& Head Instructor – S.K.I.L. Dojo
Kyoju Jerry Pilon/Kyoju

Founder & Head Instructor – S.K.I.L. DOJO

Kyoju Jerry Pilon is a dedicated martial artist with a rich and extensive background in multiple martial arts disciplines. His lifelong journey began in 1985, when he immersed himself in Japanese Karate, training rigorously for over a decade and building a strong technical foundation. From 1985 to 1996, Jerry honed his striking abilities, deepened his understanding of martial philosophy, and cultivated the discipline that would shape his path forward.
In 1996, Jerry transitioned into Okinawan Karate, a pivotal evolution in his martial arts journey. Under the guidance of Kyoshi Vern Tilley and the late Grandmaster Kensei Taba of Okinawa, Japan, he embraced the classical teachings and authentic traditions of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. This deep connection led to him becoming Kensei Taba’s last original student in 2002.
Grandmaster Taba, a direct student of Shoshin Nagamine (founder of Matsubayashi Ryu), served as the first President of the World Matsubayashi Ryu Association (1991–1998). Following Nagamine’s passing in 1997, Taba stepped away from the organization due to a disagreement with the founder’s son, Takayoshi Nagamine. In 1999, Taba formally founded Shogen Ryu Karate-do, preserving the core Okinawan principles of self-defense, humility, and martial virtue.
Kyoju Pilon was personally promoted to Rokudan (6th Dan) by Taba Sensei during an intensive visit to Okinawa in 2007. On October 9, 2023, he earned the esteemed rank of Nanadan (7th Dan), becoming the highest-ranked active student of Shogen Ryu outside Okinawa.
In addition to his deep karate lineage, Jerry Pilon expanded his horizons into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2001, training under Grandmaster Marcus Soares, a 9th-degree red belt and the highest-ranking BJJ instructor in Canada. This new chapter added a powerful grappling element to his skill set, complementing his striking arts and making him a truly well-rounded martial artist. On January 2, 2025, he was awarded his First-Degree Black Belt in BJJ by Grandmaster Soares, recognizing over two decades of dedicated study in the art.
Throughout his career, Jerry has been shaped by numerous esteemed mentors, including:

     KENSEI TABA - Founder of Shogen Ryu, direct student of Shoshin           Nagamine
     Kiyomasa Maeda - Second President to the Okinawan Shogen-Ryu         Karate-Do Association (OSKA)

     MARCUS SOARES - 9th Degree Red Belt, BJJ

     VERNON TILEEY - Karate, Tode, Jiu-Jitsu

     DEVORAH DOMITRIC - Karate, Kobudo, Tode

     JEFFERY DAY-  Karate, Kobudo, Sword

     ARNOLD BLACK - Track, Karate

     ED ALLEN & BRENT MAC FARLANE - Track & Field Coaching


In March 1997, Mr. Pilon opened his Permanent location in Strathroy after a few months of renting a location across from Libro Credit Union, establishing S.K.I.L. DOJO, a thriving center for martial arts education.  Over the decades, S.K.I.L. DOJO has grown into an international hub for traditional Okinawan Karate/Tode Jitsu and Brazilin Jiu Jitsu, developing students of all ages and abilities through structured learning, discipline and community.
Kyoju Pilon's dedication to continuous learning, his role as a direct student of 3 grandmasters, and his passion for both the traditional and evolving aspects of martial arts, have earned him widespread respect in the global martial arts community.  He continues to teach, guide and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on all who train under his leadership.