At S.K.I.L. Dojo, our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program follows a direct and authentic lineage tracing back to the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr., one of the most influential figures in the history of modern Jiu-Jitsu.
This unbroken line of instruction ensures that every technique, principle, and philosophy taught within our dojo maintains the true essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — effective, respectful, and rooted in its original purpose of self-defense.

The Lineage

Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Sr. (1933–2006)
Founder of Team Carlson Gracie, Grandmaster Carlson was a pioneer of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.
He emphasized practical, pressure-based Jiu-Jitsu and teamwork, creating one of the most successful and respected teams in BJJ history. His teachings continue to shape the art worldwide.

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Grandmaster Marcus Soares (9th Degree Red Belt)
A direct black belt under Carlson Gracie Sr., Grandmaster Marcus Soares is widely recognized as the Father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada.
With Carlson Gracie’s personal blessing, he moved to Canada in 1997 to establish Carlson Gracie Team Canada, bringing authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to a new generation of martial artists.
Today, he continues to guide practitioners across the globe as the highest-ranked Carlson Gracie representative in Canada and one of the leading authorities in BJJ worldwide.

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Kyoju Jerry Pilon – S.K.I.L. Dojo
Kyoju Pilon began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2001 under Grandmaster Marcus Soares and became an official Marcus Soares Representative for S.K.I.L. Dojo, introducing authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Strathroy and surrounding communities.
Through decades of study, instruction, and refinement, he advanced through every rank directly under Grandmaster Soares’ supervision.

• 2001 – Began formal training under Grandmaster Marcus Soares

• 2001–2021 – Served as official Marcus Soares Representative for S.K.I.L. Dojo

• December 2021 – Promoted to Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Grandmaster Marcus Soares

• January 2nd, 2025 – Promoted to First-Degree Black Belt (2nd Dan) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Kyoju Pilon continues to train, learn, and represent the lineage with dedication and integrity.
He regularly hosts Grandmaster Marcus Soares in Ontario for seminars and instructor development, and has travelled to Vancouver and Brazil alongside the Grandmaster to further his own education and to support the ongoing mission of Carlson Gracie Team Canada.

Today, Kyoju Jerry Pilon remains a committed representative of the Marcus Soares / Carlson Gracie lineage, ensuring that every student at S.K.I.L. Dojo experiences Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as it was meant to be — an art of self-defense, discipline, and lifelong growth.