From Martial Arts to Culinary Arts
Bruce Ricketts grew up in a family steeped in martial arts tradition. Like his father before him, he became a trained martial arts professional, and together they moved to the United States to work for the US Army as hand-to-hand combat trainers. Despite this career path, young Ricketts initially knew nothing about cooking. His culinary education began in San Diego, California, where he worked in restaurant kitchens and discovered a passion that would redirect his life. The discipline and precision he learned through martial arts would later inform his exacting approach to sushi preparation.
Sensei Sushi Bar: The Beginning
In 2011, after returning from San Diego, 21-year-old Bruce Ricketts opened Sensei Sushi Bar in BF Homes, Parañaque. The restaurant's name honored his family's martial arts background--sensei meaning teacher or master in Japanese. Combining authentic Japanese techniques with modern cooking methods, Sensei quickly became one of BF Homes' most frequented dining spots. The restaurant's success demonstrated that Filipino diners were ready for Japanese cuisine that balanced tradition with innovation. Sensei continues to operate, serving casual Japanese fare that maintains Ricketts' standards for quality and execution.
Mecha Uma: Manila's Sushi Mecca
Mecha Uma opened in Manila's Bonifacio Global City and quickly earned a reputation as the Philippine capital's sushi Mecca. The name, a Japanese expression meaning absurdly delicious food, perfectly captured the restaurant's ambition. Mecha Uma pushed boundaries with creative preparations and impeccable technique, attracting Manila's most discerning diners. The restaurant became known for its omakase experiences and innovative approach to traditional sushi forms. Though Mecha Uma eventually closed, it left an indelible mark on Manila's Japanese dining scene and established Ricketts as one of the city's premier sushi chefs.
Iai: The Next Chapter
Following Mecha Uma's closure, anticipation built for Ricketts' next venture. In 2024, he partnered with Jae Pickrell to open Iai, a sushi kappo restaurant at The Montane in Bonifacio Global City. The name Iai references a Japanese martial art focused on controlled sword technique--a fitting metaphor for the precision required in sushi preparation. Iai represents both a fresh chapter and the culmination of Ricketts' experience, offering intimate omakase experiences at a 12-seat counter where diners can watch the chefs work. The restaurant operates Thursday through Sunday evenings, focusing on seasonal ingredients and refined technique.
Ooma: Modern Japanese for Everyone
Demonstrating his versatility, Ricketts partnered with The Moment Group to create Ooma, a more accessible Japanese concept at SM Megamall. Ooma offers bold Japanese comfort food at affordable prices, making Ricketts' culinary vision available to a broader audience. The restaurant became known for its creative aburi (torched) maki and signature dishes like the Hanger Steak. This venture showed that Ricketts could work across different price points and formats while maintaining his commitment to quality and flavor.
Other Ventures
Beyond his Japanese restaurants, Ricketts explored other culinary territories. La Chinesca drew inspiration from his time eating Latin-Asian street food in California, bringing that fusion sensibility to Manila. These side projects demonstrated Ricketts' willingness to experiment while maintaining the precision and attention to detail that defined his sushi work.
Philosophy and Approach
Ricketts' approach to Japanese cuisine reflects his martial arts background--disciplined, precise, and constantly refined through practice. He combines respect for traditional techniques with willingness to innovate, whether working on high-end omakase at Iai or accessible comfort food at Ooma. His restaurants balance authenticity with creativity, offering Filipino diners Japanese cuisine that honors the cuisine's principles while remaining exciting and contemporary. From his first restaurant at 21 to his current position as one of Manila's most respected Japanese cuisine chefs, Ricketts has consistently demonstrated that exceptional food requires both technical mastery and genuine passion.