Vladimir Putin: Interesting Facts and Questionable Stunts

Vladimir Putin is more than just the President of Russia. Aside from his politics, the world knows him for lifestyle, actions and the PR image that he has created for himself. He’s described as being a “man’s man” whether he’s hauling massive fish out of rivers shirtless, acting as a spy for the KGB back in the 1980’s, or “saving” a camera crew from a Siberian tiger attack. To his supporters, he’s a true Russian. Here’s an inside look at the life of Vladimir Putin. You’d never guess who Putin’s “real pals” are.

He Has A Black Belt In Judo

Photo Credits: CNN

As a young man, Vladimir Putin was developing slightly slower than some of the other boys his same age. So, in order to prevent being bullied, he began practicing judo. He started at the age of 14 and earned a black belt by the time he was 18. To this day, he still practices the martial art and believes that it’s a practice that can teach people how to treat one another with respect, even if they are an opponent. Putin has been known to practice with other world leaders such as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Buttulga.