Martial Arts Professional Magazine

Paris, France…In the spirit of international diplomacy, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have agreed to meet on common ground: martial arts training mats.

According to reports from the French newspaper Le Figaro, Putin claims Sarkozy is interested in learning Putin’s Black Belt skills and have decided to train together.

Of course, Putin has the advantage, as he is a champion judoka, with many videos on the Internet, showing him in his gi and Black Belt throwing opponents to the ground. Sarkozy is known to be a jogger, but his sudden interest in martial arts surprised many in France.

Sarkozy may just be exhibiting his French charm, showing interest in Putin’s martial arts skills, or he could be implementing a clever, geo-political strategy to keep the Russian Bear occupied, quiet and asleep in its cave.