07/18/2026
Today would have been my sensei’s 67th birthday.
Normally, he would have been out commercial fishing this time of year, so we rarely got the chance to celebrate with him. It feels a little strange that this is his first birthday since we lost him in January.
Today, I’m especially thinking of his family—his wife and his two children—as they remember him. I hope they know how many lives he touched through his years of teaching and mentoring.
I’m grateful for the years he spent encouraging, challenging, and inspiring so many of us. His influence continues every time a student bows onto the mat, practices a kata, helps a classmate…
…even more than that, I think his legacy continues whe we take the time to ask how someone’s day was, and really listen. It continues when we have fun practicing, instead of taking it all so seriously. It continues when we think outside the box and explore what we know.
If you have a favorite memory of sensei Caraway or a birthday wish you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it in the comments. I know his family would appreciate seeing how many people he continues to impact.
Happy Birthday sensei. I miss you every Saturday. I wish I could introduce our new students to you, and watch you make them smile. Thank you for everything you gave to your students. We miss you, and we’ll continue to honor your legacy.