Doug Marcaida is a world-renowned martial artist, edged weapons specialist, and military consultant best known for his role as a judge on the hit television series Forged in Fire. With over three decades of experience in the study and practice of martial arts, he has developed deep expertise in close-quarters combat and edged-weapon systems. Doug is the founder of the Marcaida Kali system, a modern interpretation of the traditional Filipino martial art of Kali, designed to be practical, adaptive, and effective for both martial artists and professionals in law enforcement and the military.
Beyond his television presence, Doug has built a global reputation as a teacher and innovator. He regularly conducts seminars and workshops around the world, sharing not only technical skills but also his philosophy that edged weapons are “not about how many you can hurt, but about how many you can protect.” Expanding into creative storytelling, Doug is featured in the comic book Lineage, published by Kid Heroes Productions, where his martial arts philosophy and larger-than-life persona merge with action and heroism. His work with international military and security organizations, combined with his ventures in media and passion for preserving and evolving Filipino martial traditions, has established him as a leading figure in the global martial arts community.
