Does he have to be a mystic adept? You are going to have to spend a lot of BPs on both Physical as well as Mental stats which is going to hurt as a beginner character and make only a so-so bodyguard.
You could achieve something similar by going Bear shapechanger to get good Body stats (though Tiger, Lion and Leopard shapeshifters give a better boost) as well as get the Regeneration power. You could then be a straight Magician with an animal Mentor spirit. Your mental stats aren't going to be great, but you'll be able to concentrate more on Sorcery and Conjuring stuff than if you had gone the Mystic Adept path.
With a shapeshifter, you can take the Unarmed Combat skill for melee usable in both forms and firearms for ranged (as well as spells). Having a spirit on standby makes you a more potent bodyguard, especially if you are able to protect you clients in both the Physical and Astral realms.
However, you'll lose your armor if you change form (think B-grade werewolf films here) but there is a quick-release armor option available.