Speculation abounds that the popular leader will make a bid for the presidency of the Russian Federation again during 2012. If true, then Russians will be expressing their feelings for Putin with more than their eye--they'll let their thoughts be known at the ballot box.
Martial arts master
Not to let James Bond out do him, any self-respecting superman must know how to fight man-to-man. Therefore, it's not surprising to learn that Putin is a master of martial arts skills. Known for his Hari Goshi--a Judo maneuver done with the hips--Putin explains his personal style in the popular book, Judo with Vladimir Putin.
During a 2001 interview with America's National Public Radio, Putin stated that Judo was an important part of a value system. "I think that there is more to it than just sport. I think it's also a philosophy in a way, and I think it's a philosophy that teaches one to treat one's partner with respect. And I engage in this sport with pleasure and try to have regular practices still," he said.
And regular practices he has. The Russian ex-president is still the president of the Yawara Dojo in Saint Petersburg. It was at that same Dojo that he first began learning the martial arts while still in grade school.
The real deal
While it's true that over the past decade Putin has flown an advanced Su-25 fighter plane, co-piloted Tu-160 supersonic bomber at low altitudes and took command of a nuclear submarine, these are not publicity stunts or photo opportunities. It's obvious the man gets an adrenalin rush from such forays into danger and has the wherewithal to master them through supreme self-assurance and knowing his own personal limitations.
Although some say he is emotionally cold, they are mistaking his self-confidence and coolness. Those that know him well--like former US president George W. Bush--call him a true friend and say he is very warm and personable in private.
And Putin is cool in the good sense of coolness, whether facing down wild animals, commanding unforgiving technology, or staring down his country's adversaries. Facing an opponent, he respects them, never underestimates them, but doesn't overestimate their capabilities either.
Putin action figure
A popular Russian action doll memorializing Putin lacks a shirt. It's not an oversight--the public responds to their shirtless leader, flexing his muscles while dishing or horseback riding. The doll capitalizes on Putin's natural machismo.
And while many world leaders take vacations in cushy locales at posh resorts, Putin chose to spend his down time during 2009 vacationing in Tuva--a rugged, mountainous region in the Siberian wasteland. There he rode bareback and shirtless before swimming in the icy mountain rivers.
Some leaders in the West could do well to emulate the Russian superman to a degree. After all, bureaucratic professors may be in their place before chalkboards and committees, but not leading great nations into the future.
Not a bureaucrat, stuffy professor, media construct or a fake, Putin the man is for real.
We await Vladimir Putin's next adventure.
Twitter | Facebook
Copyright AYM Communications. 2010
Martial arts master
Not to let James Bond out do him, any self-respecting superman must know how to fight man-to-man. Therefore, it's not surprising to learn that Putin is a master of martial arts skills. Known for his Hari Goshi--a Judo maneuver done with the hips--Putin explains his personal style in the popular book, Judo with Vladimir Putin.
During a 2001 interview with America's National Public Radio, Putin stated that Judo was an important part of a value system. "I think that there is more to it than just sport. I think it's also a philosophy in a way, and I think it's a philosophy that teaches one to treat one's partner with respect. And I engage in this sport with pleasure and try to have regular practices still," he said.
The real deal
While it's true that over the past decade Putin has flown an advanced Su-25 fighter plane, co-piloted Tu-160 supersonic bomber at low altitudes and took command of a nuclear submarine, these are not publicity stunts or photo opportunities. It's obvious the man gets an adrenalin rush from such forays into danger and has the wherewithal to master them through supreme self-assurance and knowing his own personal limitations.
Although some say he is emotionally cold, they are mistaking his self-confidence and coolness. Those that know him well--like former US president George W. Bush--call him a true friend and say he is very warm and personable in private.
And Putin is cool in the good sense of coolness, whether facing down wild animals, commanding unforgiving technology, or staring down his country's adversaries. Facing an opponent, he respects them, never underestimates them, but doesn't overestimate their capabilities either.
Putin action figure
A popular Russian action doll memorializing Putin lacks a shirt. It's not an oversight--the public responds to their shirtless leader, flexing his muscles while dishing or horseback riding. The doll capitalizes on Putin's natural machismo.
And while many world leaders take vacations in cushy locales at posh resorts, Putin chose to spend his down time during 2009 vacationing in Tuva--a rugged, mountainous region in the Siberian wasteland. There he rode bareback and shirtless before swimming in the icy mountain rivers.
Some leaders in the West could do well to emulate the Russian superman to a degree. After all, bureaucratic professors may be in their place before chalkboards and committees, but not leading great nations into the future.
Not a bureaucrat, stuffy professor, media construct or a fake, Putin the man is for real.
We await Vladimir Putin's next adventure.
Twitter | Facebook
Copyright AYM Communications. 2010
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