Meet the Instructors

John Bannon has more than 30 years of martial arts experience and has been teaching for 28 years. John began Columbia Association Martial Arts School over 20 years ago at the Columbia Athletic Club with less than 10 students. John is the head instructor of Columbia Association Martial Arts School. He is also The Martial Arts Director for the Columbia Association (CA), overseeing all martial arts programs within CA. Outside of CA, John served as the former Maryland Director of KickUSA. KickUSA is a non-profit organization that promotes the positive benefits of martial arts to youth. He is also a national referee within the organization. Outside of the martial arts, John enjoys watching football and spending time with his wife and three boys.

“I feel that the martial arts help build positive qualities including discipline, respect, confidence, concentration, leadership, integrity and perseverance. Anyone, no matter what their ability or skill level is, has the opportunity to achieve success in the martial arts program.”

Master Perrigan has practiced Korean and Japanese martial arts for more than 40 years. He currently holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (International Taekwon-Do Federation – ITF), and a 4th Dan Black Belt from Victory Martial Arts. He also holds Black Belts in both Kyukoshinkai (Japanese Karate) and Kobudo (Okinawan Weaponry).

Master Perrigan has successfully competed and coached at the local, state, national, and international levels in Traditional Forms, Weapons, Point (Semi-contact) and Full Contact Fighting. After more than 35 years teaching Tae Kwon Do, Master Perrigan brought his wealth of experience to the Columbia Association in 2022.