Vladimir Putin - Prime Minister of Russia, Honorary President of International Amateur SAMBO Federation (FIAS), Sport Master of the USSR in SAMBO, bronze winner of central chamber of "Labor" society, champion of Leningrad city, Candidate of Economics.

Born on October 7, 1952 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). His father also Vladimir Putin was a locksmith in a train building factory, while his mother Maria Ivanovna Putina was a housewife. During World War II Putin's father was an intelligence officer and was often sent behind enemy lines. By miracle he managed to stay alive - although of the 28 members of his brigade only 4 survived. In the winter of 1942 he was unfortunately heavily wounded and became a disabled soldier.

Most of Vladimir's childhood was spent on the streets where it was often necessary to defend yourself. It was then when he understood that it was necessary to be strong. Although he was not tall, Vladimir was a fearsome fighter and could fight and beat anyone. In 1973, Putin became the bronze winner of All-Soviet "Labor" Championship and the USSR Sport Master in SAMBO.

Reflecting the true character of a SAMBIST, Vladmir entered Leningrad State University to be a Lawyer. After graduating he was accepted to KGB. Vladimir worked there for 16 years until he started working in the St. Petersburg's Municipal Government in 1991. In 1996 he moved to Moscow to the position of deputy Chief of Russian President Administration. In July of 1998 he was appointed Director of Federal Security Service (former KGB), in March 1999 Appointed Secretary of Russian Security Council. Since August 1999 he was Chairman of Russian Government, and from 21 December 1999, the acting President of Russia. On 26 March 2000 Vladimir Putin was elected President of Russia, and on the 7 May 2000 he took Office. In addition, Vladimir Putin was elected Honorary President of FIAS, and in 2007, V.Putin went on to establish the Russian President SAMBO Cup.

According to Putin,

"SAMBO is not just a sport but a life philosophy. It is strive for perfection and conation, fast reaction and strong will, courage and accuracy in judging the situation. SAMBO trains and tempers character - all human qualities needed not only in sport but also in life. The human who has acquired SAMBO moves is confident in himself and his power. And he knows that he can defend both himself and others. In Russia SAMBO is one of the most popular sports".

When Leningrad SAMBO trainer Anatoly Rakhlin was selecting kids to his club he could not imagine the historic event he was witnessing or contributing indirectly. All kids were equal to him and he loved them all. In turn he was respected by all like a father. To Rakhlin, SAMBO was much more than a sport but an important means of education.

One other of Rakhlin's young SAMBOISTS, was Young Vladimir. In 1969 Vladimir reached first degree in SAMBO taking the second place at Leningrad city championship among youth. The very next year he fulfills requirement of candidate to Sport Master in SAMBO. In 1971 he wins Leningrad city championship among youth and the next year he becomes champion of Baltic Republics among youth.

The main source of information is a book "SAMBO. From Viktor Spiridonov to Vladimir Putin" by FIAS President David Rudman