Highest-Rated Sushi Instructor Comes to Colorado Springs
- Gregory H.
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Carl Rosa, one of the most respected sushi instructors in the United States, is bringing his celebrated expertise to Colorado Springs, making it a part of his common teaching schedule. With nearly two decades of experience, Rosa has been teaching sushi professionally and guiding culinary tours in Japan since 2006. In October 2025, he’ll conduct four exclusive classes in Denver, Castle Rock, Steamboat Springs, and Colorado Springs before returning to Tokyo, Japan in late November. Over the past 18 years, his classes have consistently earned top marks for customer satisfaction. His work has been featured by Tokyo TV, Thrillist, Cook’s Illustrated, the Houston Chronicle, and the Houston Press, as well as at high-profile events like Flagship Culinary Services in New York and key speaker at the Travel and Adventure Expo in Dallas.
Rosa’s expertise in sushi-making reaches well beyond the boundaries of a typical culinary classroom. As the founder of the Sushi Club of Houston and the owner of ExploreSushi.com and Journey2Japan.com, he has spent years refining the art of teaching sushi fundamentals while also curating thoughtful sake pairings on his culinary tours. His combination of hands-on instruction and cultural insight creates a learning experience that feels both accessible and exciting—welcoming to everyone from curious first-timers to seasoned food enthusiasts. But Rosa’s passion and talent stretch even further. Since 2006, he has led immersive, food-focused tours throughout Japan, introducing guests to the country’s most iconic flavors—ramen, okonomiyaki, sushi, and sake—while uncovering everything from bustling markets in Tokyo and Kyoto to hidden culinary gems in Osaka. His storytelling, paired with a deep understanding of Japan’s food traditions, has made him a sought-after guide for travelers eager to dive into authentic Japanese cuisine. His tours have grown so popular that they are fully booked through April 2028. To help meet the ongoing demand for travel insights, Rosa shares detailed travel videos through his YouTube channel, offering tips, guidance, and cultural context—all freely available to anyone with a passion for Japanese food and travel. Recently posting from a Japanese-based blog for classic Udon noodles, he commented that he has travel to and from Japan 99 times since his trips started years ago. His 100th trip to Japan, as a tour guide, will be completed this year.
Following the widespread acclaim of the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Rosa was invited by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to serve as the keynote speaker, offering expert commentary on the film’s intricate themes. Chosen above and beyond all other sushi experts in the city of Houston, this honor reinforced his reputation as a leading authority on sushi and Japanese culture throughout Texas. His dedication to preserving and promoting the traditions of Japanese cuisine continues to inspire a new generation of culinary enthusiasts. In 2018, Rosa was the exclusive host of the documentary Tsukiji Wonderland in Houston, drawing vast crowds across three large screening rooms in a single evening. Further solidifying his expertise, he maintains a close relationship with master sushi chef Takashi Ono—son of sushi icon Jiro Ono—and makes multiple annual visits to the world-renowned Sukiyabashi Jiro, the finest sushi in the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic led Rosa to transform his teaching model. Rather than hosting public classes in commercial classrooms, he now offers personalized, in-home sushi-making experiences tailored for private groups and corporate events. Clients book two-hour sessions that deliver a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to crafting high-quality sushi in their own kitchens. Yet, Rosa’s motivation isn’t driven by profit. At just $35 per student, the sessions are intentionally priced to make sushi education accessible to just about anyone. His goal is to empower participants not only to create delicious sushi at home but also to gain a deeper respect for the craft behind the dishes served at their favorite sushi bars. “The goal isn’t profit,” Rosa explains. “It’s education.” Throughout 2025, he has hosted classes at resorts and venues throughout Colorado, including Denver, Steamboat Springs, Golden, Breckenridge, Telluride, Castle Rock, and Colorado Springs. Now, due to the demand, Colorado Springs is a part of his permanent teaching schedule.
He offers Sushi 101 classes designed for anyone looking to truly understand what makes exceptional sushi, learn how to prepare authentic sushi rice, and create their own sushi at home or in the workplace. These classes are ideal for private gatherings of friends and family, corporations, small businesses, and large group events. In fact, Rosa regularly conducts corporate sushi sessions for organizations such as The Sophie Executive Residences, the Four Seasons Hotel, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Chase Bank, and a variety of country clubs, wine groups and premier residential communities across Texas.
Rosa laughs at the idea of being an American teaching sushi, but he views it as a strength rather than a limitation. “I’m a typical red-blooded American. I wasn’t raised within the traditions or expectations of Asian culture, and in my line of work, that’s actually a big advantage. I’m direct, practical, and entertaining. I also speak in a way that resonates with everyone—and sushi fans value that.” he says. His approach to teaching focuses on making sushi culture accessible and enjoyable for people from all walks of life.
Rosa is driven by a passion to correct the many misconceptions surrounding Japanese food culture, presenting it in a way that resonates with American audiences. As he puts it, “Americans often don’t realize how many myths surround Japanese cuisine. Sake isn’t rice wine. Tempura didn’t originate in Japan. Fish isn’t caught in Tokyo. Sushi-Grade fish is a myth. These misunderstandings are everywhere. The more you learn, the more you begin to recognize what’s truly authentic.”
His dedication to demystifying Japanese cuisine has made him one of the most respected and sought-after instructors in his field. Rosa last visited Colorado in 2024, where he served as a keynote instructor at a major culinary expo in Denver. Sharing the stage with renowned international cuisine experts, he made a lasting impression on attendees. Now, he returns to Colorado with the same enthusiasm and commitment, eager to teach the art of sushi-making to a new audience of curious and passionate learners.
Scheduling a class with Carl is easy and straightforward, however his classes fill quickly. To arrange a private session at home, simply contact his team. Each class requires a minimum of six participants to cover basic costs and includes instruction on key techniques such as preparing sushi rice, making nigiri, and rolling sushi. While guests are asked to provide a table, chairs, and access to running water, Carl handles all other details. Committed to creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience, he also accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice, tailoring ingredients to meet individual needs.
For his class information and schedule and information on his November 1st sushi class, please click here.
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