Master Chojiro Tani was born in Kobe Japan in 1921. At the age 19 he entered university and joined the karate club that had been started in 1937 by Master Chojun Miyagi founder of Goju-ryu. Two years later after numerous lessons under Master Miyagi he suggested it might be a good idea if another Master also taught at the club. His name was Kenwa Mabuni.