Learn Judo with Putin

It has always been clear to everyone that with Putin Russia had its new star. We had Putin the topless fisherman with a ripped torso, and Putin the fearless adventurer neutralising a tiger with a single tranquiliser dart. Yesterday, on his 56th birthday, we were introduced to yet another macho incarnation of the Russian Prime Minister: Putin the judo master.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, a black belt in judo, has told reporters that he had helped make a video on the sport along with a Japanese expert. "The two of us recorded a video disc for a judo textbook," Putin said. "I think it will go on sale in January or February."

He thanked Japanese judoka Yasuhiro Yamasita for producing the manual in Russia, but was displeased to learn that he was to coach the Chinese team at next year's Beijing Olympics.

In mid-September, in an interview with the Le Figaro newspaper, Putin said he would practice judo training with French President Nicolas Sarkozy."He is interested in martial arts and we have decided to do some training together," the Russian prime minister said.

Are we to expect a sequel to this, learn Judo with Sarkozy? Definitely more entertaining possibly less helpful.

images from Reuters