How to Become a Professional Bodyguard

WINCHESTER, Va., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- October 17 - 23, 2010 Training Dates -- From persistent threats of terrorism at home to hostage taking abroad, the world's ongoing security problems have continued to fuel a steady need for professional bodyguards, according to Jerry Heying, the Executive Director of the Executive Protection Institute (EPI), America's oldest training school for private bodyguards.

"We're a school that clearly likes to make a distinction between a highly trained bodyguard vs. the untrained or poorly trained bodyguard. And we prefer the term, 'Personal Protection Specialist (PPS)', which is the name of the credential given to graduates that leads to a Virginia state certification as well," said Mr. Heying.

"It's unfortunate that the general public perception of bodyguards comes from bad examples seen on You Tube or in the tabloids. We are more like highly skilled private secret service agents that are seldom noticed," said Mr. Heying, who is preparing for the school's 67th class October 17-23.  "There's a huge difference between what people ordinarily think of as bodyguards – big tough guys who use lots of muscle – and Personal Protection Specialist, whose skills are honed to keep the client out of trouble in the first place," Mr. Heying noted.

"A bodyguard may get you out of trouble, but a Personal Protection Specialist will keep you from getting into trouble in the first place," said Dr. Richard Kobetz who founded the school in 1978. "We emphasize advance preparation and the avoidance of problems, teaching our students how to blend in and not call attention to themselves," said Dr. Kobetz.  After 32 years of continuous training, the school stands as among the oldest of its kind in the world. "We're not the best because we're the oldest," said Dr. Kobetz, "We're the oldest because we 'ARE' the best!"

The training provides 7 days of intensive course work with a strong emphasis on practical applications, including vehicle maneuvers at a track. Hands-on learning and realistic exercises are designed to give the student a series of real-life scenarios that might actually happen once they are out in the field protecting someone.

From how to handle paparazzi, media and fans to how to conduct a thorough advance, the 7-day course will teach those new to the industry and those who already have some experience how to expect the unexpected.

SOURCE Executive Protection Institute (EPI)