Never thought I'd be a chess coach!
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Hi, just wanted to share my unexpected coaching journey with you all. I am nearing my thirties now, I've been a casual chess player right from school (around 20 years, give or take). I considered participating in rated tournaments but could not manage to find time to make the necessary preparations.
Once I got some time on the weekends, I took admission as a student in one of the local chess academies. I simply wanted to stay connected to a chess community, blend in a group to talk about this game we all love. Not just forks or pins, maybe some conversation about ongoing tournaments, must-know games, etc. Since I played a lot before and also watched a lot of online tutorials, I progressed through the course material in short time. That is when I realized, maybe I could also help out others with their doubts (I also have a teaching/tutoring background). I briefly mentioned it to the academy head in one of our conversations. Never did I think he would consider it seriously and assign me to one of the classes.
Initially nervous (naturally as I don't have a FIDE rating), I started taking classes. As each class passed, I thought about how I could effectively share new patterns/positions while keeping the lesson interactive and enjoyable. When the students gradually began to interact and actively participate in the classes, I got the much needed confidence. Now it has been over a year, I am proud to say two of my students got good results in local tournaments.
Just 15 months back, I didn't even know this was a possible opportunity for me. But now I am a passionate chess coach too, aiming to identify the strengths and weaknesses of my students and plan lessons accordingly.
To anyone reading this out there, just put in the hard work and don't worry about the results. Opportunities WILL find you, maybe when you least expect them. Maybe you don't know one is about to knock on the door. Have a great day!
6 days ago
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#2
Hi!
That moved me a lot. Your story is very touching and heart warming.
Feeling that there is a way and a path to get there, to the things we want to achieve and to the things we love doing in life, is inspiring.
Plus, seeing that you were able to teach others, to share your knowledge and to help them grow too, must have been a very rewarding experience.
Good luck on your journey!
@gawonnie absolutely. Thank you for your kind words. Good luck!
