Cahill's Judo Academy
About
Cahill's Judo Academy in San Francisco offers training in judo and MMA under the guidance of highly experienced instructors. Head Coach and Owner Willy Cahill holds a 9th Dan in Kodokan Judo and a 10th Dan in Kodenkan Jujitsu, while the academy's historical roots trace back to founder John Cahill, an early non-Japanese student of Professor Henry S. Okazaki. This lineage provides a foundation for technical excellence that members consistently praise in their reviews.
Visitors and regular members alike describe a welcoming environment where both adults and children thrive. Reviewers note that instructors are attentive and excited to teach, offering great technical instruction alongside challenging randori rounds. The dojo serves as a supportive learning environment where students develop not only martial arts skills but also qualities like respect, persistence, and humility. Families particularly appreciate how the academy becomes like a second home, with children making friends while learning cool throw techniques.
The academy caters to diverse needs, from beginners to experienced practitioners returning to training after time away. Members highlight the quality of both kids and adult classes, with senseis who work well with children and create tough but rewarding training sessions for adults. The dojo's reputation for producing Olympic athletes, law enforcement officers, and medal-winning competitors adds to its appeal for serious practitioners, while its family-friendly atmosphere makes it accessible to all skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the excellent coaching at Cahill's Judo Academy, describing instructors as attentive, talented, and excited to teach. Reviewers highlight both the technical instruction quality and the welcoming atmosphere that makes the dojo feel like a second home for families. Specific mentions include Coach Cahill's experience training Olympic athletes and law enforcement officers, as well as how children learn respect and persistence alongside judo techniques. Visitors from out of town note that even drop-in sessions provide great training with tough randori rounds and welcoming students.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Thomas Weng
8 months ago
I dropped in for two classes on a trip to SF and had a great time! I’m an adult green belt visiting from Boston. The senseis are very attentive and the students very welcoming. You’ll find great technical instruction and tough randori rounds here. From what I saw of the kids classes, there were a lot of students and the senseis worked well with the kids. I wish I had more time in SF to train here and will definitely try to visit again.
Darleen Franklin
5 years ago
My son has been enjoying his classes at Cahill's judo academy. In addition to learning cool throw techniques, he has made friends, is learning respect, persistence, gentleness with a dash of humility.
Joshua Block
4 years ago
Place place to learn judo or if took some time away, great place to get back into the swing of things. Great coaches and by far one of the best dojo's around.
Ty Wilding
5 years ago
Cahill's is the best. My daughter has been doing judo here for 5 years and she loves it. They have great coaches and the other families there are great too.
Mia Piper
8 years ago
Cahill's is a fantastic dojo for both kids and adults! Coach Cahill has trained numerous olympians, law enforcement officers, and hundreds of other medal-winning athletes. All the instructors are talented and excited to teach, and the dojo is a wonderful and supporting learning environment. For my family and everyone I have spoken to, Cahill's is like a second home, and I feel so blessed to have found it.
paymentsMembership
$120/mo
Contact
635 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 – 11:00 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Willy Cahill
Head Coach / Owner
9th Dan Kodokan Judo, 10th Dan Kodenkan Jujitsu
Son of founder John Cahill. Olympic, Paralympic, and Pan Am Games Judo coach. Promoted to 9th degree black belt in Kodokan Judo and 10th degree in Kodenkan Jujitsu.
John Cahill
Founder (historical figure)
Early non-Japanese student of Professor Henry S. Okazaki
Founded Cahill's Judo Academy in 1948. Highly respected instructor in Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Kodokan Judo.