Doug Marcaida is a martial artist, edged weapons specialist, and knife designer born in the Philippines, who calls Upstate New York home. Doug’s interest in martial arts began at the age of 8, but he did not begin formally training in the arts until he was 16. At age 25 he discovered his love for Filipino Martial Arts, and the rest is history.
A US military veteran, who served in the US Air Force for 8 years, and then pursued a career as a Respiratory Therapist for 20 years, all the while teaching and honing his skills as a Filipino martial artist. In addition to developing his own style of Filipino Martial Arts, called Marcaida Kali, Doug has traveled all over the United States and the world, teaching first responders and military personnel the foundations of his beloved art. All of this life experience has led Doug to his core belief: It’s not about how many you hurt, it’s about how many you protect. This motto eventually evolved into Doug’s popular catchphrase “It will K.E.Al” ( Keep Everyone Alive).
Doug is now featured as a judge on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire and as well as Desafio Sobre Fuego: Latin America.
A long-time supporter of the brand, Doug has recently partnered up with 5.11 Tactical as a brand ambassador and knife designer, set to release the DM Talon Series, comprised of a fixed and folding knife.
Doug also has collaborations with KBar Knives, Bastinelli Creations, Max Venom, Fox Knives, and Jason Knight Knives.
To stay up to date on this blade as well as all of Doug’s newest creations, designs and endeavors, make sure to follow him on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram @dougmarcaida.
About Kali
FMA stands for Filipino Martial Arts and refers to an ever-evolving fighting system which originated in the Philippines. The most popular forms of FMA are known as Arnis, Eskrima and Kali. Unlike other fighting arts, the FMA practitioner begins by learning how to defend against and use impact and edged weapons. Later, the practitioner uses those angles of the blade for their empty-hand techniques. The practice of using weapons, such as the baston (stick), as a tool to learn body mechanics in empty hand applications helps the practitioner to develop a more combative mind set in their martial arts training.
About Marcaida Kali
Doug Marcaida founded Marcaida Kali 20 years ago, with the aim of celebrating his passion for the arts. Marcaida Kali is Doug’s personal interpretation of the various Southeast Asian styles of martial arts that he personally was trained in. Doug has taken his knowledge and made it into a replicable and teachable system which he shares with his students as well as his senior instructors.
If you are considering training with us, there are a few things you ought to know:
We take our practices at Marcaida Kali very seriously, and as such have high standards in terms of teaching, training, and personal conduct. In training, it is vital that practitioners maintain a level of respect for the cultural heritage both behind and within the art. Honor and integrity both in and out of the class is expected of all that engage in Marcaida Kali, because learning the philosophy and skills behind the art and using them responsibly and with respect is our expectation for our students and representatives.
Marcaida Kali is taught in various locations across the United States, as well as in cities across the globe – see the instructors page for further details.
For any additional information on Doug Marcaida, Marcaida Kali, or our website in general please email info@dougmarcaida.com, or complete the contact us form, which can be found on the Contact Us tab at the top of this website.
For business inquiries, please email info@dougmarcaida.com