Sensei peter wicker

My Martial Arts journey began in 1972 in my home town of Epping Essex (UK). I studied under Vernon Ball of Yoshinkan Karate. Vernon was the first British man to attain a Black belt in the UK.

Training was hard in some classes training up to midnight.

When Vernon invited James Rousseau over from South Africa this changed my karate journey. James allowed us to study with him in his Goju Ryu. I enjoyed this training and made the switch to learn Goju Ryu.

Over the following 13 years I trained with Morio Higoanna, Teruo Chinan, George Andrews and many more.

On one course in Bournemouth we started training at 2pm Saturday afternoon, went all through the night, after only 2 hours sleep, woke for a 6am grading, which I failed.

I attended many courses containing many hours of training, from Pool in Dorset UK, to Spain, the training varied. When I attended the Old Marble Factory in South London, under Sensei George Andrews, I was shocked with the brutal Kumite and training. Over the years I achieved 3rd Dan.

After years of hard study I attended a course in Spain, I stood in puddles of sweat in front of Sensei Higaonna, to be honest, I never learnt a thing. I was very disheartened and thought there has to be more than this.

Looking for more, when I read a Fighting Arts magazine, I felt like a light had been switched on, I read an article by Sensei Chris Clifford. I made contact and was invited to attend a ‘Special lesson’ at his dojo in Bromley, Kent. Not really sure what to expect, I was warmly welcomed, got changed with the others and we set off for the park where Sensei Clifford stated, ‘We are here to study Goju Ryu Karate.’ He went on to say that students are expected to do their physical training in their own time! After 2hrs of Kata study it was time for Kumite. I was 3rd dan, I fought one of Sensei Chris 1st dan, in no time he sat me on my arse. I then thought there is more to this school than meets the eye.

With a thirst for knowledge, I started my studies with Sensei Chris and attended the Tuesday night lessons. I worked in London at the time, I went straight from work, a 2hr lesson then a 2hr drive home.

After a few years Sensei Chris invited me on a trip to Japan to visit his Master, Grand Master Ichikawa Sosui

We set off for a 10 day trip to Japan, Sensei Yonemoto allowed us to stay in his house and we had many lessons with him. The many Special Lessons with Grand Master Ichikawa were memorable. We learnt so much. I had found so much more to learn and returned  to Japan several times. 

My Grades from Chris Sensei were signed by Grandmaster Ichikawa Sensei which was my teacher’s way of helping his Master. Our grades were ready on arrival.

Grand master Ichikawa Sosui was happy at my level of fourth Dan on this particular trip.

In 2000 I had the honour to open my Dojo – Sei do kan (Correct Way House) at my house in Epping. I was pleased that Sensei Chris and Sensei Yonemoto both attended the opening.

I invited the lads from the Karate School to my Birthday party at my dojo. To my surprise Sensei Chris awarded me 5th dan and to my disbelief awarded me my Bubishi, a great honour and privileged to be the first of Sensei Chris students to receive the Bubishi.

In 2014 I started my 7th level studies.

I would like to explain what made a Special Lesson at our school. I am not sure there are any other schools like ours!

On arrival at the dojo we would mop the floor, polish and dust the dojo. Then Sensei Chris would sit us all down and we would have rice, eggs and soy Sauce. Sensei would ask and talk about what we had studied that month.

Sometimes one conversation would open up to a whole lesson going into deep study, maybe up to 4 hours or so. The lesson always finished with Kumite, putting what we had learnt into practice, how to use it in fighting. After the lesson, we got changed and had food and drink together before making my way home and trying to take in what I had been taught. 2 or 3 Hours later, Sensei Chris would call. Knowing the lessons were intense he would ask how I was. Not many teachers would do that.

Many great special lessons followed and they still do today. I continue to study hard under Sensei Chris and feel I am just starting to understand what karate is? Not bad after 50 years of study!

After the passing of Grand Master Ichikawa many disciples lost their way. Sensei Chris did not, he has held up the honour and integrity of Grand Mater Ichikawa. With Sensei Chris’ help we will continue to learn the true way handed down to him directly from Grand Master Ichikawa.

To conclude, our school is very very friendly but very very real.

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