NM Michael Takahashi

I am NM Michael Takahashi, a coach known for developing disciplined, structured thinkers. My work focuses on helping students understand chess at a deep cognitive level — not just learning moves, but learning how to think. I specialize in guiding players through a tiered, developmental training system that builds mastery step by step, from foundational skills to elite-level psychological and calculational understanding.

My mission as a coach is simple:
Help you see the game more clearly than you ever have before.

Ever since earning my USCF National Master title in 2022, I’ve been fully committed to pursuing the long-term dream of becoming a Grandmaster. To push myself toward that goal, I’ve competed in numerous high-level national and international events, including the U.S. Masters, the National Open, the Maia Chess Open, and the SPICE Cup, among others.

My peak USCF rating is 2243, and my peak FIDE rating is 2110, reflecting years of disciplined training and continuous improvement. Every tournament I play strengthens not only my own understanding of the game but also the quality of instruction I pass on to my students.

I have coached students from beginner level to 2300+, both in the U.S. and internationally. My teaching focuses on how strong players think — calculation habits, decision-making, and structured improvement.

I’ve helped students achieve major rating jumps by developing their fundamentals, improving their calculation, and guiding them with a clear long-term training plan.

In addition to my personal coaching and competitive career, I also work closely with my current coach, GM Max Illingworth, serving as his primary assistant and collaborator on various projects. In this role, I help refine and edit his training materials, courses, emails, and written content, ensuring his ideas are communicated with clarity, precision, and instructional value.

Working alongside one of the world’s leading chess trainers has given me rare insight into high-level pedagogy, lesson design, and the psychology of elite improvement. This experience directly enhances the quality of my own teaching, allowing me to bring GM-level structure, preparation, and instructional clarity to my students.

Beyond direct coaching, I am the creator of The Takahashi Tiered Training System, a structured curriculum that guides students from 1100-level fundamentals to master-level psychological depth. My Lichess studies and analyses have been featured across platforms, and my work blends historical research, modern engine insights, and original instructional design.

I am also a chess writer whose annotated studies have been praised by titled players and coaches for their clarity, depth, and unique narrative voice.

Chess Strengths

Deep understanding of dynamic positions and initiative

Strong calculation and pattern recognition

Expertise in French Defense, Sicilian structures, IQP positions, and attacking play

Teaching Strengths

Diagnosing student weaknesses quickly

Teaching structured, step-by-step thought processes

Making complex positions easy to understand

Supporting both children and adults with tailored communication

My specialty is helping students think more clearly and confidently over the board.

My lessons follow a clear, structured system:

Tier Placement — identifying the student’s current level of understanding.

Targeted Skill Development — each tier trains a different thinking skill: tactics → initiative → coordination → calculation → psychological mastery.

Guided Calculation — students verbalize their thinking so I can refine their decision-making.

Practical Training — using curated Lichess studies, game reviews, and targeted exercises.

Long-term Growth — students receive training routines and improvement habits tailored to their goals.

My goal is to help every student build a strong, disciplined, and confident chess mind.