Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, GDPNational Leader Russia. He currently serves as prime minister Russia.

Master of Sports in Judo, Honored Coach of the Russian Federation in Sambo, Honorary 5th dan in Goji-ryu karate and 9th dan in Kyokushin karate.


« ... Sergei Stepashin is not the first Russian politician whose achievements have been recognized by Japanese karate practitioners. In July 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin was awarded a black belt in karate, as well as the 9th dan (out of a possible 10) in this martial art. During the G8 summit held in Okinawa—the birthplace of karate—he was awarded these titles and honors by Rukovodstvo of Japan’s largest karate school, Goju-ryu, which has about half a million followers worldwide. As the head of this school, Katsuyuki Fukatoshi, chairman of the All-Japan Karate Federation, noted, although Vladimir Putin has practiced judo rather than karate for many years, Rukovodstvo decided to recognize his contribution to the development and promotion of martial arts in this way.
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In folklore

  • Riddle: He flies a plane but isn't a pilot; he is the party chairman but isn't a member of any party; he is the head of government but isn't a civil servant?

See also