Hi, I’m Ian O’Keefe, a lifelong learner, adventurer, proud dad, and deeply curious human navigating life with equal parts humor, humility, and heart.

Though I only recently started sharing here on Instagram, the stories I carry have been in the making for decades—from early morning karate training in the snowy streets of Tokyo to quiet hikes through San Diego preserves, surf sessions with my kids, and unexpected moments that turn into life-long memories. Each post reflects a piece of that journey.

In my younger years, I left SDSU for the opportunity of a lifetime—to train in martial arts and study at Waseda University in Tokyo, one of the birthplaces of traditional Karate. That experience transformed how I see challenge, pain, progress, and purpose. A wrestling injury during high school nearly ended everything, but it also sparked a deeper resilience and reverence for stillness, learning, and finding meaning in discomfort.

Today, I’m a husband, a father, and a fiercely nostalgic storyteller. I find joy in the small things—waxing up a new board, watching my sons grow into their passions, and collecting wetsuits like some people collect sneakers (yes, it’s a problem). I’m also the kind of dad who will let you chase a swarm of bees in a beekeeper suit if it means you’re learning something along the way.

Whether it’s recounting wild road trips, moments of reflection, or the chaos of parenting with love, my posts are more than just pictures—they’re snapshots of a life fully lived, a life still learning.

Thanks for being here. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

We remember the big things, but we never forget the little ones.

Start here on my Journey to Tokyo

Peace,
Ian