Gardai to spend over €100,000 on martial arts suits for karate police officers

The Garda Síochána is to spend over €100,000 on three-piece karate suits for students taking self-defence classes in Templemore.

According to Garda authorities, up to 720 traditional Japanese robes will be needed each year for the next three years so that new recruits can immerse themselves in martial arts.

The uniforms, or karategi, consist of plain white jackets, pants and belts made of strong, breathable material designed not to tear when opponents grab them during throws.

READ MORE: Motorcyclist dies after early morning crash in Dublin, police remain at the scene

READ MORE: Tori Towey’s mother says she won’t be completely happy until the plane home from Dubai has left

Gardaí expect to spend €112,500 plus VAT on the purchase of the trainee suits under a contract currently out to tender. The agreement is for a period of one year with a maximum of two 12-month extensions.

It is expected that between 600 and 1,000 trainees will attend the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary in each of these years.

They are enrolled on the BA in Applied Policing programme, which lasts 33 weeks. The first 11 weeks are at the college, while subsequent training takes place mainly in Garda divisions.

During this 11-week period, students take self-defense classes and must wear the karate clothing purchased by the school.

In 2022, An Garda Síochána issued a tender for martial arts experts to train their instructors in the ancient Japanese fighting system of Taiho Jutsu, which features holds, wrestling styles and takedowns developed from judo.

This advanced system of non-lethal combat was first used by Japanese feudal police in the Middle Ages and has since been further developed using a keibo or short baton.

Recently, Japanese police have modified the system to use extendable batons, which officers typically carry on their belts.

Interested parties have until 12 August to respond to the current tender for the supply of karate gi suits. They are expected to deliver the garments to the Garda College within 12 weeks of receiving an order. The next induction of trainees at Templemore is expected to take place in 2025.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to get the latest news and headlines delivered straight to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time. If you’re curious, you can check out our Privacy declaration.