RUSSIA: WOMEN JOINING THE RANKS OF BODYGUARDS

(29 Aug 1995) Russian/Nat Women in Russia are joining the ranks of bodyguards. At a school in St Petersburg, they're learning how to handle a gun and protect future employers. The new recruits hope that becoming a fully-fledged bodyguard will put them in good stead for the future. Tanya Baranova packs a punch in a man's world. The Russian female kick-boxing champion is now the star student of a newly-opened school for women bodyguards in St Petersburg. The 19-year-old fighter is one of 74 women enrolled in the Legion Club on a one-year course. By the time it's over, the women will emerge fully-fledged bodyguards. With top class professionals paid up to 100 US dollars daily, it's a job with a future. SOUNDBITE: (In Russian) “There's a strongly growing demand for female bodyguards. They're look a lot nicer than men, and although they may look feeble they can pack a punch!“ SUPER CAPTION: Tanya Baranova - Bodyguard student Baranova, who is also a karate blackbelt, is due to travel to Canada next month for the world kick boxing championships. SOUNDBITE: “Russian women have always known how to stick up for themselves and have a powerful will to victory.“ SUPER CAPTION: Tanya Baranova - Bodyguard student But Tanya is keen to step out of the ring and onto the streets when she returns from Canada. Female bodyguards are in huge demand in mafia-ridden St Petersburg. Not only are they are less of an eyesore than bull-necked muscle heads but wealthy businessmen feel better about leaving their invariably young and attractive wives with a woman rather a man. But as Sonja Ivanova, a 21-year-old geography student explains, being a bodyguard is also a means to keep body and soul together until she finds a job she is qualified for. SOUNDBITE: “Geography will give nothing. Its as simple as that. Work as a bodyguard will see me through till I can find a profession.“ SUPER CAPTION: Sonja Ivanova - Bodyguard student The course takes in more than just martial arts. The second half takes place at a military base outside the city where the women are instructed in weapons skills and how to handle the trusty companion of every Russian policeman, the Makarov pistol. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: