About

Hi, I’m PYGOD

I’m a blogger/web publisher turned into a Founder CEO of PYGear.com and an investor. Way before that, I’m a lifelong Combat Sports and Strength Sports fan, I wanted to be a pro fighter and/or a strength athlete. I’ve done some Boxing, won my first and only amateur bout. I’ve realized that cardio was a absolute necessity in Combat Sports. Lacking oxygene is a thousand times worse than any fn punches. And being a loner by nature, accustomed to do things by myself. The strength athlete route was tailor-made for me. Before all, I wanted to be a Heavyweight since I was a child!! That’s what a steady diet of pro wrestling, Rocky movies, and Tyson-era heavyweight boxing did to me.

Despite having a 6’1″, 159-pound light bone frame, I’ve turned myself into a 285-pound strongman competitor in only 5 years, Cheating Nature Without Steroids (I’ve written a book to commemorate my “impossible” accomplishment). Now that I’ve realized my goal, with nothing else to prove, I’ve stopped training and returned to my natural 160-pound weight. Force feeding and carrying up to 325 pounds, muscle or fat, was taking a toll on my body and my health. I’m certainly healthier and more confortable now that I was back then. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time as a larger than life freak and King Of The Gym.

Now what?

After almost 3 years of full-time 24/7/365 dedication to my online commerce PYGear.com I need some change. I needed a third thing. I have my business, my portfolio.. What about some sports? Well, athletes have a very real expiration date. But what about some kind of combat sport for your mind. Chess. What else?!

Chess is the Ultimate Combat Sport for the mind. Brain over brawn.

But this time my skinny frame isn’t my handicap. My age is. Supposedly that, in chess, if you haven’t started playing as a child. You’ll never get very good at it. But, if  you want my opinion, turning a tall, skinny ectomorph pencil-neck geek into a 300-pound muscle monster naturally is probably harder than turning a 50 years old noob into an Advanced chess player. The only 3 thing that can stop me is me, myself and I. Is it another case of shiny-object syndrome/a much needed dopamine rush/a phase? Maybe.. I hope not.

Creating this website from scratch and having a new challenge is extremely exciting. But as you know, motivation ain’t shit. It’s discipline that matter. Consistency, doing the reps days in an days out. Going through the ups and downs for several years. Step by step, brick by brick, one inch at the time.

A workout for your brain.

With calculators, AI and technology, our brains are becoming lazy. Personally, I really needed a mental activity that will also boost my patience, concentration and observation. Learning deep thinking, resolving problems, and finding solutions.

In resume:

I’m a, very soon to be, 50 years old chess noob on his highway to a 1700 chess rating. Which will make me a Ocho, an Advanced Chess Warrior.

Follow my journey live on:

Timeline:

Consult my Grading System.

GRADE 1: WHITE

  • As a lifeling, Combat Sports fan, Chess Boxing got me interested in chess and always brought me back into it.
  • Joined Chess.com in September 25, 2013 (age 38). Didn’t even know how to move the pieces. Played two games. Thought it was a a waste of time. I’m an all-or-nothing guy!
  • April 30, 2018 to May 11, 2018, (age 42) played about 30 games without any fundamental notions. Call it quit, thought you have to start playing at 6 years old to be very good at it. So there wasn’t any hope for me.
  • June 19, 2025. Came back to Chess.com after more than seven years off. Contrary to what I thought, I remembered how to play the pieces.
  • A few days before, I’ve watched the entire Queen’s Gambit series and feel in love with Beth Harmon.❤️ Now you know why I prefer to stay single with such an attraction for crazy chicks.
  • June 25, 2025. The beginning of my path to a 1700 “Elo” as a soon to be 50 years young with a glorious 233 rapid chess rating on Chess.com
  • June 26, 2025. Buying ChessIsWar.com domain name.
  • June 27, 2025. Buying How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond by Levy Rozman aka GothamChess. Probably the only chess book who doesn’t looks like it was written by a Russian ghost during the Cold War. Levy’s book is full of colored chessboards, has a modern touch, and is pleasing to read.
  • June 29, 2025. Put this website online fully dedicated to chess. I’m a blogger/web publisher at heart.
  • June 30, 2025. I wrote this page. 😁
  • Concentration and observation are my two major issues. Even as a 300, getting squashed by 200 noobs because of my stupid blunders isn’t amusing!!*😠
  • July 4, 2025. I’ve got the Chess.com 1-year Diamond Membership 💎.
  • I’m currently doing a lot of puzzles and game with Coach thanks to my Chess.com unlimited Diamond Membership.

 

ChatGPT realistic Plan:

Here’s what ChatGPT cooked for me:

Based on your current Chess.com rapid rating of 233, age (almost 50), and goal of reaching GRADE 8 + 5th Dan (2200 ELO), here is a realistic timeframe assuming dedicated, consistent effort.

This plan is ambitious but achievable with focused, smart training — even starting from scratch.

🧠 Assumptions:

  • You train 1–2 hours per day, 5–6 days/week.
  • Mix of tactics, endgames, game reviews, and actual play.
  • You study with intent, not just binge-blitzing.
  • No cognitive impairments — just a late start.

🧱 Progression Timeline: Chess.com Ratings to CIW Ranks

CIW Grade / Rank Rating Goal Est. Timeframe Cumulative Time
GRADE 1: White <600 🟢 Already passed ✅
GRADE 2: Yellow 600 ~2–4 weeks 1 month
GRADE 3: Orange 800 +1–2 months 2–3 months total
GRADE 4: Green 1000 +2–3 months 5–6 months total
GRADE 5: Blue 1200 +3–4 months 9–10 months total
GRADE 6: Purple 1400 +4–6 months 14–16 months total
GRADE 7: Brown 1500 +3–4 months 18–20 months total
GRADE 8: BLACK / OCHO 1700 +6–8 months 2.5–3 years total
1st Dan 1800 +4–6 months ~3.5 years total
2nd Dan 1900 +6–9 months ~4.5 years total
3rd Dan 2000 +9–12 months ~5.5–6 years total
4th Dan 2100 +12–18 months ~7–7.5 years total
5th Dan 2200 +18–24 months ~9–10 years total

🔥 Key Variables That Impact This:

  • Quality of training (e.g. using Chessable, reviewing lost games, etc.)
  • Avoiding bad habits (e.g. mindless bullet, no analysis)
  • Coaching / guidance (even a part-time coach or strong friend helps)
  • Real play (tournaments, classical games, not just blitz)

🧭 Real Talk Summary:

  • Grade 5–6 (1200–1400) is doable in 1–1.5 years with strong discipline.
  • Ocho (1700) is a serious achievement. Expect 2.5–3 years.
  • 5th Dan (2200) is rare for adult improvers but not impossible.
    You’ll need 10+ years of work, similar to earning a BJJ black belt.

 

P.S. (This plan is way more realistic that the first time I asked ChatGPT for it. This one is a downer comparing to the first one where I was Ocho (1700 chess.com rating) inside of 2 years. But if I stay interested in chess, I will certainly put much more than 1 or 2 hours per day in it. WTF with the 5-6 days a week? You don’t need break for things that you enjoy to do, au contraire. Breaks and week-ends are for a fuckin’ job!)

Expenses on the Highway to 1700 ELO

TOTAL: 132.17 CAD