Editor's Note: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com.
FORT WALTON BEACH — Joe Cayer is on a mission to give women skills for empowerment and safety. And each time he holds a clinic and shows a martial arts move, he’s helping to do just that.
Cayer, a 9th degree black belt and owner of Emerald Coast Martial Arts, has been teaching self-defense classes for more than 30 years and plans to continue the tradition.
“He has been teaching free women’s self-defense clinics for so long that he’s taught over 23,000 women,” said Cayer’s wife, Stella Cayer. “He is a great person.”
Cayer teaches children from 5 years old to adults of all ages. He says one of his greatest joys is teaching clinics to women who want to learn self-defense.
“It’s a badge of honor to be able to teach women to defend themselves,” said Cayer, a former Fort Walton Beach Police officer. “I want to empower them with techniques everyone is capable of doing regardless of age or gender.”
Cayer focuses on close quarter combat, which consists of several grabbing moves that come easily to women. He also focuses on “shock syndrome,” teaching women how to move past the fear into protecting themselves.
Cayer teaches clinics through the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. His next clinic is scheduled for sometime in January.
“Women are the most preyed upon by predators,” Cayer said. “Most women take a back seat, thinking a man can protect them. But crime is relentless.
“It’s never too late to be empowered.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.
