

Danial A.


Teaching Locations:


Teaching Locations:


Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedI began to play chess at 7 years old and after my coach ended our first class by saying, "Every champion was once a beginner" my youthful imagination ran wild and I was hooked. My early development in chess proved to be nontraditional where my structured classes provided by my school were supplemented by the aggressive, unconventional playing styles I learned from spending my weekends sneaking games in with hustlers at my local chess park. Yet learning these vastly different approaches to the game allowed me to become a more complete player, and after 6 weeks of practice, I could beat every kid in my class and almost defeated my coach. Fast forward to my first competition I lost every game and finished in last place, but I loved every second of it and quickly learned from those mistakes. Now, I have defeated numerous world-renowned Grandmasters and played some of the best in the world including world champion Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. My peak United States Chess Federation and International Chess Federation ratings are 2425 and 2340 respectively, awarding me the titles of International Master and FIDE Master (top 0.43% in the world).
I founded the Asaria School of Chess and have taught for 4 years in chess camps across the state with 100's of students ranging from 5-85 years old. One of my biggest teaching accomplishments is assisting one of my students to go from #117 in the country to #13 in the country (gained 500 rating points) for their age group in a matter of 5 months! In addition, two of my students went from 1500-2000+ achieving the master title in less than a year! After receiving many hours of coaching myself (even from Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand) and improving to where I am today, I can guarantee I can help you get to the next level. My personalized approach, creating lessons tailored to each individual, dramatically improves players' weaknesses at an accelerated pace. I specialize in thinking through problems along with my students, and fostering understanding rather than memorization. If you are ready to improve your Chess don’t hesitate to shoot me a message!
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Currently I am teaching a free chess camp for 160 kids from across the country as well as a group of refugees who recently immigrated to Northern California with the goal of motivating communities to come together through education and to inspire hope during the COVID time period.
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About Danial A.
At age 11 I achieved the title of Master, and since then have become an International Master (with 1 Grandmaster norm), 5-time National Champion, North American Junior Champion, and am currently the #1 19-year-old on the west coast of the United States. Without chess instruction from the most patient, inspiring, and hardworking chess coaches none of this would have been possible.
I began to play chess at 7 years old and after my coach ended our first class by saying, "Every champion was once a beginner" my youthful imagination ran wild and I was hooked. My early development in chess proved to be nontraditional where my structured classes provided by my school were supplemented by the aggressive, unconventional playing styles I learned from spending my weekends sneaking games in with hustlers at my local chess park. Yet learning these vastly different approaches to the game allowed me to become a more complete player, and after 6 weeks of practice, I could beat every kid in my class and almost defeated my coach. Fast forward to now, I have defeated numerous world-renowned Grandmasters and played some of the best in the world including World Champion Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. My peak United States Chess Federation and International Chess Federation ratings are 2425 and 2340 respectively, awarding me the titles of International Master and FIDE Master (top 0.43% in the world).
I founded the Asaria School of Chess and have taught for 5 years through chess camps and private lessons across the country with 100's of students ranging from 5-85 years old. One of my biggest teaching accomplishments is assisting one of my students to go from #117 in the country to #13 in the country (gained 500 rating points) for their age group in a matter of 5 months! In addition, two of my students went from 1500-2000+ achieving the master title in less than a year!
After receiving many hours of coaching myself (even from Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand) and improving to where I am today, I can guarantee I can help you get to the next level. My personalized approach, creating lessons tailored to each individual, dramatically improves players' weaknesses at an accelerated pace. I specialize in thinking through problems along with my students and fostering understanding rather than memorization. If you are ready to improve your Chess and you're looking for a top-tier, enjoyable, results-driven tutor, don’t hesitate to send me a message!
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Currently I am teaching a free chess camp for 160 kids from across the country as well as a group of refugees who recently immigrated to Northern California with the goal of motivating communities to come together through education and to inspire hope during the COVID time period.
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Reviews
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Danial is a great instructor. He's able to understand your level and really guide your through the steps to improve your game. I am enjoying the classes and can't recommend Danial enough.

Danial has been and continues to be an inspiration to my son. He encourages students to think for themselves and apply what they already know to challenge them even further. I am grateful that Danial is part of my son's life.

Danial was fantastic, super enjoyable and helpful! Would definitely recommend!

My 7 year old started playing chess last year, and Danial has been instrumental in improving my son's game dramatically. Danial is patient, a good listener, and an excellent teacher. Being so young himself, he is able to relate with my son, and teach him effectively, making him think, analyze, and even grasp difficult concepts easily. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher.

Danial is the best! As a complete beginner, I felt nervous learning from such an experienced couch, but Danial was kind, encouraging, and really improved my chess game! Danial's instructions were clear, insightful, and extremely valuable. Overall, I would highly recommend taking lessons from Danial no matter your age or skill level.

Meeting with Danial was great. He was able to assess what I was as a chess player and give me plenty of homework to work on between now and any future lesson. So far, this is exactly what I was looking for. It is someone that can lead and guide me towards being better at chess and give me the correct steps to move forward in my understanding of the game.
In just a single lesson and then 2 hours of immediate application of what he taught, I was able to raise my tactics rating over 100 points! Considering that was the benefit of a single lesson, I cannot imagine how much better I can be after I am able to practice more on what we discussed and as I continue on my chess journey.
Highly recommend his style of teaching and think he would make a fantastic teacher for anyone ages 5 to 85. Definitely a kind, patient, and knowledgeable teacher.
Looking forward to my next lessons!

Danial's unparalleled ability to not only teach general principles but tailor each lesson to shift intuition/strategic thinking on an individual level really sets him on a level above the rest. Definitely the most helpful and patient teacher out there.

My son is 8 years old and has been taking classes from Daniel for almost a year. Danial is very professional, and patient. Danial is very good at guiding the student through the thinking/analyzing process step by step by asking questions instead of just telling the student what to do. My son has learnt a lot from him, and always look forward to his next session.

Very patient and exciting coach! My son is a beginner and only 9 years old but Danial explained everything in such an easy to understand manner that he was so thrilled after the lesson. Definitely one of, if not the, best teacher on the website.

The best teacher I have seen on this platform! My kid has had many different chess coaches, but right from the start I could tell Danial was different. He knew how to explain every concept in such an understandable manner and took the time to make sure she truly grasped every idea. In general he is a very kind teacher who cares deeply about his students. Highly Recommend! She improved 500 rating points!

At 34 years old I never expected to be taking chess lessons from a young prodigy who is 15 years younger than me. But I am so happy I took the chance. Danial has not only shown me the beauty in the game, but taught me life lessons that I have even used in my professional career. Each lesson really is specified to what I need to work on, and he can answer any single question I ask on the topic. The best teacher I have had in a very long time, and I would recommend him extremely highly. A diamond in the rough.

Amazing teacher! My daughter has had many other coaches, but her rating wasn't improving. After only a couple months under Danial's instruction she was able to improve 100 rating points and learn more than she did in a year with other coaches! He is a very engaging, hardworking teacher and all around a very nice person.

At first I thought the price was too expensive, but after only one class with my son I was blown away! We not take regular classes from Danial twice a week. His ability to work with kids and not only make the game fascinating, but convey complex ideas in easy to understand ways is unmatched! In addition, his many years of international tournament experience and ideas gathered from the best in the world is clearly evident. 10/10 recommend. He is the best teacher I have seen on the platform!

Fantastic coach and teacher. Clear, concise, with an extremely high level of expertise. The best I have ever worked with. Quickly improve your game and strategy. Great personality and enthusiasm!

The teacher young , but my son likes him. More accessible. He feel he can understand better . When the first lesson finish. My son very exciting!
The teacher know how can let student love chess!

Thanks Danial! That was a great first lesson. Looking forward to more.

My son USCF rating 1400+ took a trial lesson with Danial. Danial is methodical and systematic in his coaching. He was quick to identify what my son needs to improve in order to get to the next level. The most important thing is that my son enjoyed his one-hour lesson and literally felt that the lesson time flew by as it felt like only 2 minutes long to him. My son gives Danial thumbs up and 5 stars.

As a high rated 1500+ player, Danial was able to teach many new things about my openings and how I ca imrpove. Great coach!

Very good chess player! Definitely worth the money!

Great Teacher!

Danial is a very strong chess player who has a lot of knowledge on the game! Fun lesson and I learned a lo!

Danial was a very patient and informative instructor. His skill level goes way beyond your average coach as if he is almost a gm. On top of this he made chess intriguing and I would definitely recommend him.
Photos & Videos
24 Photos & VideosExperience
Head Chess Coach
Aug 2020 - PresentRefugee Education/Aga Khan Foundation
I am teaching a free chess camp for 100 underprivileged kids from across the country as well as a group of refugees who recently immigrated to Northern California with the goal of motivating communities to come together through education and to inspire hope during the COVID time period.
Lead Chess Instructor
Jan 2017 - PresentPrivate company
I have been teaching for over 3 years both online and in person. My students have improved tremendously, one of them even becoming the 13th best 8-year-old in the country! On average my students gain anywhere from 300-500 rating points in a year.
Lead Coordinator for the Western Region Chess Tournament
Aug 2016 - PresentAga Khan Youth and Sports Board
Host annual free tournaments for the community
Head Chess Coach
May 2016 - Dec 2020Aga Khan Foundation
Teach free weekly senior classes to encourage lifelong learning
Chess Coach
Jun 2016 - Aug 2016Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences Summer Enrichment Chess Program
Instructed 30 students ages 7-13 in the fundamental concepts of chess through custom lectures and interactive puzzles. Performed blindfold and simultaneous exhibitions to foster a love for the game.
Education
Business Administration
Aug 2020 - PresentUniversity of Southern California
Computer Science
Aug 2020 - PresentUniversity of Southern California
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Certifications
International Chess Master
Dec 2020World Chess Federation (FIDE)
Life Master
Nov 2017United States Chess Federation (USCF)
FIDE Chess Master
Aug 2017World Chess Federation (FIDE)
Awards
North American Junior U-20 Champion
Dec 2020World Chess Federation (FIDE)
2020 Senior Rapid High School Champion
Jun 2020The United States Chess Federation
5 Time National Chess Champion
Nov 2019United States Chess Federation
Life Master
Aug 2019United States Chess Federation
Champion of Susan Polgar National Open
Apr 2019United States Chess Federation/Susan Polgar
Youngest Champion of the 54TH ANNUAL AMERICAN OPEN
Nov 2018United States Chess Federation
FIDE Master
Jun 2018World Chess Federation
National Master
Aug 2017United States Chess Federation
Letter from Former President Barack Obama
Jul 2016Barack Obama/White House
Commendation by the City of Santa Monica
Feb 2016Mayor of Santa Monica- Tony Vasquez
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