About Mark Ivanowich

Hello! I’m a martial artist based in Dryden, Ontario, Canada, with a strong passion for Isshinryu Karate. When I’m not practicing kata or exploring new martial arts techniques, you’ll find me deep in the world of technology, programming, and language learning.

Martial Arts Journey

My core discipline is Isshinryu Karate, and I’m dedicated to honing my skills both inside and outside the dojo. My journey in martial arts has deeply influenced my approach to problem-solving and learning—fostering discipline, focus, and continuous self-improvement.

I am a third-degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, with experience training in both Thunder Bay and Ottawa, where I deepened my understanding of traditional Isshinryu. My martial arts journey also led me to Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, broadening my perspective and skills. Along the way, I’ve gained additional experience in both Aikido and Judo, appreciating the unique movement and philosophy each discipline brings.

Currently, I am proud to be one of the three primary instructors at the Dryden Isshinryu Karate Club, where I work with students as young as 5 years old and up. Sharing my knowledge and helping students grow is a core part of my commitment to the martial arts community in Dryden.

Tech Enthusiast & Programmer

As a passionate system administrator, I love pushing the boundaries of technology in both personal and professional settings. I’ve set up a dedicated lab environment using Arch Linux, where I experiment with new workflows, open source tools, and advanced configurations. Docker is my go-to for spinning up lightweight, isolated environments - perfect for testing, rapid prototyping, and deploying new technologies.

I’m deeply committed to security in my production environments. I've configured both software and hardware level firewalls, enabled logging and metrics for intrusion detection and tracking, or recently audited WordPress plugins for interprovincial organizations. 📝

I'm always on the hunt for innovative open source projects - from new database tools to network monitors and collaborative platforms to keep my setups fresh and future-proofed. More recently, I’ve been diving into AI-powered automation with n8n, exploring how machine learning and workflow automation can add real value to both business and personal projects. 🤖

Privacy & Science Curiosity

I care deeply about digital privacy and actively explore how AI platforms handle personal data. Alongside my technical pursuits, I’m always on the lookout for cool science tidbits and new discoveries that expand my horizons. 🔍

Language Learning & Cultural Connection

I’m currently dedicating time to learning Ukrainian 🇺🇦 as a way to reconnect with my roots and better understand my family’s heritage. Exploring the language is a meaningful journey that helps me get in touch with my ascendency and brings me closer to the cultural traditions that have shaped my story.

At the same time, I’m also immersed in studying Japanese 🇯🇵, inspired by my deep commitment to Isshinryu Karate. Learning Japanese not only enriches my understanding of martial arts terminology and philosophy but also allows me to more fully appreciate the culture at the heart of Karate.

Community & Events

I seek out tech and programming events in the region - especially in Winnipeg and areas nearby - to connect with fellow enthusiasts and keep up with the latest trends. That is, if the schedule does not interfere with martial arts or self-defence seminars. 🥋

My Day Job

During the day, I work for a buying group of home improvement retail stores. I focus on IT innovation and Information Security, bringing new tech solutions and artificial intelligence into day-to-day operations to help my team and customers. ☀️

Curious about my work, my coding projects, or the latest in Isshinryu Karate? Reach out and let’s connect!