowledge never ends. The moment we believe we have learned everything is the moment our growth stops. Staying curious, seeking out great teachers, and continually refining our skills is what keeps us moving forward.
I was fortunate to capture portions of this training session on video, including some of the shin lock variations Erik demonstrated. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed being on the mat learning it.
Shift Your Perspective, Take Action, And Create Change
Gentleman in Conduct. Scholar in Thought. Savage in Action.
~ Sifu Alan ┃ www.sifualan.com ┃ www.civtaccoach.com┃www.prtinstructor.com
Sifu Alan Baker is a nationally respected authority in Defensive Tactics Program Development, High-Performance Coaching, and martial arts, with over 45 years of training experience across multiple systems. As a lifelong martial artist and tactical instructor, Alan has dedicated his career to creating practical, adaptable, and effective training systems for real-world application. He has worked extensively with law enforcement agencies, military units, and private security professionals, designing programs that emphasize scenario-based training, everyday carry (EDC) integration, and combative efficiency under pressure.
Alan’s client list includes elite organizations such as the Executive Protection Institute, Vehicle Dynamics Institute, The Warrior Poet Society, ALIVE Active Shooter Training, Tactical 21, and Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, among many others. He is the creator of both the C-Tac® (Civilian Tactical Training Association) and Protection Response Tactics (PRT) programs—two widely respected systems that provide realistic, principle-based training for civilians and professionals operating in high-risk environments.
In addition to his tactical and martial arts work, Alan is the founder of the Warrior’s Path Physical Culture Program, a holistic approach to strength, mobility, and long-term health rooted in traditional martial arts and the historic principles of physical culture. This program integrates breathwork, structural alignment, joint expansion, strength training, and mental discipline, offering a complete framework for building a resilient body and a powerful mindset. Drawing from his training in Chinese Kung Fu, Filipino Martial Arts, Indonesian Silat, Burmese systems, and more, Alan combines decades of experience into a method that is both modern and deeply rooted in timeless warrior traditions.
Alan is also the architect of multiple online video academies, giving students worldwide access to in-depth training in his systems, including Living Mechanics Jiu-Jitsu, C-Tac® Combatives, breathwork, functional mobility, and weapons integration. These platforms allow for structured, self-paced learning while connecting students to a growing global community of practitioners.
Beyond physical training, Alan is a sought-after Self-Leadership Coach, working with high performers, professionals, and individuals on personal growth journeys. His coaching emphasizes clarity, discipline, focus, and accountability, helping people break through mental limitations and align their daily actions with long-term goals. His work is built on the belief that true mastery begins with the ability to lead oneself first, and through that, to lead others more effectively.
Alan is also the author of three books that encapsulate his philosophy and approach: The Warrior’s Path, which outlines the mindset and habits necessary for self-leadership and personal mastery; The Universal Principles of Change, a practical guide for creating lasting transformation; and Morning Mastery, a structured approach to building a powerful daily routine grounded in physical culture and discipline.
To explore Alan’s books, digital academies, live training opportunities, or to inquire about seminars and speaking events, visit his official website and take the next step on your path toward strength, resilience, and mastery.