about us
Barbosa Elite School of Chess was founded by Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa. He believes that Chess is an underrated sport and that it is an essential educational tool for children.
We value quality Chess instruction delivered directly from masters of the game. Having fun and enjoying the game are also part of our teaching method and we promise to share the joy of the game with you. We firmly believe that the fun part is not just about winning the game but also overcoming the small challenges that come up along the path to victory. Masters have lost many games, and here, we teach students that losing is just a small part of winning. Everything that happens on the board presents a learning opportunity. Coach Oliver makes sure that we don’t just teach Chess strategies- we also teach essential life skills like self-discipline, respect and the right attitude.
Mission
Our mission is not just to promote Chess to the world but also to make sure that students achieve their goals and greatest potentials.
Vision
Our vision of people having real fun, learning, sharing and enjoying the game with friends and family paved the way for the Barbosa Elite School of Chess.
Oliver Barbosa
Head Coach/Owner
Greetings and welcome!
I am International Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa,
Coach Oliver for the kids.
About the Coach
I come from a family of Chess players as my grandfathers, uncles, cousins, nieces, parents and my siblings all play Chess. I learned Chess when I was eight years old in a local tournament in our town. My dad was playing in a match when he asked me to play against a kid running around, just like every other kids. With no motivation at all, I sat and challenged the kid, and guess what, after five games he blew me apart 5-0. No one knew that this is going to be the spark of my career.
When we arrived home, I asked my dad for Chess books, lessons and practice games to avenge myself. Since then there was no turning back. I covertly studied the game. Three years later I became the youngest National Master in the Philippines at the age of 11.
I attained the International Master title at the age of 21, and after more than 100 tournaments and 1000 games, I accomplished the highest rank one can achieve in Chess which is the Grandmaster title at age 25. More than six years ago, I had shifted my focus to teaching and sharing my knowledge to students. I have “semi-retired” from high-level competitions but I make sure to at least play one or two big tournaments a year. Not just a Grandmaster of the game, I believe I can help impart my knowledge and experience to my students by offering quality service, appropriate lessons and of course to be a Chess Grandmaster on the Game of Life.