What qualifies Chef Andy to teach this school?
When he was 21, Chef Andy became the head sushi chef at a restaurant in Kobe where he worked for 4 years.   Since coming to the United States in 1981, Chef Andy has worked at many prestigious restaurants in the USA .  He designed the curriculum and then taught at the first sushi chef school in the United States for more than three years.  He has graduated more than 300 students.
Do I need to be a working chef to attend this school?
No.  If you are very interested in Japanese cooking or like Japanese food or sushi and are willing to apply yourself, you can be a success here.
Will I be qualified as a Master Sushi chef when I finish this school?
No.  That qualification is achieved by very few, even in Japan , and then after only many years of experience.  You would be qualified to start working toward that very special designation
If I am already a working chef, why do I need to attend the Basic Course?
Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques are different than Western cooking.  In particular, Japanese knife techniques are quite different.  In the Basic Course, we teach fundamental concepts of Japanese cooking and culture, rather than just a selection of dishes.  It is impossible to understand Japanese cooking without these concepts and techniques.
If all I am interested in is learning to make sushi, why do I need to learn the material in the Basic Course?
There are many elements in sushi that are not, perhaps, immediately obvious to the non-educated diner.  We teach these elements in the Basic Course.  An example would be the basic broth that underlies many Japanese sauces found in sushi restaurants and finds further uses in Japanese pickles.  You would learn about that in the Basic Course.  We spend considerable effort in learning to make perfect sushi rice, a critical element in good sushi, and not necessarily easy to do.
How big are the classes?
The maximum class size is 15 persons.  Chef Andy has determined from experience that 15 students is the optimal size.
Will I receive personal attention from Chef Andy during class?
Yes.  In addition to watching and adjusting your Japanese cooking techniques during class, Chef Andy is available to answer any questions you may have.  He is interested in teaching each student everything that student can learn from him.
Do I have to take the advanced course immediately after finishing the basic course?
Our experience has shown that it is very helpful to be able to continue into the Pro Class immediately after completing The Basic Course.  The Pro Class picks up where the Basic Class ends, and a student can take advantage of the "momentum."  On the other hand, should a student have to break between courses, he or she can easily catch up with a bit of extra effort.
Will I be able to find additional sources of information even though I don't speak or read Japanese?
There are many good books available in English about Japanese cooking.  Chef Andy has chosen his favorites for the course textbooks, but many more are available by searching either in a bookstore or on-line.
Why do I need to buy a Japanese knife set if I already have a good set of Western knives?

Japanese knifes are completely different than Western knives.  They are "handed," either right or left-handed for one thing, and have a single cutting edge. This is what allows the precise cuts typical of Japanese cuisine.  The knife-makers come out of the tradition of Samurai sword makers.  We do use Western knives, but only in special situations.
Is there homework in this school?
If you consider practicing the things you learn in class "homework," then we do have homework.  Different students have differing abilities to master physical and conceptual techniques. We would expect you to practice and study enough at home to be able to perform the required skills tests and to pass the knowledge tests at the end of each course.  Only you will know how much time that will be.
Are the 100 hours of instruction in each course enough for me to learn everything I need to learn to earn my certificate?
We will cover everything in class that will be on the skills and knowledge tests.  Whether you master the material is another question that only the student can answer.
Will I automatically earn a certificate just by attending class without fail?
Only by keeping our standards up will a Sushi Chef Institute certificate be valuable to you and to our other students.  Simple class attendance, while important to your learning, will not be enough on its own to receive a certificate.
Are there knowledge tests in this school?  If so, what are they?
There is a knowledge about halfway through each course that allows us to gauge each student's grasp of concepts.  The final knowledge exam consists of 100 questions that must be passed in order to receive a certificate.
Are there skills tests in this school?  If so, what are they?
Your physical skills will demonstrated to Chef Andy during each class.  Every effort will be made to help each student bring his or her skills to an acceptable level.  In order to receive a certificate, each student must pass a skills test encompassing 15 relevant areas.
Will I earn my health department certification by attending this school?
There is a recommended one-day HACCP class that is offered separately that allows you to test for health department certification.
Do you provide placement assistance to graduates?
Chef Andy has an extensive network of contacts all over the United States .  He would not hesitate to recommend students who have demonstrated a good work ethic to him.
What kinds of jobs are available to graduates of this school?
Students tend to think only of working behind a sushi bar as a job after graduation, but there are many others including catering, banquet work, and private chef among others.
When is tuition due?
All payment must be completed before your class starts. Registration and process fees are not refundable.
Can I get a refund on my tuition if I decide not to continue in class?
Tuition fee is not refundable after you have taken half of the class scheduled. Otherwise, you can ask to refund for the part that you do no attend by written request. In this case, if the school understand that the reason is appropriate, then school will refund you for the part you do not attend within 10 days after the class schedule completes.