NM | FIDE Arena International Master | FIDE Instructor

Hi, I'm Maksim Ashomkin.

I have been teaching chess for more than 13 years and have helped over 2,000 students across Russia, Thailand, and China.

My coaching journey includes working with Chinese Olympiad Champions GM Li Chao and GM Wang Yue at the Sichuan ChaoYue Chess Club, as well as coaching at Shanghai Chess Academy, one of Shanghai's leading chess academies.

I teach both children and adults, from complete beginners to advanced club players.

My coaching philosophy is simple:

I don't teach students what to memorize. I teach them how to think.

Many players spend years collecting opening lines but still struggle to make decisions when they face unfamiliar positions.

My goal is to develop practical chess skills that work in real games:

Calculation and visualization
Tactical awareness
Strategic planning
Decision-making under pressure
Endgame technique
Tournament preparation
Game analysis and self-improvement

Every student receives an individual training approach based on their goals, strengths, weaknesses, and available study time.

During my coaching career, I have worked with students from many different countries, cultures, and age groups.

Whether you want to win your first tournament, improve your rating, prepare for competitive chess, or simply enjoy the game on a deeper level, I will help you build a clear training plan and make steady, measurable progress.

Education & Certifications

• FIDE Instructor

• Professional Chess Coaching Diploma

• Professional Training in Pedagogy and Psychology

• Professional Training in Physical Education and Sports Training

Languages: English, Russian

See you at the board!