FAQ
General
Literally, hot water for tea.
However, the practice of chanoyu goes much deeper that preparing and enjoying tea by oneself. It encompasses the experience of creating and sharing in a peaceful atmosphere with tea for family and friends. To this, a designated space separate from everyday life, known as a “tea room,” is prepared, and a specific set of tea utensils is used following certain etiquette. Therefore, it goes beyond the simple pleasure of making and drinking tea; it embodies the meaning of tea etiquette and spiritual refinement.
The same meaning “chado”( The Way of Tea)
Urasenke is one of the schools of Japanese tea ceremony and has been in existence for 450 years since the first grand master, Sen No Rikyu.
There are 112 overseas Urasenke Foundation branch offices in 37 countries and regions of the world (as of April 2021).
For more information visit: https://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/
Yes, there is the Urasenke San Diego Association. The San Diego Association has a history of over 40 years and has been organizing tea ceremonies, demonstrations, and classes for the general public to convey the spirit of the Way of Tea (茶の湯, Chanoyu). Rie Morita is one of the teachers within the association.
For more information visit: https://urasenkesandiego.org/
We hold seasonal tea gatherings among students and tea demonstrations for the general public.
Rie Morita belongs to the Urasenke Tankokai San Diego Association, so students can participate in association events.
The purpose of the demonstration is to provide the general public with a clean environment to display hanging scrolls, prepare tea in front of guests, and explain the fundamental principles and etiquette. Chanoyu (the Way of Tea) has garnered significant interest from many people, and the popularity of matcha has also grown. Our aim is not only to introduce people to this healthy beverage but also to help them experience the spirit of Chanoyu.
We primarily conduct demonstrations in two locations.
PARU tea bar in La Jolla (7441 Girard Ave, Suite B La Jolla, California 92037)
Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
https://www.niwa.org/
Please check the events page for dates.
Rie is an advisor of Paru tea bar. She has worked with the owners to organize events at Paru introducing chanoyu to those interested in matcha. Our Experience Courses are held on the second floor of their La Jolla location.
Rie is also currently involved in building a tea room on the second floor, where we plan to offer more classes.
https://paruteabar.com/
Yes! If you are holding an event and would like us to present a tea demonstration, we are open to requests. Please contact us with the details to work out further details.
Matcha is a type of green tea made by grinding whole leaves into a powder using a stone jar. It is mixed with hot water and whisked with a whisk called a chasen. Unlike the matcha latte served in most cafes, no milk or sugar is added
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) are served. There are many different types of wagashi, so it is difficult to say what ingredients are used. Flour, sugar, azuki beans, agar, and soybeans are commonly used ingredients. If you have any allergies, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Experience Courses
Visit our Contact Us page! Please fill out the form there and we will be in touch.
No. We will be using a “sensu” (fan), “fukusa” (silk cloth) and “kaishi” (paper) – specifically those of the Urasenke style. If you already own these items, feel free to bring them. If not, all necessary materials will be provided.
Items are also available for purchase in class.
Kimonos are preferred, but not required. Most participants come in their typical day wear. However, as there may be some sitting on tatami (traditional straw) mats, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, with several rules: jeans, shorts, and short skirts are not allowed. Pants or skirts are acceptable, as long as they are long enough to cover the knees when sitting. As you will be taking off your shoes, white socks are required. Please remove jewelry and watches and refrain from strong perfumes. Long hair will need to be tied or pulled back.
Each class is 2 hours.
Classes are scheduled for the second Sunday of every month.
The class is held in Paru tea bar’s second floor tea room. On the day of the class, a sign will be posted at the entrance to Paru’s store. Follow the signs up the outside stairs to the tea room.
https://paruteabar.com/
Address: 7441 Girard Ave Suite B, La Jolla, CA 92037
No, there are chairs available for the duration of the class.
No problem! For groups of 3 or more, we are open to requests. Visit our Contact Us page and message us with the details (including the number of people in your group, and your preferred dates) – we’ll be in touch to work out further details.
Member Courses
This course is reserved for students with prior experience. We require all new students to first sign up for a Experience Course (of your choice) where we may observe your level of experience, before determining readiness for Member Courses. If you have experience learning tea, you are also welcome to come meet us at one of our demonstrations to discuss more details.
Yes. We will be using a “sensu” (fan), “fukusa” (silk cloth) ,“kaishi” (paper), “kobukusa”(silk cloth) and “yoji”(toothpock) – specifically those of the Urasenke style. Students are required to have their own set of materials. If you already have your own set, please feel free to bring to class. If not, materials are available to buy in class.
Kimonos are preferred, but not required. Participants are welcome to come in their typical day wear. However, as there may be some sitting on tatami (traditional straw) mats, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, with several rules: jeans, shorts, and short skirts are not allowed. Pants or skirts are acceptable, as long as they are long enough to cover the knees when sitting. As you will be taking off your shoes, white socks are required. Please remove jewelry and watches and refrain from strong perfumes. Long hair will need to be tied or pulled back.
A lesson typically lasts 1 to 2 hours depending on the tea ceremony being practiced. Each student will have the opportunity to practice the manner of the host and main guest. While other students are practicing, you may practice as the second or third guest, or observe other students’ practice.
Classes are held in the Rancho Bernardo area. Once you are enrolled, we will send an email with further information.
All new students will begin taking classes sitting on a chair and at a table. Students typically begin their transition to practicing in a tatami tea room after about three months. However, practicing on tatami mats is not a requirement and students are welcome to continue practicing at the table.
In Urasenke, there are two forms of certification: a permit and a certificate of qualification.
A kyojo is a certificate of permission to study each stage of the practice. A certificate of qualification corresponds to a stage of the kyojo and is a certificate that indicates proficiency. Neither is it given immediately, nor is there a fixed period of time. Tea is to be practiced at your own pace and enjoyed for a lifetime.
Wearing a kimono is encouraged. We offer dressing classes to our members as needed. We also help members purchase necessary items such as kimonos, obis, and undergarments.