In 1961, Mr. Caylor Adkins, one of Mr. Ohshima’s first black belts, began attending CSULB and soon formed the school’s first karate club. In 1968, after a brief absence, he returned to CSULB along with Mr. Don DePree, who carried on the tradition and led the growing club strongly until 1992, when he entrusted leadership of the club to Mr. Samir Abboud. A continuing student of Don DePree since 1969, Samir was CSULB Karate Club Captain, and assistant instructor to Don DePree for many years.

The direct heritage linking the CSULB Karate Club to the origins of karate assures you of the highest level of instruction. Every black belt in the CSULB Karate Club, including the one teaching you, has studied directly under Mr. Ohshima and has received his or her black belt ranking through gradings held by Shotokan Karate of America. The traditional ranking system of SKA assures that when you are ready for grading, the rank you are given is indicative of your actual ability.