Ronald Oliver, 14 of Wareham won first place for his division in tournaments hosted by the North American Grappling Association last Saturday, May 9 in Providence, Rhode Island.

NAGA is the world’s largest mixed grappling tournament circuit, hosting worldwide competitions, with over 300,000 competitors.

Oliver has been studying mixed martial arts at Straight Blast Gym East Coast in Wareham since he was 7 years old. Before that, he studied Tae Kwon Do for two years.

Oliver said he loves combat sports and recommends them for both self-defense, and the philosophy behind them.

"It teaches you how to react under pressure,” he said.

Oliver is also a part of the Wareham-Carver High School wrestling team and looks forward to competing this upcoming season.