Doug Stanglin

USA TODAY

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been awarded an eighth-degree black belt in the martial arts sport of Kyokushin karate, the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS reports.

Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact karate in which the participants wear no protective gear. The only restriction during fighting bans striking an opponent in the head with hands.



Putin is expected to receive the award at a ceremony in December during the world championship of the sport.

The award of the eighth "dan" -- only two short of the highest rank -- was made by the the supreme body of the Kyokushin-Kan International Honbu earlier but was announced by letter Friday by Hatsuo Royama, director of the organization, ITAR-TASS says.

Putin, a former KGB officer who is frequently featured in the media riding horses and engaging in rugged outdoor activity, was awarded the fifth dan in the sport in 2001 and the seventh dan in 2009.

The Russian leader, who has an eighth dan in judo, was awarded the highest rank in taekwondo, the ninth dan, in 2013, the news agency says.