Dr. Joe Cayer, Ph.D., 9th Dan
Owner & Head Master Instructor, ECMA
Dr. Joe Cayer is a distinguished martial artist, educator, and community leader with over 49 years of experience in martial arts. A former Fort Walton Beach Police Officer and certified Police Tactical Defense Instructor, he has dedicated his career to training individuals in self-defense and personal protection.
Dr. Cayer’s exceptional contributions to martial arts have earned him induction into both the International Black Belt Hall of Fame and the United States Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame. He holds an international master instructor certification from the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association, recognizing his expertise and dedication to the discipline.
As a decorated international competitor with Team America, Dr. Cayer achieved a remarkable victory in Dublin, Ireland, winning Gold in Randori and securing the Grand Champion title by defeating all other gold medalists across weight classes.
Beyond competition, Dr. Cayer has made a lasting impact through decades of volunteerism. The City of Fort Walton Beach honored him with a public proclamation plaque for over 20 years of dedicated service in teaching women’s self-defense clinics. Additionally, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office recognized his commitment by awarding him Volunteer of the Year for his work in self-defense programs for women and children.
Honors & Accolades
- 2007 – Awarded the Bronze Presidential Community Award by President George W. Bush for his community service.
- 2008 – Received the Silver Spoon Award from the U.S. House of Representatives (Rep. Jeff Miller) for his contributions to elderly education.
- 2008 – Honored with the Florida State Leadership Award by the Florida Crime Prevention Association for teaching over 20,000 women in free self-defense clinics.
- 2012 – Selected to lead a special martial arts demonstration for Florida Governor Rick Scott and U.S. Navy SEAL Teams 5 & 6 at a veteran benefit event.
- 2012 – Inducted into Madison’s Who’s Who for his outstanding contributions to martial arts in America.
- 2018 – Earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy.
Dr. Cayer remains committed to lifelong learning and training, holding black belts in multiple disciplines, including Shotokan Karate, Yoshitsune Combat Jujutsu, Kajukenbo, Iaijutsu, Krav Maga, Moo Duk Kwan, Police Combat Tactics, Taiho Jutsu, Tai Chi, Kickboxing, and more. His dedication to martial arts, public service, and education continues to inspire students and professionals alike.
