Testimonials

My name is Jack. After finishing college I decided to pursue a career in culinary arts focusing in Japanese cuisine. The reason why I chose this school it specialized in all the basic aspect of Japanese cooking that is relevant to Japanese cuisine. There are very few culinary schools that spend enough time focusing on Japanese cuisine mostly European which drives people to go fusion. I never would have imagined the knowledge of Japanese cuisine that I one can acquire through a short amount of time. Sushi Professional 1 and Susi Professional 2 gave me the ability to have a tongue for Japanese cuisine and chef Andy Matsuda showed me how high quality cuisine sushi and dessert was suppose to taste. Meticulous work and small details were the basis of these classes. Techniques and skills are developed and critiqued. Chef Andy Matsuda and Chef Nick taught traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi to the highest caliber. Very fine Instructors.

After coming to Los Angeles six months in advance to check out the different schools before deciding to take the next major step in my life, I decided on Sushi Chef Institute because Chef Andy Matsuda took the time to sit down with me personally for 45 minutes and explain what the school was about and what I would be learning. This did not happen anywhere else. Now, with a week left, I can say, he both delivered and rose above all my expectations. Classes were detailed and efficient, and they drill it in to you that you are there to practice, practice, practice and make SEXY SUSHI. Also, Nick is on staff and always on hand, ready to guide you when you need help. Use him to your advantage, he’s a great instructor. You should take the class. You will be ahead of the game where ever you decide to go.

Hi, Меня зовут Белла.
Я живу в Дании, но родилась в России. Уже работая в суши ресторане, мне захотелось усовершенстовать мои навыки и знания о японской кухне. После анализа информации на интернете, я выбрала ‘Суши Шеф Институт (SCI). Теперь, после окончания учебы, я могу сказать, что это было одно из лучших решений, я сделала в моей жизни. Несмотря на то, что у меня был некоторый опыт в приготовлении суши и других японских блюд, я с первого же дня поняла, что мне предстоит узнать много нового. Программа построена таким образом, что она подходит как новичкам, так и людям с опытом.
Класс состоит вcего из 10-ти студентов, так что каждый может получить много внимания со стороны преподавателей: мастера и суши шефа Andy Matsuda и шефа Nick. В школе достаточно времени для практических занятий, а также возможность практиковаться после занятий. Вы найдете в школе много интересного и получите хороший опыт, правда каникулами школу назвать нельзя. Надо приложить все усилия, чтобы соответствовать высоким стандартам Senseis.
Атмосфера в классе очень теплая и дружеская. Студенты и преподаватели сразу становятся сплоченной командой.
Район в центре Лос Ангелеса с Little Tokyo по соседству создают благоприятный фон для учебы.
После окончания учебы я действительно чувствую уверенность в своем мастерстве и знаниях.
Японская кухня, а особенно суши очень популярны в Европе, и я с нетерпением жду, когда смогу начать свою очень обнадеживающую карьеру.
Мне бы хотелось порекомендовать SCI. Это замечательная школа, где вы обязательно получите все необхдимые знания для начала вашей карьеры.
В заключение, мне бы хотелосьпоблагодарить Sensei за то что делился с нами своим богатым опытом, Nick за его помощь в классе и после занятий, Оuchi за очень важные праkтические советы.
Спасибо, Вы помогли мне осуществить мою мечту.

Hi,
My name is Bella. I live in Denmark, but have a Russian roots.
Working already in the sushi restaurant I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge about Japanese cuisine. After some research on the internet I choose Sushi Chef Institute.
Now, after graduation, I can tell that it was one of the best decisions of my life. Even though, I’ve already had some experience with sushi and cooking, I’ve found myself challenged from day one. The program is indeed build in such a way that it suites both new beginners and people with experience.
With only 10 students in the class you will have a lot of attention from the teachers – Master Sushi Chef Andy Matsuda and Chef Nick. It is very hands-on program. There is a plenty of time to practice during classes and opportunity to practice afterwards You will have a lot of fun and good experience, but the school is by no means a vacation. You will have to push yourself to meet Senseis very high standards. The atmosphere in the class is warm and friendly. Students and teachers are quickly became a team and help to each other.
The area of downtown Los Angeles with a Little Tokyo nearby school makes a good scene to find inspiration for your studies.
I really feel confident in my skills and knowledge after graduation. Japanese cuisine and specially sushi becomes very popular in Europe. I’m looking forward to start my, quiet promising career.
I would like to recommend SCI. It is a really good school, where you are definitely will learn all you need to know to kick start your career.
In the end I would like to thank Sensei, Nick and Ouchi. Sensei for sharing with us his valuable knowledge; Nick for being such helpful and attentive both during the class and after classes; Ouchi for being able to help with quite important practical things. You really made my dream come true!

My name is Leah and my family owns a sushi restaurant. Sadly, none of our family members knew how to make sushi. We depended on our sushi chef to do everything from creating the sushi menu to ordering food. We felt helpless and fearful of the uncertainty about what would happen to us and the restaurant if our sushi chef was no longer with us.
I made a decision to take action and, with my husband and family’s support, I decided to attend sushi school. I researched a couple of sushi schools in both California and Asia and came across the Sushi Chef Institute of Los Angeles website and read about the school and the former students’ testimonies. I liked what I read and a month later I was one of the students at the Sushi Chef Institute. I’m now graduating in December of 2010.
I have to say that I no longer have the fear that I used to have about losing our sushi chef. Now I have the skill and knowledge that I came for.
Chef Matsuda is very knowledgeable and skillful take advantage and pick his brain while you are in his class. There was a lot of information for you to obtain each day, but if you are dedicated and hard working you will be fine.
Nick was awesome, he was very helpful when I came to him with questions.
My recommendation to the new students is that if you have any questions or don’t understand something; do not hesitate to ask chef Andy Matsuda those questions.
I would recommend the Sushi Chef Institute to anyone who is serious about becoming a sushi chef or the owner of a sushi restaurant. Attending the Sushi Chef Institute allowed me to get the proper training and essential skills and knowledge that is necessary to work behind the sushi bar and to own a successful sushi restaurant.

Through Master Chef Andy Matsuda’s class at Sushi Chef Institute I acquired the skills necessary to manage a full sushi bar at any Japanese restaurant. From the very first week I was learning how to prep rice, soups and small appetizers. We also went over a small portion of Japanese cuisine and then the rest of the class was dedicated to fish, fish, fish. Sensei is a very knowledgeable and caring individual. He is behind you with every step forward in class; he spends extra time to help out the people who are struggling. He knows exactly how to teach what he knows about sushi and relate it to his students. I think that is what separates his class from any other. I am a person who is doing sushi more as a hobby than a profession and I my knowledge of sushi has broadened far past than I knew existed. I am now employed at a small restaurant as a sushi chef trying to build my experience in the restaurant environment. Once I have the experience in the restaurant environment, I have the knowledge to become a great sushi chef at any 5 star Japanese restaurant as a head sushi chef, or even start my own sushi bar. Sensei could not have done more to prepare me for the field, as shown by my employment now. I recommend anyone who is trying to fully pursue a professional career as a sushi chef at Sushi Chef Institute. You are never too old, or too young to start, I turned 21 in his class and feel like I have the greatest foundation to do something great with. All thanks to Master Chef/ Sensei Matsuda!

I am Tenzin from Swiss and I had recently fulfilled my dreams of learning Sushi making skills from Chef Andy. It was absolutely worth dreaming for the past 4 years although, I was also working in a Sushi Restaurant at that time. Now I had polished my skilled of making Sushi and learned a bit about Japanese cuisine. I really appreciate Chef Andy for the helpful tips & guidance, which helps me to become more confidence on my work. I feel SCI is the perfect Institute to enhance yours skills. With best regards from Tenzin

I’m a wife, a Mom of a 9 year old boy and before arriving to California I was a high school Teacher in Mexico for about 6 years. With my husband’s help, we made a big change in my life studying at Sushi Chef Institute (SCI). One day I decided to go just for visiting the SCI and Tiana Pennington (administrator) gave me her time, she explained me all and invited to watch them for taking a look. With my poor English and my zero kitchen job experience decided to sign up for the course at SCI, the first day you can realize that Sensei Matsuda is not a teacher he is a Master Japanese Chef. He is so skillful, expert, his long knowledge, his abilities and his enormous experience making the best Sensei and the most important and he has a Master Chef character. The SCI is a great Institute where you can find very high standards. Also the SCI gives you the great opportunity to work in catering events and there you can see the amazing experience that Sensei Matsuda had. For me was a great, challenging, amazing and beautiful experience, I’m so proud for being one of the SCI’s students. Lastly, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to every of my classmates and of course Sensei Matsuda but more than anyone, thanks Chef Nick for being so helpful because when I came to him with many many questions every day there was always an answer.

My name is Moustafa and I’m from Belgium. I am presently living in Algeria until I move to my next destination. Sushi School Institute and Sensei Matsuda will be a huge milestone in my career. This is a life changing experience. I had no culinary experience whatsoever, I would only cook for friends as an amateur. Sensei’s teaching showed me a better and more efficient way of cooking. It is very impressive how talented Sensei Matsuda is and I’m very proud to be one of his student. I’m planning on running my own catering business which allow me to work wherever I go. Thank you Sensei for sharing your knowledge and experience. Thank you Chef Leo for teaching us too, for being there to help us and answer all our questions. And thank you Tiana for your help and your support. You made this a fantastic experience. I’m going home ready to start my business.

To all you aspiring sushi chefs out there, or even those who want the piece of paper showing you have a sushi chef certification, please be forewarned. Two months doesn’t sound like a very long time, but you are in for a surprise if you are expecting it to be easy. It’s a very intense 2 month course and you will be pushed to your limits, I can assure you of that. But if your heart is set on getting the best training for your money, and becoming the best sushi chef possible, look no further. Chef Andy knows Japanese food, and boy, does he know sushi. I was amazed at his vast reservoir of knowledge each and every day of class, and he shares everything with his students. You’ll come away from Sushi Chef Institute exhausted, but having learned the true art of sushi making from someone I consider a true gentleman, but more importantly, a true sushi master. I was pushed to my absolute limits many times during the course of the Professional I and Professional II courses, but without Chef Andy’s guidance, patience, and gentle prodding and pushing, I would have given up on myself, no question about it. If you do end up coming to Sushi Chef Institute, here is what you will get. You will get a boot camp, so to speak, in how to make sushi like a true Japanese sushi chef. But in my opinion, the most invaluable thing you will get is hands on training from Chef Andy, and the personal attention and feedback only he can give you. He will sit down with you and tell you your strength & weaknesses, and will assess your performance very honestly. To me, this feedback proved to be one of the most important things I received during my time there. So I would say to everyone and anyone looking for a sushi school, don’t even think of anywhere else. You can’t go wrong with Sushi Chef Institute. You’ll be glad you chose them and they will put you on a career path you can be proud of and that you can call your own.

Having worked for 2 years in restaurants after culinary school, I decided to expand my horizons by learning sushi making, and I am very happy that I chose the Sushi Chef Institute. The combination of Professional Courses I and II offers much more than just sushi making. It introduces the students to Japanese cuisine from appetizers to desserts in a multi-course meal, of which sushi is a part. Sensei Andy also teaches the philosophy and approach to food that is uniquely Japanese and not typically offered in traditional culinary schools. The small class size also provides personal attention where ones work and progress can be closely monitored. The instructors are always available, even after class, to offer advice and further instructions. While a lot of knowledge and hands-on practice is squeezed into a 2-month program, I find the entire learning experience to be relaxed and fun. All in all I learned a lot and enjoyed the whole program. Again, I am very glad to have chosen SCI to further my culinary education and am eager to get started as a sushi chef.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Sensei Andy Matsuda and the staff at Sushi Chef Institute for their tremendous assistance and support throughout the Pro I and Pro II courses. Prior to attending the Sushi Chef Institute, I didn’t have any experience in a Japanese cuisine kitchen or sushi bar, yet always have a strong passion in learning about Japanese cuisine (sushi) and culture. It has been an AWESOME and amazing experience at the Sushi Chef Institute because Sensei Andy Matsuda is an extremely diverse and knowledgeable teacher. He has a great depth in Japanese cuisine and background. I felt delighted in attending both courses. In addition, the service that the Sushi Chef Institute had provided from start to finish has been exemplary. It was professional yet friendly and far exceeded my expectation.

Sensei Andy Matsuda is an extraordinary teacher because he is professional and very knowledgeable about the sushi bar and the restaurant industry as a whole. I have found his positive attitude and professionalism very refreshing and inspiring. Sensei Andy Matsuda was there with us every step of the way. What an experience! For that I am truly grateful to be a part of the school. I highly recommend Sensei Andy Matsuda from the Sushi Chef Institute for anyone who is seeking to become a sushi chef. Thank you Sensei and your staff for a fulfilling and unforgettable experience and journey. Makoto restaurant here I come! Phuong Vo, class of summer 2012.

Attending the sushi chef institute, for me, was never a question of “if”, but rather when. I was told about the school, by one of my chef instructors, while I was at Le Cordon Bleu. He said that attending SCI would increase my knowledge of food and my value as a chef. Considering my life long love of Asian food, this was an obvious choice for me.

What I learned, however, was far more than sushi. I learned about Japanese cuisine, culture and customs. School was not just classes. There were opportunities to help with catering, private parties, assisting with demonstrations. These are amazing learning opportunities. (when you attend, clear your schedule and participate in as many extra curricular activities as you can.)

The school is not just a school, but a family that you will keep with you for rest of your life. Upon graduation, they are there to help you find a job and guide you in your new career.

If you have a passion for Japanese cuisine then I would highly recommend the Sushi Chef institute.

Thank you.
“Hon Hamachi”

Edward Klevens
P.S. The quality of instruction and the breadth of knowledge I acquired was such that I will be returning to take the advanced class.

Schooling at Sushi chef institute was an amazing experience; we received lots of information and we went through a lot of hands-on training which, I think is the most important thing! Everyday there was something new to learn and the instructors chef Andy and chef Leo were very professional, Of course all the materials that I learned at school are extremely important and useful , especially when it comes to rice preparation, fish filleting and cutting techniques. My future goal as a sushi chef? Well first of all never stop learning and reinventing myself all the time; then I will probably look for positions in Europe, or start as a freelance for catering and private dinners parties, Maybe one day I will open my own fusion sushi bar! The message that I want to leave to the perspective Sushi chefs institute students is very simple: take it very seriously, commit yourself and practice, practice, practice! Oh I forgotc andc.practice ! Try also to sign for as many opportunities as you can to go help on events, work shops etc. because when school is finished and you jump behind a sushi barcwell good luck, everything depends on you and on how much commitment you put to get there.Itfs an amazing job, working ! Ready to rock? Irashaimase!!! And thank you to chef Leo who help me a lot and toTiana too she’s very nice and helpful … Oh!! and don’t forget to look for the commercial we did for the hon hamachi!!!!! THANK YOU SINCERELY TO CHEF ANDY…… Which the best all the time I can wait to work with you again …ARIGATO.!!!!!

Estudiar en sushi chef institute fue una experiencia única recibimos muchísima información y pasamos por muchos entrenamientos manuales no solo estudiando lo cual creo que es lo más importante en todo el curso.En mi opinión cada día era una nueva lección y practica que aprender los instructores chef Andy Chef Leo son muy profesionales y por supuesto todo lo que aprendí en la escuela es extremadamente importante y muy útil. Especialmente cuando se trató de la preparación del arroz, los cortes del pescado,filetear pescado y técnicas de cortes. Mis metas al futuro como sushi chef es primeramente nunca dejar de seguir aprendiendo y seguir creciendo y obteniendo más técnicas y conocimientos, después porque no buscar un puesto en Europa o empezar un propio negocio de eventos especiales y privados y también Por qué no algún día tener mi propio restaurante fusión.El mensaje que yo les puedo dar a todos los estudiantes al futuro es muy simple tomar los estudios muy en serio y comprometerse con uno mismo y practicar! practicar! practicar! porque la práctica es todo y también traten de ir a todas las prácticas y oportunidades que se les presenten en la escuela con chef Andy, porque cuando la escuela termine y se pongan a trabajar como sushi chef ,buena suerte ahora todo depende de ustedes mismos y cuánta pasión le pongan y a triunfar ¡¡irashaimase¡¡ y muchas gracias chef Leo quien me ayudó muchisimo en todo aspecto y también a Tania ella es muy buena persona y ayuda mucho oh y no se les olvide mirar el comercial que hicimos en la escuela “hon hamachi ” MUCHAS GRASIAS SINCERAMENTE CHEF ANDY….. les deseo lo mejor todo el tiempo y me gustaría trabajar para ustedes nuevamente “Arigato ”

I have to admit that I came to the Sushi Chef Institute with my share of doubts and worries. TO learn sushi making in how-to’s about Japanese cuisine in 2 months?! – The idea was attractive because I was looking for a quick-fix, but it seems highly unlikely and the tuition was not a small amount.
I was in for a surprise! Soon after I began Pro 1 & 2 courses, I realized that I was facing the longest and the toughest 2 months in my life. Sensei Andy Matsuda was determined to transfer his knowledge and skills as much as possible to each of his students within 2 months. The daily instructions demanded our full attention while attending, but what followed after the classes were equally, I not more intensive. In order to digest the wealth of information and be ready for the following day, we were required to review and practice. We were working on a deadline, and he pounded on us with no mercy. He not only emphasized the technical skills as a chef, but also the level of focus and dedication we must maintain while working with sharp objects, flame and most importantly, each other. His own attitude and drive attested to the meaning of being a professional.
Everyone comes to SCI from different paths and for different reasons. As for me, I came with no background whatsoever in food business and was looking for a career change. Ultimately I was interested in owning my own restaurant, and learning how to cook seemed like a logical first step toward my goal. That’s why SCI was sushi a perfect place for me. Besides teaching culinary skills, the institute and its knowledgeable staff provided field experiences, volunteering opportunities, job placement services and career consulting. A lot of schools promise these services, but SCI actually send me out to volunteer at the Japanese Annual Festival (run by Japanese Merchandise Association) and other catering services where I got the opportunity to work with live customers and watch Sensei Matsuda in action! Also, thank s to my teachers advice and encouragement, I was able to find employment right away. I’m forever in debt to sensei Andy Matsuda and Assistant Chef Leo.

Before I enrolled in Professional Class at Sushi Chef Institute, I did not have any prior experience in the culinary industry, and, since it was my first visit to the United States, I did not have an adequate command of English language either. Thus frankly I was overwhelmed by the idea of learning how to make sushi in another country and in another language!
Naturally, in the beginning, I had a very hard time even understanding the language, let alone the class itself, but gradually, through working with other fellow students from all different countries and with the help of Chef Andy and Chef Leo, I was eventually able to comprehend all the teaching in the class.
Needless to say, the class itself was very, very tough, with so many things to absorb in a limited amount of time. However, with the help of Chef Andy and Chef Leo, I was able to learn all aspects of not only the traditional style sushi but also other Japanese dishes and fusion rolls of the latest trend. And I enjoyed every minute of the whole experience.
Extracurricular activities such as participating in catering events also helped me learn the importance of working as a part of team and gave me extra opportunities to handle fish.
Although I did not have any cooking experience or speak English, after completing the class, I can now make all kinds of sushi and other dishes, thanks to Sushi Chef Institute!
This past two months at Sushi Chef Institute is the best education I have ever had.
Sushi and Japanese cuisine, BANZAI!