From Polio Survivor to Judo Master

Written by Bea Karnes

Cahill’s Judo Academy in San Bruno is the home of champions.

Since taking over the Academy 50 years ago, Judo Master Willy Cahill has produced over 1200 National and International Medal winners. In fact, 75 percent of all Judo medals awarded to U.S. athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic level were won under Willy Cahill's coaching.

This year he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Judo USA, the governing body that fields teams for the Olympics and the World Championships.

Before achieving greatness, Coach Cahill had to overcome personal adversity, surviving a childhood battle with polio. He was never expected to walk again. When released from the hospital, young Willy turned to jujitsu training for physical strength and mental control.

He’s now known for helping others overcome adversity—he co-founded the Blind Judo Foundation.

“Training blind and visually impaired athletes is one of my greatest challenges,” said Coach Willy.

He got his start training challenged athletes when he coached the U.S. Paralympic Judo Team in the 2000 Games in Sydney. The team came home with an impressive two Gold Medals, a Silver and a Bronze.

Following that success, in 2003 Coach Cahill co-founded the Blind Judo Foundation. Members have won medals in every Paralympic Games since Athens in 2004.

Not every blind athlete will win a medal, but Coach Cahill’s foundation also strives to build confidence and character, respect and responsibility.

In addition to helping challenged athletes, Cahill has trained Navy Seals, Army Green Berets, and Secret Service and Homeland Security agents.

He also somehow found the time to coach athletes at Stanford University and other colleges.

So what does that mean to the average San Bruno resident reading this? Whether you're looking to become an international champion or simply get into shape and gain some extra confidence, you can take Judo or Jujitsu lessons at Cahill's. Yes, anyone can take lessons. Cahill's is located at 635 San Mateo Ave. in San Bruno. Phone them at 650-589-0724.