Cahill's Judo Academy

A Legendary Name in Martial Arts for Over 70 Years

Cahill's Judo Academy was founded in 1948 by Professor John Cahill, in South San Francisco. He was one of the first non-Japanese jujitsu students, studying under Professor Henry S. Okazaki at his dojo in Hawaii.

Cahill went on to become a highly respected instructor in his own right in Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Kodokan Judo. That tradition continues today with his son Willy, who moved the dojo to San Bruno, where it is today.

Willy Cahill has been an Olympic Judo coach, Paralympic Judo coach, Pan Am Games Judo coach, as well as coaching other regional and national judo teams and judokas.

He was promoted to 9th degree black belt in Kodokan Judo, and 10th degree in Kodenkan Jujitsu, making him one of the highest-ranking martial artists in the country.

Cahill's Judo Academy has produced several Olympians and nearly 1,000 national and international champions.

Why Cahill's Judo Academy

At Cahill’s Judo Academy, we honor the rich legacy of John and Willy Cahill by offering expert instruction rooted in tradition and values. Judo and Jiujitsu are more than combat sports—they are martial arts that challenge you physically and mentally, fostering resilience, humility, respect, and self-control. Whether you’re here to compete, improve fitness, or simply explore a new path, our doors are open to all—regardless of age, ability, or experience. Join a community where passionate instructors are dedicated to helping you grow, guided by the spirit and history of our dojo.

Coach Willy Cahill puts on his rarely seen red belt to step out on the mat. CNN did a story on him.

Schedule

Monday

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Teen / Adult Kodenkan Jujitsu

Tuesday

4:00pm - 5:30pm
Kids Judo (7+)

5:30pm - 7:00pm
Advanced Juniors Judo (10+)

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Teen / Adult Judo (all levels)

Wednesday

4:15pm - 5:15pm
Kids Beginner Judo (5+)

5:15pm - 6:15pm
Kids Judo/Kodenkan Jujitsu (7+)

6:15pm - 7:30pm
Adult Kodenkan Jujitsu

Thursday

4:00pm - 5:30pm
Kids Judo (7+)

5:30pm - 7:00pm
Advanced Juniors Judo (10+)

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Teen / Adult Judo (all levels)

Friday

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen / Adult Judo and BJJ (all levels)

Saturday

8:30am - 9:30am
Kids Beginner Judo (5+)

9:30am - 10:30am
Kids Judo (7+)

11:00am - 1:00pm
Teen / Adult Judo (all levels)

Kodokan Judo

Kodokan Judo was developed by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Professor Kano was a student of many of the old masters of Kodenkan Jujitsu. He realized that these old arts were disappearing, so he set out to revive and organize a systematic course of instruction in these arts.

Kano developed judo primarily as a sport, leaving out some of the more dangerous aspects of jujitsu, like kicking and punching. Judo consists of throwing, grappling, choking, and joint locking techniques derived from jujitsu, although it can be used for self-defense.

Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964. Tournaments for both junior and senior athletes are held throughout the Bay Area, as well as national and international competitions.

Kodenkan (Japanese) Jujitsu

Cahill's teaches the Danzan Ryu system of jujitsu, established by Professor Henry S. Okazaki in the 1930s.

It's the art of movement, flexibility, gentleness, and mostly, control. Techniques include throwing, kicking, striking, chokeholds, joint locking, grappling, and defense against various weapons. At the root of jujitsu is movement from one technique to another quickly and smoothly and as often as necessary to control an attacker.

It would be impossible to say which martial art is the best, but the self-confidence jujitsu training brings with it gives an advantage in a self-defense situation.