Pictured from left are Tommy Burton, Shawn Murphy, Sammi Roberts, JJ Corley, Leslie Pierce, Nathan Tustin and Shawn Maguire. Not pictured is medalist Shane Mercer. (Picture provided by Leslie Pierce)

The always tough team of grapplers from Moundsville Martial Arts once again kicked off their competition season in the annual Arnold Classics on Sunday, March 2 in the No Gi Jui Jitsu tournament in Columbus, Ohio.

Led by Coach JJ Corley, eight skilled students showed Moundsville’s heart and pride by bringing back to the Ohio Valley five silver medals and one bronze medal from one of the most prestigious sports festivals in the country. Moundsville Martial Arts plans to continue its dominance throughout the rest of the tournament season, with their next challenge slated to take place in Clendenin, W.Va., at the WVGO tournament on March 22.