Keiji Tomiyama began training in Tani-ha Shito-ryu while studying at Doshisha University in the sixties, having first learnt boxing at high school followed by Goju-ryu karate on entry to university. He was a successful competitor for the university Karate Club and the West Japan University Students' team.
Sent to Europe by Tani-ha Shito-ryu founder Master Chojiro Tani after graduating, he taught first in Paris, then Brussels. In the late seventies he made England his base, where he has remained except for short spells in Japan dealing with family matters. During those occasions he was able to study with Master H. Fujimoto and other masters who were direct students of Master Kenwa Mabuni.
As head of the Shito-ryu Karate-do Kofukan International organization Keiji Tomiyama's aim is to continue his pursuit of excellence and to pass on knowledge gained through this endeavour both to the association's mem- bers and to other karate-ka who value sound principle and good technique. With this goal in mind, as well as producing instructional aids, he directs regular seminars around the world.