The following article is from No. 41 (Vol 7 No. 5) issue of Fighting Arts International published in 1986. It features a brief interview with Master Chojiro Tani.
Tani 9th Dan Hanshi
Tani-Ha Shito Ryu Karate
A legend in his own lifetime, Master Tani is a humble man whose youth was spent during the most harrowing period in his countries history. He founded and leads the Tani-Ha Shito-Ryu organization of Shukokai Karate. It was a great honor to meet and speak with him.
How has karate changed since you started training?
Karate has changed. Previously, students adhered to the code of ancient budo - no fighting. Nowadays, with the advent of sports Karate, championships predominate. I can't say that it is a bad thing - previously, there was a small, elite group doing Karate. Now, sport karate is for everyone. This may be a good or bad thing, but some of the serious meaning of Karate has been lost. Previously, Karate was used in real fighting, to defend oneself, now it is used for competition.
What sort of qualities do you aim to foster in your students?
In Japan, especially the children, I teach to become strong in character and to have good control over the self - not violence. I never advocate violent behavior.
Sensei, have you ever wanted to give up Karate?
Before and during the second World War, the Karate training was very, very hard. At that stage I thought to give up, but did not.