Shun x C•CAP Transformation Challenge
Shun Cutlery and C•CAP are proud to partner on the Shun x C•CAP Transformation Challenge — a competition that celebrates the culinary skill and creativity of the C•CAP community.
At C•CAP, our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders in food & hospitality through culinary arts education, job skills training, college scholarships, and career opportunities. Together with Shun Cutlery, the finest heritage cutlery brand and first choice for top chefs, we’re challenging our community to show how you can transform ingredients using knife skills that wow and inspire us.
THE PRIZES
The top 10 finalists will receive a Shun Santoku knife. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 worth of premium Shun knives. Even more exciting: your entries will be reviewed by a panel of industry leaders — a chance to showcase your talent.
ROUND 1
Submit a 60-second Instagram Reel (or email submission) showcasing your knife skills and how you can transform simple ingredients with precision and creativity. You must tag @shuncutlery and @culinarycareersprogram and use #shuntransformationchallenge to qualify. Examples include:
- Turning a whole vegetable into delicate ribbons, brunoise, or decorative garnishes.
- Breaking down a raw fish into uniform cuts that demonstrate technique precision.
Submission Deadline: November 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST
Top Ten Prize: Shun Santoku Knife ($200)
ROUND 2
The top 10 finalists will be selected by judges. We’ll send each finalist a Shun Santoku knife (retail: $200) and you’ll create a second Instagram Reel using that knife, taking your skills to the next level within a recipe. In the caption, include why the art of knife skills is central to your craft as a chef. Tag @shuncutlery and @culinarycareersprogram and use #shuntransformationchallenge to qualify. Examples include:
- Preparing a dish like Ratatouille, ceviche, or sushi where knife cuts define texture and presentation.
- Showcasing a classic technique (e.g., tourné potatoes) in the context of a finished dish - or something unique to your cutting skills!
Submission Deadline: December 10, 2025 at 11:59 PST
Grand Prize:
Fuji Knife set + knife roll ($4,603 value)
- Fuji 10” Chef’s Knife $662
- Fuji 6.5” Nakiri $600
- Fuji 5.5” Santoku $537
- Fuji 6.5” Master Utility $512
- Fuji 3.5” Paring $362
- Fuji 6” Boning/Fillet $475
- Fuji 9” Bread knife $612
- Fuji 6” Serrated Utility $412
- Fuji Ceramic Honing Steel $312
- Chef's 20–Slot Knife Case (Grey) $119
Runner Up Prize: Kohen Knife Set ($1,250)
WHO CAN ENTER?
- Open to C•CAP students, alumni, and community members who are 18 years or older.
HOW TO ENTER?
- To qualify, participants must post an Instagram Reel (up to 60 seconds) tagging @CulinaryCareersProgram and @ShunCulinary and use the hashtag #shuntransformationchallenge. Option or submit the reel via email as well: shunmarketing@kai-usa.com.
THE JUDGES
- Angie Marin, Director of Alumni Relations & Adult Programming at C•CAP
- Chef Sylva Senat, Executive Chef at Sofitel Philadelphia, 2x James Beard Semi-finalist, C•CAP Alumnus, Bravo Top Chef
- Savannah Wasserman, Senior Social Media & Content Manager, Shun Cutlery
- Serena Williams, Director of Product Development, Shun Cutlery
- Chef Bill Kim, Chef/Owner of Urban Belly, Chicago; Executive Chef of Crate and Barrel’s Table at Crate; Chef at Timeout Market, Chicago;. Author of “Korean BBQ” Cookbook.
LEGAL
By entering, participants agree to competition rules, including granting C•CAP and Shun usage rights for submitted content.