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The interview was devoted entirely to judo, President Putin’s favourite sport.

The President told journalists that martial arts had had a large influence on his character teaching him self-control and the ability to react quickly at the right moment to achieve the best results.

Judo is an attitude that shapes one’s perception of the world and relations with others. Mr Putin said that the sport teaches an athlete to make the best use of knowledge about his opponent: what are his most effective movements and what are his main holds and throws.

The President said he took up judo as a boy to assert himself among his peers. As he started to practice judo seriously he noticed that it changed his attitude towards life and others.