Caylor Adkins is considered a pioneer in Shotokan Karate and martial arts in the United States, and one of the founders of CSULB Shotokan Karate Club.

Mr. Caylor Adkins started his Shotokan Karate training in 1957 under Tsutomu Ohshima Sensei. In 1959, Caylor was one of six members to receive shodan during the first dan promotion test in the United States, making him one of the first American-trained black belts.

In 1961, Mr. Adkins began attending California State University, Long Beach and soon formed the school’s first karate club. The club dissolved after a semester and he went to Japan to study karate at Waseda University. In 1968, he returned to CSULB with Mr. Don DePree and re-established the CSULB Shotokan Karate Club.

In 1976, Caylor was awarded the rank of godan under Ohshima Sensei. During the next 30 years Caylor explored a wide range of martial arts focusing on realistic combat.

With over 50 years of training, Mr. Caylor Adkins is recognized as a great influence and leader in Shotokan Karate and the martial arts world.

In honor and commemoration of Caylor Adkins, CSULB Shotokan Karate Club hosted a memorial practice on January 20, 2019 led by Godan Ken Osborne. Mr. Adkins will forever be remembered and his teachings will always influence our karate training.

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