EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Heidi Montag Learning Martial Arts Because She Can't Afford Bodyguards

Posted on Dec 02, 2010 @ 08:48AM

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Heidi Montag’s life may have seemed charmed during her days on The Hills, but the reality TV star revealed a darker side of fame in a recent exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com. Montag says that the attention can often be more overwhelming than flattering and she recently schooled herself in martial arts to learn ways to protect herself.

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“I can’t afford security, so I practice self defense and chain punching,” Heidi explained to RadarOnline.com.

Though she used to have a posse of bodyguards on hand, she and husband Spencer Pratt have fallen on learner times. “I have spent millions in security in the last 4 years because I had to take care of the cost all on my own. It’s crazy and it’s hard, but life is not always fair.

“I have had to change my life. I can’t afford to go out to the clubs anymore because the sort of protection I need can cost anywhere from 5 to 10 thousand dollars a night...when you travel it’s even worst, because you need to cover the guards travel, food lodging, etc., and pay them. That is actually where all my money went because safety is number one.”

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Besides cutting costs, Heidi has enjoyed the burst of independence from her practice.

“It gives me a confidence I didn’t have before,” she added. “I am doing this self defense because it gives me inner strength, and I feel safe in my home. It’s a deterrent, but I know I can’t do what the body guards do.”

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Heidi has been training to become a black belt in Wing Tsun with her trainer (SIFU) Michael Casey who explained that “the system is geared straight towards self defense, so there are no rules. Punches, kicks, knees, elbows, ground fighting, strikes to vital areas. Anything goes as the goal of the system is to stop an opponent.”

“It is scary to be out there without protection, people do follow me and you can never be to careful,” Heidi added.

“It’s overwhelming, and it’s most difficult when I’m in large groups of people.”

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The beautiful reality star said that while it takes years to perfect the ancient Chinese martial arts form, she has been practicing for about 6 months and realizes she has a long way to go.

“I’m not ready to go out alone yet...I’m only 5ft 2inches tall and have a small frame so I understand I can’t completely do it alone. Which is why I don’t go out as much anymore.

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“Half the reason I am laying low and staying to myself is because I don’t have that security like I used too, and you never can predict what will happen.”

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