Invitation to tea ceremony classes

If you are teaching the japanese tea ceremony in Japan, America, or any other country, you can submit your contact information and let new students know how to find you. Your contact information will be placed on this page.

please submit your information here

Teachers and Classes Information

Teacher Name: Margie Yap
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: margie@issoantea.com
Phone: 503-645-7058
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Oregon
Town/ City: Portland

Short description: A ten week class where students will learn the guest role and participate in Tea Ceremonies from informal to semi-formal. After taking the introductory class, if a student wants to continue to explore the world of Chado, the Way of Tea, they can take continuing classes. Advanced classes also offered for students wishing Urasenke School certification and training leading to teaching credentials.

Optional information: Margie Yap has more than 25 years experience with Chado, the Way of Japanese Tea Ceremony. She studied in Kyoto, Japan at the Urasenke headquarters and received her teaching credentials and tea artistic name, Soya, from the 16th generation Urasenke Grand Tea Master.

Teacher Name: Michael Ricci
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail: riccimjr@hotmail.com
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Colorado
Town/ City: Fort Collins and Boulder
Short description: Weekly lessons for beginners to advanced students.

Teacher Name: Morgan Beard
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: morbeard@gmail.com
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Pennsylvania
Town/ City: Philadelphia

Short description: A group of tea ceremony teachers in the Philadelphia area, including myself, offer lessons and demonstrations through the Japanese House in Fairmount Park (Shofuso) and also in private residences.

Weekly lessons available at all levels of practice. Please contact us for more information. Optional information: You can also visit us online at www.phillytea.org.

Teacher Name: Drew Hanson
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: drew.hanson2@gmail.com
Country: United States
State/ Province/ Prefecture: New Jersey
Town/ City: Columbus

Short description: Classes for Beginners as well as advanced students are offered at Shofuso, The Japanese House and Garden, in Philadelphia on Saturdays.

Private lessons are offered at Boukakuan Japanese Tea House and Garden (www.njgreentea.com) for individuals and small groups.

Teacher Name: Akiko Soki Sato Sensei
Type of School: Urasenke
Phone: (847) 458-9309
E-mail: Info@japanesecultureinstitute.org
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Illinois
Town/ City: Lake in the Hills

Teacher Name: Masako Soyu Miyahara
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: urasenkedcbr@verizon.net
Phone: (703) 748-1685
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: VA
Town/ City: McLean

Short description: Lessons focus on the various tea preparation procedures. Students study both tea preparation, and how to be a guest, which is a very important part of studying Tea. Lessons help the student develop skills in concentration, movement, and aesthetic appreciation. Lessons are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tuition is due monthly regardless of attendance.

Optional information: Masako Soyu Miyahara joined the Urasenke Foundation in Kyoto, Japan in 1963.

Studied Chanoyu at Urasenke Konnichian, the Urasenke Foundation Head School, with Gyoteis, the Highest Ranking Instructional Group of Urasenke Konnichian

Her career includes: Assistant Director, New York Branch of Urasenke Foundation, Director, Boston Branch of Urasenke Foundation, Delegate, Japanese Cultural Mission to Europe, Visiting Instructor to Toronto Group, Canada, Chanoyu Instructor, Yomiuri Culture Courses at the Nippon Club, New York City, and, Director, Urasenke Washington DC Branch of the Urasenke Foundation, 2003-Present.

Throughout her career, Masako Soyu Miyahara has taught Tea, including Kaiseki cooking (Chanoyu Cuisine), and has presented lecture/demonstrations.

Teacher Name: Lauren Deutsch
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: lwdeutsch@earthlink.net
Phone: 323 930-2587
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: CA
Town/ City: Los Angeles

Short description: I am a student of Sosei Matsumoto Sensei who recommended to Genshitsu Sen Daisosho that I receive a chamei (he was Hounsai Soshitstu Sen Xv). I have a yojohan rea room and enjoy new students year round. I have done demonstrations / lectures on chanoyu before school children, university classes (including intercultural choreography at UCLA), private and public events (e.g. Nisei Week, Japan Expo, Huntington Gardens, etc.)

Optional information: I have studied in Japan as a guest of Midorikai on three occasions. I also write about the chanoyu / chado experience in such publications as Kyoto Journal and Parabola. I was one of the organizers of the second bi-annual "Tea Beyond Japan" (now "Tea Friends") gatherings.

Teacher Name: Rebecca Cragg
Type of School: Omotesenke
E-mail address: info@camelliateas.net
Country: Canada
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Ontario
Town/ City: Ottawa

Short description: For seven years, Rebecca was trained in the Omote-Senke Way of Tea by Mrs. Eiko Kuwayama at a Zen Temple called Sango-ji in Wakayama City, Japan. She continues her studies of Tea in Omotesenke through NY and Japan as well as studies in Omotesenke-Seiha and Sencha-Do, Seifu-Ryu in Ottawa. She has an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology, as well as B.A. and B.Ed. with focus on art, education and museology. She holds cerification in Sodo Kimono Dressing, Sagagoyu Ikebana and is also a Japanese Brush Painter and teacher.

Optional information: Camellia Teas of Ottawa was established in 2005 by Rebecca Lyn Cragg (nee Benoit) of Ottawa, ON, Canada. The name comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, which produces most of the World's Teas. Although we have a special interest in Japan's Chanoyu, Camellia Teas is equally interested in the Vietnamese Lotus Tea Ceremony, The Korean Tea Ceremony, Gong-fu Cha, Puerh Teas and other Chinese Tea Cultures. For this reason, we didn't want to identify ourselves solely with Chanoyu. We are constantly researching, studying and preserving these ancient and evolving Tea practices and their related artforms.

Camellia Teas of Ottawa is strongly engaged in supporting the traditional arts of Japan.

Our main Vision is to promote the preservation of these ancient teachings in order to foster an appreciation for the beautiful values and incredible art a that East Asian Art and Culture can provide us all.

Our Mission has a special emphasis on the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony known as Chanoyu. Our Tea practitioners permit guests to experience the tranquility of this ancient practice.

Camellia House allows practitioners to maintain and develop their Chanoyu skills in one of our Five cha-shitsu (Indoor Tea rooms: Winter, Summer, Floating and our outdoor Tearooms Tsubaki-An and the portable Tea Cube).

Camellia House has offered Tea lessons, Private Tea Ceremony Events, demonstrations and Open House Introductory sessions (Ochakai) since 2005.

Teacher Name: Jim Herrmann
Type of School: Urasenke
Phone: 612-600-1787
E-mail: jim.hrrmnn@gmail.com
Country: United States
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Minnesota
Town/ City: Crystal

Short description: Tea Ceremony classes are taught several times a month, from beginner to advanced level. The lessons are taught in a 4-1/2 mat tatami tea space in his personal residence. Both traditional sitting (seiza) and table tea (Tenchaban) are taught.

Optional information: Jim Herrmann has more than has more than 30 years experience with Chado, the Way of Japanese Tea Ceremony. He studied for a period of time at the Urasenke Headquarters in Kyoto, as well as with an advanced teacher in Tokyo for twelve years. He has received his teaching credentials and Tea Name (Soki) as well as Associate Professor status from the 16th generation Urasenke Grand Tea Master.

Teacher Name: Douglas Huskins
Type of School: Omotesenke
Phone & E-mail: Phone and E-mail Phone: 925-335-6071
E-mail: tea@huskins.com
Country: USA
State: California
Town/ City: Martinez

Short description: Weekly lessons are available at all levels of practice. New students and individuals still deciding to study are always welcome.

Optional information: Douglas Huskins has been studying omotesenke tea for well over a decade and has presented before Shoshos on a number of occasions.

He has managed and helped manage a tea room at the annual Hakone daichakai tea gathering for several years.

Teacher Name: Bonnie Soshin Mitchell and Timothy Sowa Olson
Type of School: Urasenke tradition
Phone: (206) 328-6018
E-mail: mitchell@eastwestchanoyucenter.org
Country: USA
State: WA
Town/ City: Seattle

Short description: The East-West Chanoyu Center welcomes beginning to advanced students. The Center offers the study tea procedures as a means to develop mindful concentration, warm hospitality, aesthetic-ethic appreciation, and knowledge of chanoyu art and history. Lessons are held Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Saturdays. Tuition is due monthly regardless of attendance.

Optional information: Optional information: Bonnie Soshin Mitchell serves as the director of the East-West Chanoyu Center (formerly Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch). Educated in art history at the University of Washington she began extensive studies in Chado in Kyoto, Japan under the guidance of YANAGITA Shizue (Soha sensei) and SEN Soshitsu XV, of the Urasenke tradition of tea. At the behest of Dr. Sen, Ms. Mitchell returned to Seattle in 1981 to teach Chado at the UW. In 2008, Ms. Mitchell received the certificate of Seikyoju, the highest rank of merit in the Way of Tea. In 2012, Consul General Kiyokazu Ota and the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle presented Ms. Mitchell with a Commemorative Award for her work in promoting an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture through tea.

Timothy Sowa Olson serves as the UW Chado course lecturer and tea instructor in addition to his duties as Chanoyu Center instructor. Tim was educated in English literature at Portland State University and the University of Washington and began tea studies in 1982 under the guidance of Prof. and Mrs. Glenn T. Webb and later Bonnie Soshin Mitchell. He joined the East-West Chanoyu Center staff after completing a master's training course at the Urasenke Konnichian in 1999. In 2001, he was awarded the certificate of Junkyoju, a senior rank of merit in the Way of Tea.

Teacher Name: Dr. Sheila Fling
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: flingsheila@gmail.com Phone 512-757-4375
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: TX
Town/ City: Austin area

Short description: Individual & group lessons, beginner & advanced. A lesson called Introduction to Chado includes the guest role, some history & philosophy, a bowl of tea & small sweet. A series of 10 lessons include host & guest role & some philosophy of tea. More advanced lessons are arranged. We also learn from offering private gatherings, public presentations, & special Japanese tea-day occasions.
Optional information: Dr. Sheila is a retired university professor & clinical psychologist. She has studied & taught tea since 1991 in both the USA & Japan. She received her tea name Soshin from the 16th generation Grand Master at the recommendation of her teacher Nabeta Soyu Sensei. She has presented tea in several countries & published articles on it. More info under Chado on www.sheilafling.com

Teacher Name: Kaoru (Sokun) Shiroma Henderson
Type of School: Urasenke Chado
Phone : 415 459-3980
E-mail: kaoruhenderson@yahoo.com
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: CA
Town/ City: San Anselmo

Short description: Classes take place in my residence in San Anselmo, in Marina County, CA. Both English and Japanese instruction. I have studied Urasenke for 13 years and studying the way of tea for over 30 years in the Bay Area. I can issue certification from beginner to advance, including tea name.
Optional information: I have all formal utensils needed for lessons. Classes available Monday through Saturday. We also have ryurei style table sitting arrangements. Tea room is 4.5 tatami.

Teacher Name: Masako Sohga Koike
Type of School: Omotesenke
Phone: 212-581-2855
E-mail: msohgakoike@yahoo.co.jp
Country: U.S.A.
State: New York
Town/ City: New York
Short description: I am an authorized Professor of Omotesenke School, teachig Way of JapaneseTea since 1993 in my tea room,Sohga-an, lacated at the heart of mid-Manhattan in New York City as well as at the Nippon Club Culture Class. My lessons open on Wednesday and Saturday in Sohga-an, on Thursday at the Nippon Club. Tea demonstrations are also available with your request.
Optional information: Please visit; www.chanoyusohga-an.com

Teacher Name: Yuuka Sochi Ishiu
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: Yuuka96@aol.com
Phone: 513-593-2616
Country: U.S.A
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Ohio
Town/ City: Fairfield
Short description: Weekly lessons available at all levels of practice. Please contact us for more information.

Teacher Name: Haruko Sosei Sadler
Type of School: Urasenke
Phone & E-mail: E-mail only
Phone or E-mail address: harukosadler@msn.com
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: UT
Town/ City: Springville

Teacher Name: Jodie Cohen
Type of School: Urasenke
Phone or E-mail address: morganjame@aol.com
Country: USA
State/ Province/ Prefecture: NV
Town/ City: Las Vegas

Short description: Classes are held Saturday mornings at 10:00am in a 6 tatami mat tearoom at Jodie's home. Students will have the opportunity to practice in this setting as well as participate in demonstrations for local schools, organizations, corporations, and conventions.
Optional information: Jodie Soen Cohen earned her BA in Psychology and the Study of Religion at UCLA. Her interest in Japanese Buddhism led to a scholarship through the Urasenke Foundation in Kyoto where she studied for a a year between 1983-1984. In Los Angeles she studied with Mariko Nishi La Fleur for 5 years and Nobuko Soshin Inuma for over 22 years. Jodie received her Chamei from Sen Soshitsu XVI. Jodie is also a Certified Tea Specialist through the Specialty Tea Institute.

Teacher Name: jan Waldmann, Sosui
Type of School: Urasenke
E-mail address: janwaldmann1@gmail.com
Country: usa
State/ Province/ Prefecture: Oregon
Town/ City: Portland

Short description: As a member of Urasenke Wakai Tea Association, jan offers classes and has contacts for other teachers in the Oregon area. On going classes and private sessions available.
Optional information: jan has been studying Tea since 1971 with training in both Japan and in America. She specializes in blending the traditional philosophy and movements of Chado with contemporary views. She presently also teaches a class in Tea at Lewis & Clark College as part of their East Asian Studies Department.