Few things can be harder to achieve than a gold medal in a high-level Jiu-Jitsu competition.

The preparation, the sacrifices, the doubts and the sheer quality of opponents make it all more tasteful when the victory finally comes.

That’s why champions usually experience a burst of emotions the moment they realize they have achieved their goals.

At this past week’s WPJJC, our photographers were able to capture several of those moments and we have put them together in this thrilling photo gallery.