ICA Team

Chess Instructor

SLAVA KOZA

Slava has been teaching chess for over a decade. His knowledge of chess is based on both the tutelage of ICA's founders, as well as informal games with his grandfather. It was the latter who taught him that chess isn't just about taking pieces but is based on a well-conceived and executed plan.

Though Slava doesn't play competitively, he possesses a deep understanding of the psychological thought process that a student need to form in order to become successful players. Many adult instructors do not take into account that children have not yet learned to focus and concentrate on the game. Failure to take this into account makes teaching that much more difficult. As Slava considers this concept, he takes into account many factors such as age, life experience, enthusiasm, and personality. This leads to an improvement in areas of weakness an a more successful and rewarding chess experience for the student.

Slava has a bachelor's degree in business and graduated top five in his class from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack, New Jersey. He has also worked extensively as a boxing journalist making, contributions to print, internet, and video mediums. He is fluent in both Russian, and English.