Three common misconceptions about a bodyguard that you should know about

by Executive Protection Institute EPI was founded in 1978

What are the first things that come to mind when you think of a classic bodyguard? Whatever image you have in your mind, it will probably have been influenced heavily by popular culture, including the movies. Bodyguards are often represented in films and on TV as stereotypes that are far removed from reality.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions about bodyguards to get out of your mind if you are considering enrolling in a bodyguard training course.

Bodyguards Are Always Large

Some bodyguards are large. Some are small. Size is not a defining factor in becoming a bodyguard, and in many ways being large can be a disadvantage. After all, bodyguards need to blend into their surroundings, and being too large can make them stand out too much. Yes, some film stars and celebrities like to have huge bodyguards, but there is certainly no requirement to be “large.” What is far more critical is that they are fit, strong, and healthy and that they can react quickly to dangers to get their charges out of harm’s way.

Bodyguards Are Violent

This is the complete opposite of the truth. Bodyguards are not violent, and in fact, they do everything they can to avoid violence. A bodyguard’s role is to protect people, and by creating a disturbance, they are hardly going to help. Bodyguards do need to be trained in unarmed combat, but they will only use these skills when necessary. Any bodyguard will tell you that it is much better to spend time planning how to avoid violence than to have to deal with it, so remember that before you sign up for your bodyguard training course.

Bodyguards Live a Glamorous Lifestyle

If you are signing up for a bodyguard training course because you think that it will lead to a glamorous lifestyle, think again. Yes, bodyguards do get to go to some fantastic parties and even travel around the world when they look after wealthy celebrities and business people. But the movies have blown this out of all proportion. Bodyguards are always working. They are not there to have fun, and they are continually planning for potential threats. A bodyguard may well protect someone with a glamorous lifestyle, and the work can certainly be interesting as a result. Still, they do not necessarily live a stereotypical “glamorous” life themselves.

The Reality

Before you enroll in a bodyguard school, you should know the reality of being a bodyguard. A few characteristics that define a bodyguard include being:

Intelligent
Highly professional
Able to blend into any setting
At ease in any situation
Very organized
Ready to use their initiative in any situation

Conclusion

Don’t fall for the stereotypical image.

Despite what you have seen in films or on TV, there is no set size or appearance for bodyguards. They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles and these are all things that you will learn on your bodyguard training course. Don’t let stereotypes fool you, and instead, find out what is involved in becoming a successful bodyguard before you decide to become one yourself.