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Over 300 fighters from all over the world met in Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 22-24 for the Gracie World Submission Fighting Championship. Deputy Matt Powell, a ten-year veteran of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, participated in the event. Powell was awarded a silver medal in the Masters, Super Heavyweight Division. He also earned a bronze medal in the Masters, Open Weight Division.
Powell is certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as a ground defensive tactics instructor for law enforcement. The tactics he teaches are similar to tactics deployed in the competitive match. Powell also teaches classes to the general public, which are conducted at Fightworks at World Gym in Sterling.