An experienced software engineer and dedicated martial artist, Igor Kaplansky makes an impact by setting a positive example and helping others think more deeply about their lives and future direction through the discipline of martial arts. Kaplansky has progressed from student to teacher to owner of three schools, where he imparts principles for success.
An Education in Computer Science
Kaplansky’s academic achievements have played a key role in his success. He completed a bachelor’s degree in music performance and teaching at Ukraine’s Musical College in 1992. In 2001, he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These experiences laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
From Software Engineer to Martial Arts Instructor
Kaplansky began his career as a software engineer with Answerfriend in 2001, taking on the same role at Fast Search & Transfer in 2002. One year later, he was appointed senior software engineer at Nexaweb Inc., where he remained until he accepted a position as a senior architect at CarGurus in 2006. After serving in this capacity for nine years, he became the company’s director of new products. In this role, he helped the company grow from a team of three to more than 1,000 employees before it went public.
While working at CarGurus, Kaplansky decided to enroll in a martial arts program. Upon receiving a fourth-degree black belt in 2015, he became an assistant regional instructor at Body Mind Systems. Now in his mid-30s, Kaplansky, who had come to the United States as a young immigrant escaping antisemitism, felt it was time to reevaluate his life. His journey from adversity to professional success was inspiring, but he felt a deeper calling to make a difference. Martial arts became the vehicle for his personal transformation, and he found a passion for helping others achieve the same results.
Teaching for Transformation
Now a fifth-degree black belt, Kaplansky is a regional instructor and owner of three Body Mind Systems martial arts schools in the Boston area. He teaches daily classes to individuals aged 15 and up using an approach that not only helps others train physically but also promotes principles that will guide students toward success. Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and practice, Kaplansky makes a positive impact on others, one student at a time.
Despite attaining a high level of martial arts prowess, Kaplansky practices what he preaches. He consistently seeks out others who inspire and challenge him to improve, remaining open to what they might have to teach him. Recognizing that everyone is responsible for their own lives and that the best way forward is through self-improvement, Kaplansky is certain that everyone needs a teacher.
Hope for the Future of Martial Arts
Moving forward, Kaplansky aims to open more schools, not only in the Boston area but also around the U.S. and the world. From his perspective, everyone can benefit from martial arts, not only through discipline but through lived experience, as he feels its true purpose is personal transformation. From his origins as a persecuted immigrant in Ukraine to his success as a martial arts instructor in Boston, Kaplansky’s life reflects the principles he now teaches.
