Black belt Putin gives a judo lesson to young students

AP

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, shows a hold to a young judo wrestler in a regional judo center at the Arena sports complex in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, about 3000 kilometers (1,850 miles) east of Moscow, Russia on Jan. 24, 2012, during his visit to the region. Putin is known for his passion for judo, in which he has a black belt.

Ria Novosti / Pool via Reuters

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin talks to young judo wrestlers at a regional judo centre in the city of Kemerovo, Jan. 24.

Alexei Druzhinin / pool via AP

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, left, gives a thumbs up as he watches judo wrestlers training in a regional judo center in the Arena sports complex in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, about 3000 kilometers (1,850 miles) east of Moscow, Russia on Jan. 24.

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin appears regularly in PhotoBlog, while on vacation, scuba diving and  generally being a tough guy for the cameras. 

Dec. 21: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin shows off his moves with Russia's National Judo Team in St. Petersburg. Msnbc.com's Dara Brown reports.

Discuss this post

I think George Bush can probably take Vladimir black belt and all.

    Reply#1 - Tue Jan 24, 2012 8:23 PM EST

    Yes but can Putin take down Larry Ellison's Godzilla sized ego. Now there is a match up.

      Reply#2 - Tue Jan 24, 2012 11:58 PM EST
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