Steve Weon Co-Founder & Head Instructor
As a child, Steve struggled heavily with severe ADHD, finding it incredibly difficult to focus, sit still, or feel comfortable in his own skin. He was intensely bullied at school, a painful experience that stripped away any sense of self-confidence and left him feeling deeply isolated from his peers.
Desperate to find a way to stand up for himself, he tried a bunch of traditional martial arts and sports. However, because he was physically very skinny and naturally afraid of getting hurt—or hurting someone else—the aggressive, hyper-competitive atmosphere of typical commercial gyms felt deeply intimidating and unwelcome. For years, he felt trapped by his lack of focus and physical insecurity.
Everything changed when he discovered Jiu-Jitsu. Its core philosophy of using timing and leverage over raw force, combined with its total focus on cooperation and practicality, allowed him to safely overcome his fears, channel his focus, and ultimately earn his Black Belt. Having experienced this profound transformation firsthand, Professor Steve made it his life's mission to create an inclusive space built around that exact same gift of confidence and security—which is why he founded Gentle Method Jiu Jitsu.
EducationBachelor of Kinesiology — University of British Columbia
CertificationsNASM Certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach • First Aid / CPR / AED Certified
Experience5+ Years of Dedicated Coaching • Former Lead Adult & Kids Coach at Kitsilano & Kerrisdale locations
What Students Notice
“Professor Steve is an exceptional instructor. What I appreciated most was that he never just showed us what to do—he explained why every detail mattered: how our body should be oriented, where our opponent’s body should be, and why a particular movement works. He is a total BJJ nerd in the best possible way, and his kinesiology background adds another level to his teaching.”Andrew
“Professor Steve is a human library of all things BJJ. The depth of his knowledge, not only of techniques but of anything jiu-jitsu adjacent, is astounding. He is famous for breaking down every technique into detailed steps. His experience and understanding of the human body allow him to quickly identify those small adjustments that can make your technique more effective.”Rodrigo