Meet the Founder
A Second-Generation Teacher of the Original Pilates Method
Founder’s Introduction
I’m Keion, founder of Pilates DNA and a second-generation Pilates teacher dedicated to preserving and teaching the method as it was handed down from Joseph Pilates himself.
My training traces directly to Joe through one of his most devoted students, Jay Grimes, who taught the method for over 60 years and often reminded us that Contrology (as Joe called it) is sweaty, hard work — not a fleeting fitness trend.
I spent several years training closely under Jay and Sandy Shimoda, owner of Vintage Pilates. I have not only refined my own practice, but developed a deep respect for how this method transforms bodies through effort, consistency, and individuality. My teaching remains firmly rooted in this lineage and philosophy.
Why I Teach
Contrology changed my life, not because it was easy, but because it asked me to show up, think critically, and keep putting in the work to support my desire for the highest quality of life. I teach this method because I’ve experienced its ability to create real, lasting change.
My goal is not to entertain or distract you with novelty. I’m here to guide you through the original work—consistent, focused, and individualized—so you can discover how strong and capable your body truly is.
About the Studio
Pilates DNA is a Contrology Method Studio.
We teach the full classical system as it was intended, using both mat and apparatus. Nothing is watered down or creatively reimagined. Each session is tailored to the individual, drawing from a complete toolbox that supports progress, not just performance.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, fine-tuning athletic performance, or simply looking for a more intelligent way to move, this method meets you where you are and gives you a path forward.
Our studio is small and focused. You won’t find playlists or gimmicks here. What you will find is rigorous, personalized instruction rooted in tradition and dedicated to results.
What Sets Us Apart
✅ Lineage-Driven Instruction
Trained directly by Jay Grimes, who learned from Joseph Pilates.✅ Full-System Training
Both mat and apparatus used with purpose and progression.✅ Personalized, Independent Work
Students are taught to think through their practice and develop lasting skills.✅ Uncompromised Methodology
No hybrids. No fluff. Just the real work, taught with clarity and care.
Ready to Begin?
Start Here to learn more or Book Your First Session to get started.
Jay Grimes (1940-2024)
A Tribute to My Teacher, Mentor, and Friend
Jay Grimes was a true first-generation student of Joseph Pilates and one of the most influential teachers in the classical Pilates world. Known for his dry wit, unshakeable clarity, and deep understanding of Contrology, Jay shaped not only how Pilates is taught today—but how it is lived.
He taught for over 60 years and was widely considered the embodiment of Joe’s work. Those of us lucky enough to learn from Jay carry his teachings not just in our studios, but in our bones.
From Dance to Contrology
Jay began his career as a pianist and dancer, performing with the American Ballet Theatre and on Broadway. In the 1960s, he found his way to Joseph Pilates’s New York studio and became a regular student. After Joe’s death, Jay continued to study with Clara Pilates and with elder teacher John Winters. In 1974, he moved to Los Angeles, where he quietly helped shape the future of classical Pilates.
My Journey with Jay
I met Jay in 2014, after a workshop with Alisa Wyatt brought me to Vintage Pilates. I studied regularly at Vintage Pilates and in 2017, completed the highly selective continuing education program directed by Jay, The Work(tm). I joined the teaching staff at Vintage Pilates, working alongside Jay and many other talented teachers, including another important mentor, Sandy Shimoda. After the original Vintage Pilates studio on Sawtelle closed, I was blessed to have Jay teaching weekly classes at my studio for six years, where he continued to mentor and guide me until his passing in 2024.
What He Taught Us
Jay was known for his minimalist, no-nonsense style. He didn’t overcorrect. He didn’t overanalyze. He let the work speak. He trusted the original system and taught us to trust it, too. His teaching continues to influence how I move, how I teach, and how I live.
His Legacy
Jay's legacy lives on in the teachers he trained, the studios he shaped, and the bodies that continue to do the work. His brilliance, humor, and depth are part of the DNA of authentic Pilates—and forever part of mine.
