Mark Ivanowich

Nidan (Second Degree Black Belt)

Mark started his karate journey in 2006 under Sensei Rick McGogy at Traditional Isshinryu Martial Arts in Dryden Ontario, a club under the World United Isshinryu Karate Association. This is where he would attain his first degree black belt in May 2013.

After graduating high school, Mark found himself training under Sensei Tim Leonard of Toshikai Dojo of Ottawa. While studying IT at Carleton University, he was also a student of the Carleton Aikido club to gain additonal skills.

When returning to Dryden, Mark tried learning Judo from Mark Jackson at Dryden School of Judo before training under Brant Ledoux of Dryden Isshinryu Karate Club. 

For an employment contract, Mark moved to Kawartha Lakes where there was no Isshinryu club. Instead, he switched to Matsubayashi Shorinryu under Sensei Vern Tilley, as Shorinryu is a historical origin for Isshinryu.

A year later, Mark once again returned to Dryden and is still active to this day.

In May 2023, exactly ten years after earning Shodan, Mark was promoted to Nidan by Brant Ledoux and Albert Mady of Isshinryu Karate International.

Today, Mark often visits the Toshikai Dojo of Thunder Bay lead by Sensei Susan Baldassi to learn new techniques and attend seminars. Mark's most recent seminar was 'Knockdown Karate', a full-contact sparring system lead by Shihan Norm Rivard of Kihon Karate Windsor.

Excellence in Karate award, September 12, 2009 (CIW Volume 6, Issue 1, page 3)
Nidan Promotion, May 19, 2023 (CIW Volume 19, Issue 2, page 2)