S.K.I.L. Dojo in Strathroy offers locals training in Karate and Jiu-Jitsu

STRATHROY, Ontario — Strathroy neighbours interested in traditional Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, or both, are welcome at the S.K.I.L. Dojo on Front Street in our busy and ever-growing downtown. We had the chance to find out more about the Dojo from one of its instructors, Johnathan Das, who has insight into the many benefits of this practice, both as a student, and as an instructor.

“The difference in the martial arts we practice is that it’s traditional/’old school’,” says Johnathan. “We focus on real situations and how to deal with them with strict technique and form. Our head instructor Jerry Pilon has had the privilege to train under Karate and Jiu-Jitsu Masters, so the knowledge passed down to the students under his tutelage is top-notch.”

At the S.K.I.L. Dojo (the acronym stands for Shogen-Ryu Karate-do International Ltd.), there are currently about 30 active students training. Some train in both Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, while others focus on one. As Johnathan notes, “there is always room for more hardworking students dedicated to learning and improving on what they have.”

Johnathan himself started training around the age of eight. He attended classes for a few years, but then stopped for probably close to eight years before returning to practice in the early fall of 2019. Since his return, Johnathan’s role has expanded within the Dojo. While Jerry does most of the instructing, Johnathan is always ready to help, whether it’s assisting with renovations, teaching in the kids’ classes, or leading classes when Jerry is unavailable.

Asked about some memorable experiences he’s had as an instructor at the Dojo, Johnathan mentions, “I love seeing when everyone’s working hard. I get excited when I see a technique ‘click’ for a student after making numerous mistakes. Karate and Jiu-Jitsu are all about details, and if you miss one detail, the technique can be challenging or not have the effect you’re looking for. When the kids start recognizing their mistakes, it’s uplifting.”

Martials arts is a practice that anyone can benefit from, regardless of age, and Johnathan is an example of this. He recalls, “I first got involved at a young age; my parents wanted a fun activity for my brother and me to learn, and they also wanted us to have another role model in our life. More recently, I was concerned for my health, both mental and physical, and I had a friend who recommended I start up again.

“My first session after being away for many years was incredibly refreshing; Jerry was very welcoming and excited to see that I had returned and was ready to take my training seriously. My family, friends and fellow students support my training, too. Jerry has inspired me to continue my training and grow my knowledge of the Martial Arts.”

In addition to the mental and physical benefits that training has brought to Johnathan, training with Jerry has provided him with other unique experiences. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget having the opportunity to travel to Vancouver and stay and train with Mestre Marcus Soares (one of the highest-ranking black belts for Jiu-Jitsu in North America) on more than one occasion. This opportunity would not have been possible for me without a previous connection through Jerry.”

When asked about the benefits of having the S.K.I.L. Dojo located in the Strathroy community, Johnathan mentioned that “it helps build confidence in people of all ages, it improves health using bodyweight exercises, it can have a significant impact on mental well-being, it is a good stress reliever, and it’s a great place to network with people from different walks of life.”

“Going to the gym to lift weights or do your cardio is great, but it’s not very social. At the Dojo, an enjoyable piece comes from working out, learning, and having social interactions,” Johnathan emphasizes. And there’s more to come! As he hints, “this fall, there will be more that the Dojo offers to the community, which is quite exciting. We are expanding into more than just a Dojo…”

We’re looking forward to finding out what’s next for the Johnathan, Jerry, the S.K.I.L. Dojo, and its members!

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