What We Offer
Tea Ceremony Lessons and Workshops
The Way of Tea, like martial arts, yoga, and Zen practice, can harmonize mind and body. Our lesson begins with the fundamentals, gradually cultivating both spirituality and technique. Beginners unfamiliar with Japanese culture or Chado are also welcome. In our workshops, participants can make nerikiri and enjoy it with matcha.
Urasenke Tea Ceremony
(Official Website)
Urasenke is one of the largest schools of Japanese tea ceremony (Chado or Chanoyu). It is often described as the 'Art of Living,' focusing on the spiritual and aesthetic refinement of the self. The core principles are known as ' Wa-kei-sei-jaku' (Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility). Based in Kyoto, the Urasenke tradition is centered on the 'Konnichian' tea room.
Ohara School of Ikebana
(Official Website)
Ohara-ryū ikebana was founded by Ohara Unshin in the late 19th century. It is one of Japan's three major schools and is known for establishing the “moribana” style, which uses flat, shallow containers. The defining characteristic of Ohara-ryū lies in expressing natural beauty within the water basin. Ohara-ryū's ‘Rinpa-style ikebana’ evokes the splendid floral screens of the ‘Rinpa’ school.
About Us
Cincinnati
email: cincytea2024@gmail.com
Yuuka Ishiu is a Japanese Tea Ceremony and Ikebana instructor based in Cincinnati. She began studying Japanese Tea Ceremony and Ikebana in Japan at the age of eight. After more than 20 years of training, she went on to earn advanced teaching titles, including 1st Degree Instructor of Koryu Ikebana, 3rd Term Master of Ohara-ryu Ikebana, 1st Degree Instructor of Urasenke Tea Ceremony, and 2nd Grade Certification in Kimono Dressing (Naganuma Shizu Kimono Academy). After moving to the United States, she continued studying Urasenke Tea Ceremony under Dale Slasser sensei. She enjoys sharing the beauty and mindfulness of Japanese culture with the Cincinnati community.
email: cincy.ikebana@gmail.com
Assistant Ikebana Instructor
Aria began studying Ikebana at a young age and has trained for many years under experienced Ikebana teachers in both the United States and Japan. She has earned an Ikebana teaching title and enjoys sharing the beauty of Japanese floral art with others.
Dayton
email: jesseberry77@gmail.com
Jesse, who lives in Greenville, north of Dayton, teaches tea ceremony and martial arts. He also runs a tea café where he serves matcha and a variety of other teas.
His attentive and positive teaching style is highly regarded by parents and students alike.
The tea ceremony has been practiced for over 400 years. Lessons provide a means to escape the daily stress and pressures of modern society, as well as the constant information overload we face, while offering methods to restore balance to both mind and body.
Ikebana allows us to rediscover the beauty of the four seasons and achieve harmony with nature.
Columbus
email: yumiko1275@hotmail.com
Yumiko (Chamei: Souyuu) is from Kyoto and has been immersed in Japanese culture since childhood. She loves the tea ceremony and the koto (a Japanese musical instrument). She also conducts formal table-style tea ceremonies. Her attentive instruction creates a welcoming learning environment.
In addition to lessons, we hold tea ceremonies several times a year. We practice proper etiquette at the tea gathering, prepare charcoal, and partake in the tea kaiseki meal.
Our Experience
Cincinnati Art Museum • Cincinnati Bell (now altafiber) • Kenyon College • Kenton County Public Library
Miami University • Saint Ursula Academy • Schnormeier Gardens • The Ohio State University
The Seven Hills School • University of Cincinnati