If you’ve been researching grappling, chances are you’ve come across both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW). While the two arts share many similarities, they also have important differences in philosophy, strategy, and overall approach to training.

At Kombative Concepts Martial Arts, we proudly teach the CSW system developed by Erik Paulson — a system that blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, Judo, Shooto, Sambo, and real-world combat application into one complete grappling method.

The goal of this article isn’t to say one art is “better” than another. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has absolutely changed martial arts forever and continues to evolve in incredible ways. Modern BJJ athletes and coaches are constantly innovating and pushing grappling to new levels.

But there are differences.

And understanding those differences can help you decide which training style best fits your goals.

What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses heavily on leverage, positional control, submissions, and ground fighting. It became famous through early UFC competition by showing that a smaller, skilled grappler could control and submit larger opponents.

Traditional BJJ emphasizes:

• Guard work and fighting from the back
• Positional hierarchy
• Sweeps and transitions
• Submission control
• Patience and efficiency
• Sport and competition strategy

Over time, BJJ has evolved tremendously. Modern no-gi grappling, wrestling integration, leg lock systems, stand-up improvements, and submission chains have expanded the art far beyond its original form.

Today’s best BJJ schools are often far more dynamic and complete than many people realize.

What Is Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW)?

Combat Submission Wrestling, or CSW, was developed by Erik Paulson after decades of experience in:

• Catch Wrestling
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Judo
• Sambo
• Shooto
• MMA competition

Rather than focusing on one single grappling style, CSW was designed as a complete grappling system that combines the strongest elements of multiple arts into one functional approach.

CSW places major emphasis on:

• Takedowns and clinch work
• Top pressure and control
• Catch wrestling transitions
• Leg locks and neck cranks
• Ride control
• Submission chains
• Wall work and MMA application
• Real combat effectiveness
• Seamless blending of standing and ground grappling

Instead of separating arts into categories, CSW treats grappling as one connected system.

The Biggest Difference: Philosophy and Approach

One of the biggest differences between traditional BJJ and CSW is often the mindset behind the training.

Many traditional BJJ schools historically built their systems around:

• Guard strategy
• Positional advancement
• Sport scoring
• Controlling and submitting from the bottom

CSW, on the other hand, was built from a broader combat perspective.

That means:

• Strong emphasis on takedowns
• Pressure-oriented control
• Aggressive transitions
• Riding concepts from Catch Wrestling
• Blending striking awareness with grappling
• Constant movement between ranges

CSW doesn’t reject guard work at all — in fact, it includes highly effective guard systems and submissions. But the system generally prioritizes:

• Getting on top
• Staying mobile
• Controlling pressure
• Finishing decisively
• Maintaining combat awareness

Why Many Grapplers Cross-Train Today

Interestingly, modern grappling is moving closer and closer toward the ideas CSW has emphasized for decades.

Today you’ll often see:

• BJJ athletes improving wrestling
• No-gi competitors studying Catch Wrestling
• MMA fighters blending Sambo and Judo
• Grapplers focusing more on stand-up
• Increased emphasis on top pressure and scrambles

In many ways, the grappling world has become more hybridized.

That’s one reason systems like CSW continue to gain attention — because they were designed from the beginning to integrate multiple grappling arts together rather than keeping them separate.

CSW at Kombative Concepts Martial Arts

At Kombative Concepts Martial Arts, our Combat Submission Wrestling program focuses on developing complete grapplers through a structured progression system.

Students train:

• Takedowns
• Positional control
• Escapes
• Submissions
• Catch wrestling rides
• Submission chains
• Realistic transitions
• MMA-aware grappling concepts
• Live training and pressure testing

Our program is influenced through direct lineage and affiliation with Erik Paulson and blends modern grappling with proven combat principles.

Whether your interest is:

• Self-defense
• MMA
• Submission grappling
• No-gi competition
• Catch wrestling
• Functional grappling skills

CSW offers an incredibly complete and adaptable training system.

Is CSW Better Than BJJ?

That’s honestly the wrong question.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts ever created and continues to evolve every year. Many outstanding schools now incorporate wrestling, leg locks, stand-up grappling, and MMA influence.

But CSW was built specifically around integration from the start.

Rather than specializing in one grappling style and then later adding other systems, CSW was designed as a blended grappling art from day one.

For students looking for:

• A broader grappling system
• Strong takedown emphasis
• Catch wrestling influence
• MMA applicability
• Seamless transitions between ranges
• A balance of positional control and aggression

Combat Submission Wrestling can be an incredible fit.

Train CSW in Arizona

If you’re looking for Combat Submission Wrestling, Catch Wrestling, No-Gi Grappling, BJJ or MMA-focused grappling training in Arizona, we’d love to help.

At Kombative Concepts Martial Arts, we welcome beginners, experienced grapplers, MMA athletes, and students from all backgrounds.

Whether you come from BJJ, wrestling, Judo, or completely new to martial arts, CSW offers a unique and highly functional approach to grappling.

Ready to Experience CSW Training?

Visit Kombative Concepts Martial Arts to learn more about our Combat Submission Wrestling program or book a free trial class.