"Chess is useful for all sports." Grandmaster Sergey Karjakin talks about a master class at the Martial Arts Academy

After a master class at the Martial Arts Academy on Knowledge Day, Russian Grandmaster Sergey Karjakin explained why chess is helpful for the all-round development of children and athletes.

"It is impossible to take part in two sports professionally. But at the same time, I think that it is very important for a chess player to focus not only on chess.I visited with the children today. I told them about my chess journey, answered questions, and played chess. Well, the most important thing is that everyone was interested, everyone had fun. And when such young children are interested in playing chess, this is the most important thing for me.  I believe that chess is useful for all sports, and at Martial Arts Academy as well. Because not only does in martial arts the strongest wins, but the one who calculates many steps ahead better," he said.

The famous chess player also shared his childhood memories and talked about how he went to school for the first time.

"I was seven years old, I went to school, at Gymnasium number 1, in Simferopol, my hometown. Of course, I am very pleased to warmly remember my school years. I remember the morning assembly, I remember meeting my classmates, and already being drawn into some kind of work process. In general, memories from childhood are, of course, the most precious thing there is," the Grandmaster said.

On September 1, as part of a celebration at the Martial Arts Academy dedicated to Knowledge Day, Sergey Karjakin held a chess master class for all of the guests.