Should MartialArtsMart carry this?
Vladimir Putin stars in judo DVD
Thursday, October 9 2008, 14:10 BST
By Simon Reynolds, Entertainment Reporter
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has released an educational judo DVD.
Putin, a martial arts black belt, is seen in a judo robe throwing his practice partner to the floor.
Addressing the camera, he said: "In a bout, concessions are permissible but only in one case - if it is for victory."
Putin's former instructor Anatoli Rakhlin credited the politician with the rise in popularity of martial arts in Russia, saying: "It's important that our Prime Minister is a sportsman and not a drunk.
"Victory is an integral part of judo. It goes back to when a Japanese master looked at a cherry tree laden with snow. The branches bent - but then flung the snow off. It's about giving and then winning."Learn martial arts with Russian PM Vladimir Putin
Posted: October 08, 2008, 4:39 PM by Ronald Nurwisah
Wow. Is there anything Vladimir Putin can't do? The man rescued a TV crew from a Siberian tiger, flies fighter jets and invades small former Soviet states without breaking a sweat. So what's next for everyone's favourite world leader (sorry Sarkozy, even your hot wife can't win us over)? Teaching Russian kids judo, that's what.
Along with being a former KGB agent and political strongman, Putin is also a black belt Judoka. For the tape, "Learning Judo with Vladimir Putin" he enlisted the help of former world champion Yasuhiro Yama****a.
Hmm, it might be funny if other world leaders get into the act. Basketball basics with Barack Obama? Playing the piano with Stephen Harper? Horseback riding with George W. Bush. The possibilities are endless.