Russian President Vladimir Putin is just one of a host of well-known names to have a penchant for judo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is just one of a host of well-known names to have a penchant for judo.
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Putin is apparently the first Russian to be given 8th dan black belt status and has even co-authored books on the sport.
Putin is apparently the first Russian to be given 8th dan black belt status and has even co-authored books on the sport.
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Before she became one of the star attractions in the world of UFC, Ronda Rousey was an Olympic judoka. The Californian was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in the sport.
Before she became one of the star attractions in the world of UFC, Ronda Rousey was an Olympic judoka. The Californian was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in the sport.
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The American actor James Cagney was a judo black belt and performed some of his moves in the film Blood on the Sun.
The American actor James Cagney was a judo black belt and performed some of his moves in the film Blood on the Sun.
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Peter Sellers was no stranger to self defence in the Pink Pather film series, and the comic actor was also a keen judoka and one-time president of the London Judo Society.
Peter Sellers was no stranger to self defence in the Pink Pather film series, and the comic actor was also a keen judoka and one-time president of the London Judo Society.
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Former United States President Theodore Roosevelt practiced judo up to three times a week, reportedly the first world leader to do so and reaching the level of brown belt in the process.
Former United States President Theodore Roosevelt practiced judo up to three times a week, reportedly the first world leader to do so and reaching the level of brown belt in the process.
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William Hague (far right), former leader of the UK Conservative Party, credits judo for increasing his confidence on the political stage.
William Hague (far right), former leader of the UK Conservative Party, credits judo for increasing his confidence on the political stage.
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Better known as the lead singer of Duran Duran, Simon le Bon and wife Yasmin are keen exponents of the sport.
Better known as the lead singer of Duran Duran, Simon le Bon and wife Yasmin are keen exponents of the sport.
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Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (second from left) has been seen on the judo mat -- until she required knee surgery when injured in a celebrity contest against Miss World Azra Akin.
Former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (second from left) has been seen on the judo mat -- until she required knee surgery when injured in a celebrity contest against Miss World Azra Akin.
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American actor Chuck Norris is renowned for his love of martial arts, both on and off the screen. He is a brown belt in judo.
American actor Chuck Norris is renowned for his love of martial arts, both on and off the screen. He is a brown belt in judo.
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Prince Albert of Monaco adds a regal air to this list. The Prince, whose athletic achievements are considerable, is a black belt.
Prince Albert of Monaco adds a regal air to this list. The Prince, whose athletic achievements are considerable, is a black belt.
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