Sean Penn -- I've KICKED My Anger Problem

Sean Penn has officially completed his 36 hours of anger management classes -- after blowing up on a photographer in L.A. back in 2009 ... and even trying to kick him.

Sean was sentenced to the classes in addition to 3 years probation back in 2010, when he pled "no contest" to vandalism in the criminal battery case. The battery charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Penn's lawyer appeared in court today, claiming the actor is now all caught up in the anger department -- although he'll remain on probation until May 2013.

TMZ shot footage of Sean's 2009 confrontation -- check it out.