Bodyguard school

Women bodyguards boxing. Photo: Yang Yifan/Tencent News

Trainees hold their breath while being stepped on during the training. Photo: Yang Yifan/Tencent News

Trainees are submerged in water. Photo: Yang Yifan/Tencent News

The market for bodyguards has been expanding rapidly, as the number of wealthy people in China continues to soar, along with a need for individual safety as they feel increasingly insecure. As a result, bodyguard training facilities have appeared in cities like Beijing.

As civilians are forbidden from possessing guns, security schools in China focus on training their reaction speed and combat skills. These schools have trained various people employed by the wealthy, including drivers, secretaries and nannies. However, most of the trainees are retired servicemen, selected by security companies to accompany VIPs during important events.

In early November, a 24-hour training session was held in a security school on the outskirts of Beijing. The highly intense, non-stop session attracted strong men and women seeking to challenge themselves and enhance their ability to safeguard their clients.

Training began at 11 am. After jogging several kilometers to warm up, they started their formal training by rolling for dozens of meters and crawling in the mud. Those who lagged behind or couldn't meet the standards faced various punishments, including being shot by high-powered water guns as they made their way along the course. One of the most difficult tasks for the trainees involved lying on their backs and being stepped on by a trainer.

The training not only strengthens the bodyguards' physical ability, but also contributes to their psychological maturity and etiquette, according to trainers. A professional bodyguard can make up to a million yuan per year.