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A Brief Martial Arts History Of “Kuya” John D. Bain, Maestro Guro

he spark that started “Kuya” (Older Brother) John’s martial arts fire was the TV show “The Green Hornet”. This show co-starred the world famous martial artist Bruce Lee as Kato. This led him to his introduction to Tae Kwon-Do by Master Soo Young Cha at the age of 12.

It was many years later while serving in the U. S. Navy that his serious martial arts instruction began at the Chuck Norris Karate Studio in Norfolk, VA. It was because of the quality instruction and the personal relationship developed with the Instructors, that a burning desire was instilled in him to research and learn as much as possible about the martial arts.

He went to Korea in 1984, and studied the Korean language at Yonsai University and Tae Kwon-Do at the Korean National College of Physical Education in Seoul. This experience was priceless as it gave him a real insight into the Korean culture and lifestyle. Upon returning to the United States, “Kuya” John set out to study and experience many other martial art systems. In 1986 Professor Remy Presas introduced “Kuya” John to the Filipino Martial Arts.

It was in 1988 that a national chain of karate schools hired “Kuya” John to teach and manage many of their schools throughout the east coast. In 1991 Master Dominick Giacobbe became his instructor. Master Giacobbe instilled in him the traditional martial arts philosophy that emphasizes the ideals of personal and social development, rather than sports competition.

1992 was an eventful year for him with the meeting of Ama Guro Rufino Pambuan. In 1993 he met Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi. Grandmaster Choi’s martial arts system opened his eyes to the use of different concepts and modern science in the martial arts instead of old methods that may do damage to the practitioner over a period of time. It was also during this time that his training was renewed in the Filipino martial arts, leading “Kuya” John to become a Guro (teacher) under his instructor, Ama Guro Rufino Pambuan. Ama Guro is the 5th generation inheritor of his family system, and instilled the virtues of the true combat arts in “Kuya” John. With the assistance of Ama Guro Pambuan they developed and founded the system of Espiritu Mandirigma Pasukan (Kuntaw-Arnis) or Spirit Warrior Gate (Fist Way-Weapons). Ama Guro Raffy bestowed the title Maestro-Guro (Teacher of Teachers) in July of 2000. On The 11th of January 2005 the World IL Do Kwan Federation awarded “Kuya” John his 7th degree black belt. On September 10th, 2005 Grandmaster Jack Hogan promoted “Kuya” to Instructor in Kyusho-Jutsu (Pressure Point Skills).

With a long and varied background in the Martial Arts the one thing that “Kuya” John tries to do is continue to learn. “Kuya” John has said. “I believe we must always keep the spirit of being a student, that way we can learn in all aspects of our life. My job is to give the best quality instruction and continue learning better ways to help my students and their families become winners in life.” In 1998 “Kuya” John Bain came to the Dallas area as an Instructor for Chuck Norris’ Kick Drugs Out Of America Foundation (now KICKSTART). “I am able to make a difference in our future, through our youth.”