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Ushers at Irish parliament learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu to defend themselves against protesters

Ushers, wearing black suits with gold cuffs, escorting Enda Kenny from Leinster House

Ushers, wearing black suits with gold cuffs, escorting Enda Kenny from Leinster House

Source: irishcentral.com

The ushers of Ireland’s parliament buildings are being given classes in the Brazilian martial art of jiu-jitsu to defend themselves, and politicians, from the public.

These ushers, who work at Leinster House on Kildare Street, in Dublin City, work as security guards in the parliament building and interact with the public. TheJournal.ie have reported that 19 of these ushers were sent on a self-defense courts in 2012. The Irish government paid $2,811 for the course for 19 members of staff.

A government spokesperson said the training was “designed for staff who may come in contact with aggression/confrontation from members of the public during the course of their work.”

In 2011 a visitor to Leinster House made their way through the entrance hall to the Dail (Parliament chamber) before being intercepted. These ushers are also sometimes assigned the duty of watching the public entrance to parliament on Kildare Street where they can come into contact with aggressive members of the public.

The self defense course taught “awareness and avoidance techniques,” how to understand fear and adrenaline, and “control of personal space.”

“Gracie Jiu Jitsu self defence and escape techniques against the most common attacks.”
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