The ever humble Steven Seagal gives master class in Russia
The actor – known for kicking ass in “Under Siege,” “Executive Decision,” and “Exit Wound” – was captured on film in Russia as he demonstrated aikido for all in attendance.
The ageless actor – known for kicking ass in “Under Siege,” “Executive Decision,” and “Exit Wound” – was captured on film in Russia as he demonstrated aikido for all in attendance. “The Great One” was showing off his aikido skills at the All-Russian Sambo Tournament in Saratov, but he didn’t even look like he was trying as the fighters kept coming back for more.
Make every story count.
Join XP Passport to earn XP as you read and build your martial arts profile.
What did these young dudes expect? Steven is a 7th-dan black belt in aikido, and before he launched an action movie career taught the Japanese martial art. Sambo – a Russian martial art and combat sport – is probably just child’s play for Seagal.
About O’Sensei Steven Seagal, embodiment of The Buddah
Seagal is a striking and somewhat boyishly handsome looking and usually impeccably dressed, American actor, film producer, screenwriter, film director, martial artist, Aikido instructor, musician, reserve deputy sheriff, and entrepreneur.
A 7th-dan black belt in aikido, Seagal began his adult life as a martial arts instructor in Japan, becoming the first foreigner to operate an aikido dojo in the country. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a martial arts instructor on “Never Say Never Again,” accidentally-ish breaking actor Sean Connery’s wrist during production.
At one point, he was just another action figure. But then Seagal pulled a Dalai Lama, reemerging as a Tibetan Buddhist master.
“People call me all kinds of things, including four letter words. I respond to all of them. When I walk into a room some people see a dog, some people see a cow; I am all of what they see, it is their perception.
“But I do believe that Buddha nature is in all of us, even in a mangy dog lying in the gutter with fleas. That dog is Buddha to me. People can call me anything they want, I respond to anything.”
Cool, dog.
