I am a Karate Instructor in Fort Worth, TX. I have a wide variety of interests, of which chess is only one. I enjoy fitness and exercise, a wide variety of movies, and reading. I have taken a vacation from college to focus on getting my business started--I have a martial arts school. I participated in three triathlons last year and had a blast! I taught myself to play chess when I was 12 yrs old, but didn't play much until late in high school. Even then I wasn't a very good player due to being overly defensive. I read my first chess book several years later while overseas in the military, and that started my path toward more serious play and study. I have a LONG way to go, but have also come far from where I started! I will always love the game, win or lose! . . . But it sure doesn't hurt to win! LOL