Russia’s Prime Minister [Vladimir Putin](http://metkere.com/en/2009/09/big-brother.html) is a well-known fan of judo, but he could face his greatest challenge yet as a martial arts class for grannies is ready [to challenge Putin on the mat](http://rt.com/Top_News/2009-12-26/babushkas-putin-martial-arts.html).

“Vladimir Putin! We invite you to come here. We can show you what we have learned”, – says Lyudmila Ignatenko, aikido class student from [Novosibirsk](http://metkere.com/en/2009/09/look.html). – “You know, once a Japanese guy came here – I knocked him out. Why not try it with Putin?”

“Vladimir Vladimirovich! Please come here! And if you allow us – we will try our favorite grips on you”, – says another aikido class student, Lyubov Adamchik.

Mr Putin possesses a black belt in judo, so it is likely he will not be easily knocked out. Regardless, the ladies are well-prepared.

“The ladies are not playing here, we don’t gather for tea or chatter. This is aikido as it should be”, – says aikido trainer Andrey Podoinikov.