Doug Marcaida

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.

Birthday: January 26, 1966