ABOUT MIND WARRIORS ACADEMY
Mind Warriors Academy was founded in 2023 by one of Trinidad and Tobago’s and the Caribbean region’s top chess players and current National Chess Champion, Joshua Johnson. The Academy was established to nurture the development of local chess players at all levels—not only by strengthening their technical skills but also by instilling essential life values. Guided by a vision to cultivate a strong chess culture, Joshua and his team of dedicated facilitators are committed to using chess as a tool for personal growth, community building, and regional impact.
Vision
To be the region's leading provider of high-quality, comprehensive chess development services—empowering professionals, competitive players, and enthusiasts to reach their full potential.
Mission
To deliver engaging programs that sharpen chess skills and strategic thinking, while simultaneously nurturing focus, confidence, critical thinking, and essential life skills in every participant.
Meet our team
FM Joshua Johnson
Founder/Head Coach
FIDE Master (FM) Joshua Johnson is the current National Chess Champion of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the current Blitz (8-time) and Rapid Chess Champion (2 times).
Joshua held the title of National Junior (Under 20) Chess Champion on 6 occasions, starting from age 11. Joshua is also a silver medalist at the CAC games 2023 as he became the first player from the English-Speaking Caribbean to win a medal at a multi-sport Games. He also has won several medals at both junior and senior chess competitions at various CAC Youth and Junior events. Additionally, Joshua serves as a national arbiter and an official FIDE Instructor.
Joshua’s passion for chess and the development of the sport in Trinidad and Tobago is evidenced by his decision to pursue chess full time after obtaining his BSc degree in Actuarial Science in 2022 from UWI, St. Augustine. He currently teaches chess in primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago as well as to individuals with the view to share as much of his chess knowledge as possible to ensure that the standard of chess play improves over time. This has been his ‘modus operandi’ since he was a youth player/champion. Joshua continues to lead by example as he seeks to become an International Master and then a Grandmaster in the next few years. He is committed to encouraging others, along his journey, to be the best players they can be in the sport while also becoming the citizens that Trinidad and Tobago need to fulfil its potential!
FM Marcus Joseph
Senior Coach
Marcus Joseph is a FIDE Master from Trinidad & Tobago and a former national champion, known for his sharp, tactical style and consistent performance across classical, rapid, and blitz formats. With international titles including the Surinamese Open and Caribbean U-20 Championship, he has long been one of the leading figures in Trinidadian chess.
Simon Ramdath (CM Conditional)
Youth Mentor
Simon Ramdath is a competitive Trinidad and Tobago chess player and licensed National Instructor who currently holds a conditional Candidate Master (CM) title after a successful performance at the recent Subzonal 2.2.3 Absolute Championships. He is a former National Under-18 Champion and has been a multiple-time finalist in the Trinidad and Tobago National Chess Championship. In addition to his success in youth categories, he has consistently performed at the senior level. His approach to instruction combines practical tournament experience with academic rigor. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Data Analytics at Georgia Institute of Technology. This background informs his methodical preparation and research-based coaching philosophy.
As both a player and mentor, Simon remains committed to raising the standard of play among youth in the country, offering structured training grounded in competitive insight and analytical precision.
Enen-Sa Tefa Ab Khafra (CM Conditional)
Coach
Enen-Sa-Tefa Ab Khafra, born in 1998, is a chess player from Trinidad and Tobago. As of June 2025, he holds a FIDE standard rating of 1907, ranking him 18th among active players in Trinidad and Tobago.
In July 2024, Khafra became a licensed National Arbiter, reflecting his commitment to the administrative aspects of chess.
Khafra has participated in various national and international tournaments. In May 2024, he competed in the Challengers Section of the Heroes Day Chess Tournament in Barbados.
In 2023, he took part in the Trinidad and Tobago National Chess Championships, facing strong competitors in the open section.
Additionally, he competed in the National Blitz 2023 tournament, further showcasing his active involvement in the national chess scene.
Khafra's consistent participation in these events highlights his dedication to advancing his skills and contributing to the chess community in Trinidad and Tobago.
WIM Gabriella Johnson
Girls in Chess Lead
Introducing WIM Gabriella Johnson (aka Gabby). Gabriella has been playing chess for over 16 years. She is a National Youth Champion, National Women's champion and has represented Trinidad and Tobago both regionally and internationally on many occasions. She won her WIM title at only 16 years old and is currently the only WIM in Trinidad and Tobago as well as 1 of 3 in the English speaking Caribbean. In addition to being a chess player, Gabriella has also served as a chess coach for many years and holds a National Instructor and a Lead School Instructor title. Furthermore, Gabriella has also served as the PRO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association from 2020-2024. Gabriella is an Open Scholarship winner and a graduate from the University of Toronto. She holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Cognitive Science and a double minor in Education & Society and Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health. In alignment with her studies, Gabriella is passionate about how we can best utilize the power of our minds to achieve our full potential.
CM Sean Yearwood
Coach
Sean Yearwood is a talented chess player from Trinidad & Tobago who has consistently excelled in youth and junior competitions. He dominated the 2019 Secondary Schools Championship at St. Mary’s College, finishing unbeaten to claim the top spot . In 2016, he took third place in the National Junior (Under‑20) Championship and also emerged as the Under‑14 national champion. Sean further shined at the 2012 Carifta Junior Chess Championships in Martinique, securing gold in the Under‑12 open section with a perfect score With his strong tournament record and unwavering consistency, Sean Yearwood continues to be one of Trinidad & Tobago's most promising junior chess prospects.
Jesse Maharaj
Coach
Jesse is an experienced chess instructor with five years of dedicated service in teaching predominantly beginner students. His teaching philosophy centers on establishing a solid foundation of fundamental chess principles, promoting analytical thinking, and encouraging strategic development. Jesse is committed to providing a structured and supportive learning environment that inspires students to enhance their skills and cultivate a lasting passion for the game of chess.
Kaliah Latchman
Coach
Kailah Latchman is a passionate and driven chess coach who empowers players of all ages and skill levels to unlock their full potential. Known for her calm, clear teaching style, she lays strong foundations in tactics, openings, and endgames—always tailoring her approach to each student’s needs. Whether she’s coaching a curious child, a determined teen, or an adult looking to sharpen their skills, Kailah blends strategic insight with genuine encouragement. She builds more than strong players—she builds confidence, focus, and resilience. Committed to making chess accessible and inclusive, Kailah actively supports local clubs and schools, creating learning environments that are welcoming, challenging, and fun.
Jerome Richardson
Coach
Jerome Richardson is a dynamic and multi-talented individual, recognized for his impactful contributions across chess, comedy, dance, and law. A passionate chess enthusiast, Jerome is known for his engaging and distinctive coaching style, especially when working with youth beginner players. He has competed in both national and international tournaments, including the Subzone 2.3.5 Chess Championship 2025, where he scored a notable victory against a FIDE Master.
In addition to his playing accomplishments, Jerome served as the principal commentator for the 2023 CAC Youth Chess Festival at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, where he captivated an online audience throughout the nine-round event.
Beyond the chessboard, Jerome is an attorney, comedian, dancer, and gymnast—an embodiment of creative and intellectual versatility. His commitment to community development is evident through his initiatives aimed at improving societal mindsets and fostering stronger communities.
CM Daryl Davis
Coach
Daryl Davis is a FIDE-trained, Chess Coach who mentors and guides upcoming players. He earned his FIDE Candidate Master at the Subzone 2.3.5 Chess Championship 2014, where he represented Trinidad and Tobago. Known for his disciplined approach, Daryl is a strong and reliable presence in the Mind Warriors Academy team.
He previously served as 2nd Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association, playing a key role in the development of the sport. Off the chessboard, Daryl is a multi-sport enthusiast and serves as a dedicated volleyball coach, reflecting his broader commitment to youth development through sport.