(Ecns.cn)--The idea that a regular person can become a professional bodyguard or assassin—after taking some compulsory courses such as hand-to-hand fighting, mind reading, and business etiquette—is often seen in movies and TV shows. Although many people do love this plot on TV, few of them have ever thought that it could be true in real life.
In the middle of 2011, China ushered in its first private bodyguard training camp set up by the Tianjiao Special Guard Company (GSA) in Beijing. After a tough 28-day training program and a final exam, trainees from various backgrounds can earn certification from the school, and start their career as a bodyguard.
Getting thoroughly remolded
"It's really a tough training with some aspects of it designed just beyond human physical extremes. I almost gave up in the middle of the whole training process," said 25-year-old Xiao Fan who just graduated from the training camp and was hired by GSA as an assistant to the company's president.
Xiao Fan was a fitness instructor before she came to the camp. Last summer, a friend of hers introduced her to GSA, and after a simple physical test, Xiao Fan was chosen to be one of the trainees.
The camp adopts a paramilitary management model and altogether there are 50 members every training season. "We have been divided into seven groups and almost every group has one female trainee," recalled Xiao Fan. "We wake up at 5:50 in the morning and every morning, from 6 am to 8:45, we need to run and do army exercises," said Xiao Fan.
The formal training starts at 9:15 and covers courses from the VIP training program of the International Security Academy of Israel, including special driving skills, FBI mind reading, reconnaissance, anti-terrorism training, martial arts, business etiquette, and other skills.
"The training schedule overwhelmed us all. Late at night when we were supposed to be sleeping, there would be unexpected emergencies mustering us awake," said Xiao Fan. "During the 28 days, I lost 10 kilograms."
Besides the physical "torture," the trainees also suffered through mental training. "I remember that one day we were standing outside and a big hand slammed into my face," recalled Xiao Fan. "Suddenly my mind went blank and I did not know what happened."
This hit was designed to test trainees' tolerance. "At that time I knew that this was part of the training. Although I wanted to react, I persuaded myself to accept the punch," said Xiao Fan.
"As a qualified bodyguard, you don't just need a good physical condition, you also need a good temper, the ability to control yourself, and a quick mind," said Chen Yongqing, the founder of the training camp.
