He practiced for over a year. Maybe about a year and a half. He's super detailed in everything he does so he always researches topics and methods to death. He's also part japanese and introduced me to some of the best food Ive ever had when we visited his family in Japan. So when we came back to eat at sushi restaurants near us it wasn't even a comparison.
Making the rice is a whole process. Washes, then soaks for 30min I believe, cooks, seasoning and and he fans it to cool it. I wish I could be more detailed but I can ask him and relay it later!
I met my husband on reddit and I just cant delete our first messages to each other. Maybe I'll screen shot them or something one day.