Happy Birthday judo master Putin

Vladimir Putin turned 56 this week. To mark the occasion, Russia's strapping prime minister released an instructional video -- Let's Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin -- on the Japanese art of judo. The video features Putin doing what he likes to do most: kickin' ass.

In this latest display of manly vigor, the tiger-whisperer not only shows off his moves but delves in to the martial art's history.

A black belt by the age of 18, Putin won the senior championship of  Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1976. In this video Putin offers some sage advice for eager learners. "In a bout, compromises and concessions are permissible," he says, "but only in one case -- if it is for victory."

I wonder whom he plans to judo chop next?