About

The Journey of S.K.I.L. Dojo – From 1996 to Today

Since its establishment in 1996, S.K.I.L. Dojo has stood as a bridge between tradition and evolution — a uniting of “Old School” Okinawan Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, harmonizing the time-honored principles of self-defense with the refined techniques and methodologies of the modern era.

Founded by Kyoju Jerry Pilon, whose lifelong dedication to martial arts began in 1985, the dojo was built on the belief that true martial arts training must cultivate the mind, body, and spirit. Over the decades, S.K.I.L. Dojo has grown from a small, local training space into a thriving and respected martial arts community, recognized for its excellence in both traditional and contemporary disciplines.

What began as a single vision has evolved into a comprehensive training center, offering structured programs in Shogen Ryu Karate-do, Ryukyu Kobudo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under the Carlson Gracie / Marcus Soares lineage. This rare blend allows students to explore the full spectrum of martial arts — from powerful striking and traditional weapons training to modern ground-based grappling and self-defense.

At S.K.I.L. Dojo, we believe martial arts is far more than physical skill — it is a lifelong journey of personal growth, discipline, and resilience. Our mission has always been to create a positive, inclusive environment where students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels can train with respect and dedication, building not only stronger bodies but stronger character.

Through the years, our dojo has produced countless students who have grown into leaders, instructors, and competitors — all carrying forward the values of respect, humility, and perseverance. S.K.I.L. Dojo continues to evolve, incorporating modern training tools and systems to enhance instruction while preserving the deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations.

As we look toward the future, our commitment remains unchanged:
to provide authentic martial arts education, to honor the lineage of our teachers, and to inspire every student who walks through our doors to reach their full potential — on and off the mat.