Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy has classes in Fort Walton Beach, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
The owner of ECMA & head master instructor is Dr. Joe Cayer, Ph.D. 9th Dan. Sensei Cayer is a 49-year veteran of the martial arts. He has served as a Ft. Walton Beach Police Officer and is a certified Police Tactical Defense Instructor. Master Cayer was inducted into the International Black Belt Hall of Fame & honored into the United States Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame. Sensei Cayer is an internationally certified master instructor through the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association.
As an international competitor with Team America, Sensei Cayer won the Gold in Dublin, Ireland in Randori and went on to be Grand Champion by beating all other gold medal winners in all weight classes. Master Cayer was honored by the City of Fort Walton Beach with a public proclamation plaque, thanking him for over twenty years of volunteer service teaching women’s self-defense clinics. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office awarded Mr. Cayer for his volunteerism with the Volunteer of the Year for teaching children and women’s defense clinics as well.
Dr. Cayer’s honors and accolades include:2007 – The Bronze Presidential Community Award by President Bush for his community involvement.2008 – The Silver Spoon Award by the U.S. House of Representatives (Rep. Jeff Miller) for helping the elderly through his seminars2008 – The FL State Leadership Award by the Florida Crime Prevention Association for having taught over 20,000 women in free self-defense clinics in his career.2012 – Master Cayer & his team were requested to do a special martial art demonstration for Florida Governor Rick Scott and the U.S. Navy SEALS (SEAL Teams 5 & 6) for a special benefit for the veterans.2012 – Inducted into the Madison’s Who’s Who for outstanding Martial Artist in America.2018 – Dr. Cayer earned his PhD. in Philosophy.
Master Cayer continues his own personal training in various arts, having earned black belts in Shotokan Karate, Yoshitsune Combat Jujutsu, Kajukenbo, Iaijutsu, Krav Maga, Moo Duk Kwan, Police Combat Tactics, TaihoJutsu, Tai Chi, Kick Boxing & others.
Take A Look Back At Our Historical, World Class Instructors. Wisdom, Skill And Knowledge, Passed Down Through Generations.
Fill out the form below to
Accessibility Tools