ICBA Executive Members

David M. Grago grew up in Central New York where he began his martial arts studies in Kodakan Judo at the age of 12.

David M. Grago, a dedicated martial artist, began his journey in central New York, where he first trained in Kodokan Judo at just 12 years old. By the age of 13, he immersed himself in the Chinese boxing art of Southern Shaolin Chuan Ch’uang Pai under the mentorship of Sam (Iron Tiger) Wing. In May of 1970, Grago made a significant mark by establishing the first Chinese martial arts school in central New York. His academic pursuits led him to Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, where he further honed his skills in Shaolin Kung Fu with esteemed instructors Bruce Ledger and James Cook. While at Walsh, he successfully launched the university’s first martial arts club, attracting over 100 enthusiastic participants, demonstrating his commitment to sharing and promoting martial arts. Grago’s journey reflects his passion and dedication to the art of Kung Fu.

During this timeframe, Grago continued his advanced instruction in Chinese martial arts, a lifelong passion. He trained under various masters, including Norman Pedelahore, who specialized in the Lung Shou Pai or Dragon Claw family style, and Mok Poi On, known for Pao Fa Lien Wing Chun. David Wei Kash taught him the techniques of Emperor’s Shaolin Temple Boxing, while WL John Ng, a former coach of the Peking Wu Shu team, imparted knowledge in Wing Chun and Ng family style. Additionally, Andrew Tamper, associated with Yee Chong Mu Gwan International, contributed to Grago’s diverse training. Currently, Grago has taken on the U.S. leadership role of one of the most intricate internal Kung Fu styles under the late Ngoc An, a patriarch formerly from South Vietnam, now based in Moscow, Russia..

In the early 1980s, Grago embarked on a significant journey in martial arts when he received permission from Leung Ting, a prominent figure in the Ving Tsun Kuen lineage derived from Ip Man Wing Chun. This pivotal moment allowed Grago to develop his unique art under the esteemed auspices of the Hong Kong International Chinese Martial Arts Federation. Leung Ting played a crucial role by personally introducing Grago to Grandmaster Mok Poi On, thereby facilitating his advanced study in a style of Wing Chun that diverged from the traditional Ip Man teachings. This opportunity not only marked a new chapter in Grago’s martial arts career but also contributed to the evolution of Wing Chun as he explored its diverse expressions and techniques.

Grago established the Combined Wing Chun Association, which was subsequently recognized as a member of the Chinese Kuoshu Worldwide Promotion Association by the esteemed Chen Shou-shan, the president of Kuoshu Worldwide in Taipei, Taiwan. Grago’s ICBA Worldwide organization has earned recognition from various prestigious entities, including the Kuoshu Association of the Republic of China under President Chen Shou-shan, and the Hawaii Martial Arts International Society led by Professor Jaime Abregana and Great-Grandmaster Ming Lum. Additionally, his contributions are acknowledged by the World Congress of Amateur Athletes – Team USA Martial Arts with GM HL Mayle, the American Karate Black Belt Association under GM James Toney, and the World Independent Chinese Martial Arts Federation headed by Klaus Schumaker. This extensive recognition underscores Grago’s significant impact on the martial arts community globally.

In the early 1980s, Grago embarked on a significant journey in martial arts when he received permission from Leung Ting, a prominent figure in the Ving Tsun Kuen lineage derived from Ip Man Wing Chun. This pivotal moment allowed Grago to develop his unique art under the esteemed auspices of the Hong Kong International Chinese Martial Arts Federation. Leung Ting played a crucial role by personally introducing Grago to Grandmaster Mok Poi On, thereby facilitating his advanced study in a style of Wing Chun that diverged from the traditional Ip Man teachings. This opportunity not only marked a new chapter in Grago’s martial arts career but also contributed to the evolution of Wing Chun as he explored its diverse expressions and techniques.

From 2002 to 2013, he distinguished himself as a prominent figure in martial arts, competing in prestigious events such as the America’s Cup International Meet in Caracas, Venezuela. As both the US team coach and a dedicated member of the team, he showcased his exceptional skills at multiple world championships held in Cancun, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. His commitment and expertise in the grandmaster division were evident as he consistently secured gold medals in both grandmaster fighting and forms. His achievements not only highlight his personal dedication but also reflect his ability to lead and inspire others in the sport. Through his participation and success, he has left an indelible mark on the martial arts community.

In November of 2024, Grandmaster Grago received the highly coveted PKA Joe Lewis Eternal Warrior Award.

Steve Milliet is currently ranked as a 10th level Black Sash & Inheritor, under GM David Grago. He began his training in the martial arts in 1988, studying Wing Pai Ch’uang Chuan and Wing Chun under GM David Grago. Joining the US Navy in 1992, he furthered his martial arts training throughout the years studying other martial arts such as Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Southern 5 Animal Shaolin, Jeet Kune Do, Bak Fu Pai and Kenpo. In 1999, he began closed-door training in the Yuen Kay San Wing Chun system (often referred to as Sum Nung Wing Chun). He continued this training for 10 years, while also continuing to refine the Wing Pai Methods of boxing. Currently he is teaching and residing in Fort Worth, TX.

In 2025, upon announcement by GM David Grago of his pending retirement, he was asked by GM Grago to accept appointment of the ICBA as Chairman.

David Bowen began his martial arts studies in New Mexico, training in Kobudo Kai around age 13.  Although the interest was there, it was more of a cross training plan to supplement his motocross career.  

When his motocross career came to an end in his early 20s due to multiple injuries, the interest in martial arts was once again sparked.  Having been recently married, in 1993 David began training in the Okinawan styles, training in Shuri-Ryu Karate under 3 time national champion Sensei Kandie Vactor, and Hanshi Johnny Linebarger in Tucson Arizona. After achieving intermediate rank, he moved from Arizona to Texas, where he began training in Shorin-Ryu.

After once again receiving an intermediate rank, the instructor vanished and the school was no more. It wasn’t until 2013 that he had felt like he found a home in martial arts.  It was then that he met Great Grandmaster David Grago.

From that time, David became a full-time student and disciple of Great Grandmaster Grago and has studied under him exclusively.

Over the last 13 years, David has steadily gained rank recognition, becoming an assistant instructor, Instructor, and Senior Sifu instructing his own school.  He participated in tournaments showcasing Weapons, Open hand forms, and Fighting. To date, David is undefeated in tournament fighting and has attributed this accomplishment to the instruction he has received from GGM Grago. He was appointed to Team USA by the World Congress of Martial Arts and GM Grago.

David currently holds the rank of 5^th Tuan Master Black Sash in Iron Tiger Fist-Ch’uang Chuan Pai and Southern Shaolin Chuan Fa, recognized by the Wing Pai International Federation, and the ICBA.

GrandMaster Travis Spoonamore has trained in martial arts for well over 30yrs. With a background in Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Thai and other martial arts styles and systems. He is a 2x Indiana State Champion and 1x World Champion.

Having extensive training and multiple black belts in various systems and styles led him to forming his own system known as Spoonamore Fighting Systems. This system is a close quarters combative system with emphasis on self defense.

As a formally trained executive protection specialist and former bouncer his training has been tested in real world situations.

GrandMaster Spoonamore is an internationally certified and recognized 10th degree black belt and the owner and head instructor of the Brownsville Dojo located in Indiana. 

In 2025 Soke Spoonamore was appointed as Vice President of the ICBA.

BIO coming soon!

Grandmaster Tim Pickens has trained and taught the WingLock Ng Family style for 45 years. He began training as a closed-door student of Dr. Ng in 1979 and has continued his training under Dr. Ng since this time. Great grandmaster Ng then awarded him successorship of his styles of Martial arts in 2017, bestowing upon him the Chinese name Lau Wan Fung.

Grandmaster Pickens is an accomplished martial artist, Instructor, competitor, weapons designer, author and serves as a lifetime member on the Board of Directors, alongside his Teacher Dr. Ng, for the International Chinese Boxing Association Worldwide. He also serves as a Master Consultant for the Global Chinese Kuoshu Wushu Society. Grandmaster Pickens is also a member of the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation and appeared in the AMAA Legacy bool 10th edition 2024 having been nominated as one of only 17 worldwide honorees. In the 1980’s he competed in regional, state, and National tournaments becoming one of the top 3 rated Chinese soft style competitors for region 7 by the Professional Karate League of America. In 1986 Tim took 1^st place Black Belt division empty hand, and 2^nd place in weapons at the prestigious, “Battle of Atlanta.” Grandmaster Pickens also holds a US patent for a combat version design of the Chinese ring dagger. Grandmaster Pickens is also listed alongside Dr. Ng in the Liu He Quan Lineage.

Grandmaster Pickens has authored and coauthored numerous articles for Karate illustrated, Black Belt magazine, Masters and Styles, and Inside Kung Fu to name a few. Including numerous articles on six Harmonies Drunken boxing and the First ever publication on the rare Chinese Bat style. Grandmaster Pickens has written 4 books on the Ng family style: “Dr. John Winglock Ng’s Southern Golden Snake Fist, “Six Harmonies Drunken boxing”, “Dr. John Winglock Ng’s Southern Golden Monkey fist”, and “Dr. John Winglock Ng’s Bat style.” He also coauthored “Chinese Ring Daggers the Ultimate Close quarters weapons” with his brother and coach Master Rick Pickens.

Grandmaster Pickens was nominated as the Mid-West Regional Director for the World Stunt Association by film Producer/Director Grandmaster Ray Szuch in 2005. He received winning laurels at the Bluegrass film festival in Ky. for his production, directing, and martial arts stunt choreography of the film “Year of the Bat”.  Other films He has appeared in with his stunt team were,” Nancy Berry’s big case’, “The Boatman”, and “Remember Me.”

Grandmaster Pickens has trained and coached 16 national and international champions over the years. Several of his students have written articles and 2 of his students have also authored books on the Ng Family style, Sifu Tim Roy Jr., and Master Amber Crabtree.

Grandmaster Pickens continues to practice and teach the Winglock Ng Family style in Kentucky offering women’s self-defense seminars for churches and local businesses, tactical combat, weapons, traditional Chinese kung fu, and continues to teach numerous military and police personnel, passing forward the Winglock Ng family style. Dr. Ng taught me to think outside the box, be simple, be direct, and to make your style your own. Training is about becoming a better and healthier person than you were yesterday, using your Kung Fu to be better in all the aspects of your life, and not just the arena of combat. Be humble in all things and strive daily to become a better version of yourself. Dr. Ng teaches It is not the pureness of the art but the pureness of the heart.

Sifu Josh Mayers has been training in Chinese Martial Arts since 2001. His training started in the back yard of Master Bill Frost, where he was part of a small group of private students. Sifu Josh’s background in heavey in Wing Chun for self defense applications, along with Chin Na. Sifu Josh also is experienced in Wushu, Yang Tai Chi and Shaolin. His lineage spans great martial arts teachers such as: Bill Frost, Sijo Rusty Gray, GM John Tsai, GM John Ng and GM John Dufresne.

Sifu Josh is located in Jacksonville, NC where he operates the United Martial Arts Kung Fu Academy, where he shares the art of Kung Fu to the population of his city.

Rafael retired after thirty one years of service to the City of Dallas, Park and

Recreation Department where he managed the Forest Audelia Boxing Gym in partnership with Dallas Police Department Police Activities League, Gang Intervention/Prevention Supervisor and After School Program Manager.

He’s also the Director of Operations for the Alliance of Guardian Angels-Dallas, joining in 1982 in order to empower and educate others to keep their communities safe and protect others. Arredondo has conducted anti-rape and self-defense classes throughout the DFW metroplex at no cost.

He began his journey into the Martial Arts at the age of 8 and has been teaching for over forty years. He’s taught numerous Police Departments in the Dallas Metro area (to include DPD) in Non-Lethal Arrest Techniques. 

Mr. Arredondo has earned Black belts Taekwondo (2^nd Dan) and Shotokan Karate (1^st Dan) and in Wing Chun, in Shijou Ryu Aiki Jiu-Jitsu and studied numerous  others in between.  Rafael played football and wrestled W. T. White HS and Boxed while serving in the United States Army as Combat Heavy Engineer.

Rafael is an Inductee of the USA Martial Art Hall of Fame, the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation “Who’s Who in The Martial Arts”, Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Fame and Master of Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

John D. Bain, often referred to as Professor Bain, was born in the mid-1950s in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and moved to Bowie, Maryland in the early 1960s. His lifelong passion for the martial arts began at age twelve, inspired by the television series The Green Hornet—which introduced a generation to Bruce Lee and his dynamic approach to martial training. That inspiration led young John to begin his formal martial arts journey under Master Soo Young Cha in June of 1969, studying traditional Tae Kwon-Do.

After high school, Bain enlisted in the United States Navy (1977–1983), where his exposure to various martial arts expanded through training with fellow servicemen from around the world. While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he trained at the Chuck Norris Karate Studio, deepening his foundation in American Kenpo and Tae Kwon-Do.

In 1984, Bain traveled to Korea and studied at the National College of Physical Education in Seoul (now the Korea National Sport University), further refining his Tae Kwon-Do and exploring the deeper cultural and physical roots of martial practice.

Upon returning to the United States, Bain broadened his studies into multiple systems. In 1985, he was introduced to Pai Lum Pai Kenpo/Kung Fu, a hybrid Chinese system emphasizing the integration of striking and internal energy.

In 1986, he met Professor Remy Presas, founder of Modern Arnis, who personally introduced him to the Filipino martial arts. Two years later, Bain was hired by a national chain of Tae Kwon Do schools, where he taught and managed programs along the East Coast.

In 1991, he began formal study under Master Dominick Giacobbe in Tang Soo Do, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for traditional martial values—honor, personal growth, and social responsibility over sport competition.

The year 1992 marked a turning point when Bain met Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi, founder of Choi Kwang-Do. Choi’s approach, rooted in modern biomechanics and scientific movement principles, influenced Bain’s understanding of safe and efficient training.

During this period, Bain renewed his Filipino martial arts studies under Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan, 8th-generation inheritor of the Pambuan Arnis Tulisan family system. Through years of dedication, he earned the title Kuya Guro (Older Brother Teacher) in July 2006.

In 2008, both Ama Guro Pambuan and the World Head of Family Sokeship Council formally recognized Professor Bain as the Founder of Five Methods Kenpo Karate (Go Hou Kan Kenpo Karate)—a system synthesizing five core elements of his lifelong practice: Striking & Kicking, Joint Locking, Vital Point Manipulation, Weapons, and Health Development

Bain’s study of Kyusho Jutsu (Pressure Point Techniques) began in 1996 under Grandmaster Jack Hogan, and from 2002 onward he continued advanced training with both Hogan and Master David Jones.

That same year, he began training under Grandmaster Al Tracy, co-founder of the Tracy Kenpo System, further enriching his understanding of Kenpo structure and pedagogy.

In 2003, Bain had the opportunity to train with Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, renowned researcher and author of The Bubishi. McCarthy’s mentorship—and Bain’s ongoing exchange with Sensei Iain Abernethy—deepened his focus on the practical self-defense applications within traditional kata and the cultural foundations of the classical martial arts.

In 1998, Professor Bain relocated to the Dallas, Texas area to join Chuck Norris’ KICKSTART KIDS Foundation (formerly Kick Drugs Out of America). For over two decades, he taught martial arts to middle school students, impacting thousands of young lives through the program’s guiding mission: “To build strong moral character through martial arts training.”

During his tenure, Professor Bain became known for his ability to inspire discipline, respect, and confidence in his students. As he often said,

“We must always keep the spirit of being a student—that way we can grow in all aspects of life. My job is to give the best instruction possible, and to keep learning how to help students and their families become winners in life.”

After retiring in 2019, Professor Bain and his wife relocated to the Philippines, where he continues to teach a small group of dedicated black belts and develop his systems of instruction under the Spirit Warrior and Go Hou Kan Kenpo banners.

Huáscar Anda Cazuriaga , of La Paz, Bolivia,  studied Communication Sciences with a specialization in Public Relations, and has knowledge in Psychology and Oriental Traditional Medicine.

He is a Technician in Oriental Therapies such as “Tui Na” Digitopuncture, “Dit Dar” bone setting, and Acupuncture, certified by the South American Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He is currently a Buddhist student of the Venerable Lama Rinchen Gyaltse, Certified Buddhist Meditation Instructor by Lama Rinchen Gyaltsen of Paramita Sakya Buddhist Center in Alicante, Spain, and the Sakya Foundation.

He has been a practitioner of Martial Arts since 1978, completing 48 years of uninterrupted practice this year. He holds a 5th Duan Black Belt in Kung Fu, 1st Dan in Aikido, and recognition as a 1st Dan Black Belt from Koshu Shorei Ryu Kenpo Bolivia.  

Currently, he continues his training with Master Ernesto (Poon Wai) Rodriguez Sanchez, 5th Generation in the Hung Sing Choy Lee Fat style.   

He also trains in the Ch´uang Chuan Pai, Wing Chun Kuen.