Interview with Leonard Holifield
Prof. Leonard C. Holifield, CPS, is President and CEO of the International Academy of Executive Protection Agents, LLC. Known as the Harvard of Bodyguard Schools, he is an honor graduate of ESI – Executive Security International and former chief security officer and personal bodyguard to the former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Chief Justice Roy S. Moore, aka the Ten Commandments Judge. With over 20 years in the security business, Prof. Holifield is one of the most sought after instructors in the United States.
He is the author of SOLO - Security Operations for the Lone Officer (Outskirts Press) and Close Quarter Combat “A Soldiers Guide to Hand-to-Hand Combat” (Paladin Press). He is a frequent lecturer on executive protection, national hate groups and gangs, unarmed self defense and one-man solo security operations. He has been recognized by several national and international organizations; to include Marquis Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals, WOMA’s Who’s Who in the Martial Arts and Combative Masters of the 20th Century (Lulu Press). As former Chief Combatives Instructor to the United States Army his work in the field of hand-to-hand combat has been featured in major military publications to include Army Trainer, Soldiers, KORUS and Military Police magazines. A former military police officer and highly decorated veteran of the Gulf War, he was credited with capturing the first Iraqi POW during Operation Desert Storm. He is the president and founder of the International Sikaron Karate Federation and holds 3rd, 6th, and 10th degree black belts in Judo, Hapkido and Sikaron Karate respectively.
BGC: How did you get started in the Executive Protection Field? What was your very first assignment?
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LH:In a nutshell, before I got into executive protection, I was a full time martial arts instructor with over 35 years in the martial arts. I met then, Judge Roy Moore who was interested in karate classes for his three sons, whom I trained for several years. Later Judge Moore ran for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, he won, offered me the job to be his Chief Security Officer and the rest is history.
BGC:
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President of Bodyguards Careers Harlan Austin has acquired over 25 years of field experience as an Executive Protection Specialist, seven years of which he served as Director of Security Services for Paisley Park Productions.
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September 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 am
Great interview Mr. Holifield thanks for sharing
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Fantastic interview Mr. Holifield. I really enjoyed it!
Mike (The Bull) Smith
September 24th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Excellent article!
Master Holifield really lent some insight into the “bodyguard” business of the music world when he spoke of the Hip Hop industry.
As someone who has worked in the Latin/Crossover music sector I can attest that many in that industry utilize the services of friends from the “hood” or someone reccomended through industry contacts.
While these individuals may have the mental make up and physical attributes to handle some incidents, it takes training and education, the kind provided by Master Hoilifield and other legitimate entities to be PROFESSIONALY qualified to work in the world of high profile EP.
While physical training and Martial Arts systems geared toward real world protection skills are prerequisites, EDUCATION is also important.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Outstanding!!!
I know his man and he’s the real deal! One of the best in the business, bar none! Great article, keep up the good work!!!
October 31st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Everything was right on, I enjoyed it all.
May 11th, 2010 at 10:02 am
All true!!!