Raffy Pambuan became interested in the martial arts as a child watching kung-fu movies and playing medieval knights with his friends in his hometown of Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. At the age of ten, he began studying Okinawan and Shotokan Karate under his cousin Oyi Amoranto.

His fascination with Arnis started when he listened to his father, Lolo, tell stories of his family history. He especially liked the stories of his great grandfather, Amoranto, on his fathers side, who was Katipunan, and fought against the Spanish. It was at this time that Lolo Guro began teaching him Arnis. He also trained in Arnis with his uncle, Tatay Vincen.

When he was sixteen, Ama Guro took up boxing with his brother Frisco Pambuan, his cousin Vic Pambuan, and Digo Ramirez.

Ama Guro also trained in the Filipino martial arts outside his family with Tatay Beryo Talabis, Tatay Ikang Bukal of Cavite, P.I., and with Nestor Deresa of Magdalena, Laguna, P.I.

In 1983, Raffy Pambuan moved to Orlando, Fl. Soon after, he began training with Tatay Bo Sayoc. In 1993, He was convinced to begin teaching his family art of Pambuan Arnis. His few Guros and students are very thankful for this. In 1996, Ama Guro was inducted, and is a member of, the World Head of Family Sokeship Council.