Christopher John Clifford
A loyal disciple to Grand Master Ichikawa from June 1973 until his death on the 7th March 2005
Christopher Clifford is the only foreigner to receive Ichikawa’s Masters licence certification, the Bubishi directly from him. Grand Master Ichikawa was the holder of the original Bubishi which had been handed down, via the line of previous Grand Masters by Kanryo Higashionna, along with knowledge, writings and hand seals of the intervening holders of the Bubishi.
In a personal letter from Grand Master Ichikawa to Christopher Clifford, Grand Master Ichikawa explained that the Bubishi which you hold, is an aide memoir of Higashionna’s studies and experiences during his period in China.
This is not to be confused with the version that was misappropriated from Grand Master Ichikawa by a dishonoured student. The Bubishi has now been through several attempted translations of both language and format, evolving as a form of training manual, marketed by those who appear to be, primarily, financially motivated.
To simply translate the Bubishi is like trying to interpret and understand the artistry and emotions that are expressed within the Mona Lisa, by merely producing a copy.
See the genealogy of the original Bubishi, written in the hand of Grand Master Ichikawa on the 25th May 1992.