Posted on 11/14/2013 7:31:10 AM PST by kronos77
He’s already been deemed more powerful than President Obama — and now, he’s even tougher than Chuck Norris. Russian leader Vladimir Putin, on a visit to South Korea, was honored with a ninth-degree black belt from the president of the World Taekwondo Federation — ranking him a notch higher than Norris. Putin, a martial-arts enthusiast, was humbled by the honor. “I’m not sure if I deserve this,” said Putin, a former KGB agent, after receiving the honor. “Let’s call it our campaign to popularize this wonderful martial art. Russia will do its best to contribute to its popularity at home.” Putin, 61, was judo champion of his home town of Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, in his youth, and starred in the instructional video “Let’s Learn Judo With Vladimir Putin” in 2008. The video shows him flipping and tripping various white-robed patsies, none of whom appear to be fighting back.
Putin also has a black belt in judo. He has carefully honed his world wide reputation as a tough guy with such testosterone-filled exploits as shirtless hunting and fishing, playing hockey against professionals and arm wrestling with an American congressman. Earlier, this year Putin teamed up with another movie actor, martial-arts tough guy Steven Seagal, to promote Russia’s weapons market. Seagal also helped Putin promote a fitness program.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
When I tried to get my black belt, I had to stop as I couldn’t keep up plus work my job.
Guess he has lots of spare time on his hands.
Putin still wears Chuck Norris pajamas.
“Seagal also helped Putin promote a fitness program.”
Is this from The Onion?
Handguns carry Chuck Norris for protection.
I got my 3rd dan in Hapkido. After about 4th or 5th dan it’s all pretty much ceremonial and honorary. A 9th is like an honorary doctorate; it doesn’t make you better educated.
Good for Putin, though.
For the 1st time in my life, I really ashamed of our sissy president!
Ghosts sit around the camp fire telling Chuck Norris stories.
Especially considering that Obama couldn’t earn an honorary Tickle-Me-Elmo doll.
I’m about three years away from mine in Taido Karate. Currently in the middle of 4 months of shoulder rehab after surgery (from all my pitching as a youngster) which is going to make it harder. Great activity though.
Yeah, but the World Taekwondo Federation asked Chuck Norris for permission to give putin the 9th degree black belt
LOL!
Congrats!
Most people don’t know how hard it is.
I sure wish I could have completed but it was that or the job.
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