Jerry Pilon has been teaching karate for a long time. It all got started in 1986, when as the highest ranking student, he filled in for his instructor who had to step away. 34 years later, Pilon still passes on the craft as Sensei and owner of The Skills Dojo in Strathroy. Pilon says it’s very rewarding to see one of his students succeed and improve. One of the challenges he faces is investing so much time with a student only for them to not come back. Whether they move or lose interest, it’s always tough to see. Pilon offers online lessons as well but admits it’s not nearly the same as physically being able to see progression and mistakes. A highlight for him was having a pupil with cerebral palsy. Coming in the student couldn’t touch his nose, but by the end of it Pilon says he was able to do push ups. A big advocate for stomping out bullying, Pilon says he does get students wanting to learn self-defence, but he only promotes it as a last resort effort. As a coach of any kind, continuing to learn and grow is something he notes of importance.
