Hi!
Welcome to the Kuro Neko Go School! This website is the home of Go instructor Jonathan "KuroNeko" Markowitz. If you're new to Go, please click on "WHAT IS GO" to learn more. For information on applying to become a student, please click on "STUDENT APPLICATION".
Thanks for visiting!
Video Tutorial for the Game of Go by GoshawkHeron
My name is Jonathan "KuroNeko" Markowitz, and I play at around the 5d level on OGS, 7d level club rating at the Massachusetts Go Association. I've been in the game for eight years, receiving my education from the Feng Yun Go School, run by Feng Yun (9p), and private instruction from Zhen Zhu (7d KGS). I began teaching in 2007, starting the Kuro Neko Go School at the same time - a small, private community of players and friends dedicated to receiving and enjoying a comprehensive education on the game.
While the rules of Go may be simple, learning and understanding how to play well is a long (and exciting!) journey. It's possible to learn on your own through books and the Internet, but personalized instruction from a teacher makes a huge difference.
Real-time private lessons: Individual instruction, usually done in 1-2 hour sessions. Private lessons are highly customizable and allow for adapting to a student's needs easily. Skype is available for students who prefer communicating via voice chat.
Turn-based (i.e. play-by-mail style) private lessons: This format uses a turn-based server (OGS or DGS) to play a game over multiple sittings. After the game is completed, the student will receive their choice of a written or video review of the game.
Offline game reviews: Written or video analysis of games a student sends for review.
Other modes of instruction: I will be glad to discuss other modes of instruction that are more suitable for a student's needs.
Notes: Rates are in U.S. Dollars; other currencies accepted. PayPal, Dwolla and Bitcoins are my preferred methods of payment, but other methods are welcome. Payment schedules are flexible and customizable for each student's needs.
Real-time private lessons: $15 per hour. New students get $5 off their first lesson.
Turn-based private lessons: $15 per game. New students get $5 off their first lesson.
Offline game reviews:
Nonstudent rate:
1 game: $12
2-4 games: $10 each
Student rate:
1 game: $10
2-4 games: $8 each
Please contact me for packages of 5 or more games.
There are currently no specials available. Please check back later.
"Passion. It is a rarity to find such a feeling in this fast-paced life where everyone is pressured by schedules and deadlines, priorities and boundaries, rushed phone-call friendships between classes and patched-up faith. For some, passion may seem as a feeling that was long forgotten. I count myself very lucky to have the chance to meet Jon on the KGS Go Server through one of my good friends. Jon embodies a passion for go that can be easily felt once you get to know him.
When I met Jon, I still carried my six-year impression of go as a frightening game of black and white circles on a very large grid. This fear was always one I wished to dispel. Not only did I want to dispel my fear, I wanted to become good at go. After countless all-night rengos and friendly chatter, I decided to ask Jon for a lesson on one very frustrating evening when I dropped 3 stones in rank. I was a bit devastated and ready to give up on go, once again. Even though it was very late at night for Jon, he eagerly planned out a lesson for me by recalling how I played in my previous games. That lesson will always be a fond memory for me. "Black shouldn't go there because white can squish and squash that stone! Don't be afraid of your opponent!" We found out how my fear was caused by learning go the wrong way.
Slowly, Jon transformed my impression of simple black and white dots into stones that held mystical and artistic potential. The go player is the painter. The board is his canvas. He transformed my fear and frustration into smiles and laughter. This may sound very cheesy, but this really did make all the difference. Soon I found myself on KGS very frequently, undusting and flipping through old books that I had tried to read years ago, reviewing the games I had made countless mistakes in and encouraging those around me with happy Asian-inspired online smileys. The Kuro Neko Go School that Jon founded is a very special find on KGS. Never have I met so many friendly and very generous personalities in one place.
So, what happened to that girl who was so scared of go? She's currently the president of her own go club, of course. What was the lesson on?
"Nari, openings are everything."
-- Pei-Hsuan Yang
Because the Kuro Neko Go School is a private community, a short application process is required for prospective students. To access the application, please click on the link at the bottom of this page (this will open a new window). You will be asked for the following information:
- Your name
- Your e-mail address
- Your Go strength/rating
- A description of why you want to become a student. Was there anything that influenced your decision?
- Preferred days/times for lessons (optional)
- Additional questions or comments (optional)
Applicants 15k or stronger may be asked to send two recent games (in SGF files) with your thoughts and comments added via e-mail.
A response will be sent to the e-mail address provide within 2-3 days after submission.
Take me to the application! (hosted by Wufoo)
