Watch out ISIS - Putin's a BLACK BELT! Russian president gets tough in judo contest
HE'S not known as the hard man of world politics for nothing.
Mr Putin shows off his black belt skills
Vladimir Putin put on an incredible show of strength as he displayed his black belt martial arts skills as he practised with his country's judo team.
The Russian president and coach Ezio Gamba enjoyed a match before Mr Putin granted the Italian a Russian passport.
Mr Gamba led the Russian team to surprising results and remarkable success in the Olympics
Mr Putin and Mr Gamba squared off in a training session on Friday in the resort city of Sochi, portions of which were shown on state television, as the Russian leader showed off his athleticism.
Afterward, Mr Putin announced Mr Gamba had been awarded Russian citizenship.
Take that! Mr Putin beats his opponent
Swapping his suit and tie for his judo suit, Mr Putin prepares for the match
He praised Mr Gamba for leading Russia's judo team to "surprising results and remarkable success" in the Olympics.
Under Mr Gamba, Russia led the judo medal count in the 2012 Olympics with three golds, one silver and one bronze.
Unsurprisingly Mr Putin, who is a black belt in judo, floored a number of the Olympians.
Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday on ice
Mr Putin smiles at his next oppenent
Moments later Mr Putin's smile has disappeared
It is not the first time the 63-year-old Russian leader has taken a break from running the country and donned the white judo suit to wrestle the national team, he was filmed warming up before taking on Russia's best athletes in 2010.
He has also made a habit of being pictured enjoying active macho activities.
Putin the action man has been seen hunting and hitting the gym in a series of photocalls.
To mark his birthday in October Mr Putin played ice hockey.
Back to business, Mr Putin presents Mr Gamba with a Russian passport