Putin volunteers for Russian judo team

[joesteph]

In the latest (April 2010) issue of Black Belt magazine, under "News," this appears on p. 24:

Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin, 57, volunteered to join the national judo team after easily dispatching several members during a practice session.

It's come up in the past, I think last year, that Putin does have a black belt in judo, and has even published. It would make for some interesting international matches if he did join the team.

[Toptomcat]

If I were playing judo with a high-ranking Russian politician of any sort, let alone Putin, I know I'd let them win. Making them unhappy isn't the best thing for your health or your liberty.

[still kicking]

Wow, I have not read the original article, but this is pretty ridiculous. Imagine if President Obama were a martial artist, and you entered a tournament and got out in the ring and discovered that your opponent was the Prez. I'm so sure! Maybe Putin was just saying that, but it would be very strange if he were allowed to follow through with it!