Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has marked his 56th birthday with the launch of a new instructional judo DVD showing him throw his opponents to the mat. The video is set to be a major hit as the PM, a black belt, shows off his skills away from the

It reveals that Putin is not only successful in defeating his opponents in debates, but also able to accept battles on the mat – and win. The video, presented to the public on Tuesday, has been released in 12 countries in addition to a manual with the same title.

It is called ‘Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin’, but during the ceremony in St. Petersburg, Putin admitted that the title is mostly an advertising gimmick. It is Japanese and Russian judo champions who are actually doing most of the teaching.

AFP Photo / Alexander Nikolayev

Former World and Olympic judo champion Yasuhiro Yamashita is one of them. However Putin does demonstrate some holds and throws. The prime minister also talks about the history and philosophy of judo in the film.

The video is based on the book with the same name that was written by three authors in the late 1990s: Putin, State Duma Deputy Vasily Shestakov and professor Aleksey Levitsky from the University of Physical Culture and Sports.

Putin’s fitness and devotion to judo and skiing have boosted his popularity among Russians, as well as the number of Russians keen on these sports. It is hoped that the recent video will encourage more of the country’s citizens to lead healthy lives.