| The London Branch of the Urasenke Foundation is open to all who have an interest in Chado, The Way of Tea. It is our aim to disseminate the Way of Tea in the United Kingdom through lectures, demonstrations, training and Tea gatherings. For those who are interested in learning more about this important part of Japanese culture and to experience at first hand its special values, participation in the activities of the Branch are possible at several levels. For those who are totally new to the Way of Tea. An introduction to the Way of Tea is given on the first and third Fridays of each month at the 'Waei-an' Tea room in the Urasenke Gallery of the British Museum (5th floor). This is an opportunity to experience the spirit of the Way of Tea free of charge so please come along. For those who wish to begin studying the Way of Tea Beginners are always welcome to start practice at anytime. Weekly lessons will introduce you to the principles of the Way of Tea from its history to the basic steps of the procedures for enjoying and appreciating the preparation and drinking of tea. Should you wish to continue training beyond this introduction, then you can do so by becoming a member of the Branch which will also entitle you to participate in other activities. For those with previous experience in the Way of Tea If you have had previous experience of the Urasenke Tradition of Tea then you may participate in the activities of the London Branch either by becoming a member of the Branch or, if you are only temporarily in the United Kingdom, as a visitor. Please ask for details.   Keiko or practice is given from beginner to advanced levels in Japanese tradicional manner by a Japanese professor. Keiko is given on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays by appointment only. Times for practice are flexible. For further information contact us. Basic Level - Nyumon, Konarai, Kagetsu,Chabako Intermediary Level - Shikaden, Shichijishiki, Shikishidate Advanced Level -Soden ( from Gyo-no-Gyo up ) Chaji and Haigata practice Lectures and Workshops Kaiseki Cookeries, Wagashi Making, The History of Chado, Kireji (fabrics), Chashaku Making are among topics which may be covered during the year.  Chakai or Tea gatherings are ocasions when students gather to celebrate a Chado event which may be related to the seasons, historical or tradicional events. Annual Programme HATSUDATE-SHIKI ( January ) RIKYUKI ( March ) MEIGETSU ( September ) ROBIRAKI ( November ) JOYAGAMA ( December ) HATSUDATE-SHIKI, The first Tea With the opening of the New Year we have Hatsugama. It is the beginning of Spring in the world of Chanoyu and is the most joyous Tea of the year. The alcove is specially decorated and the finest of our utensils are used. A sweet, matcha, and the New Year Japanese meal, osechi-ryory, are served. RIKYU-KI, The anniversary of the death of the first Grand Master Every Tea Master and student of the Way of Tea receives their certificate under the signature of the descendants of Sen Rikyu. On this day we remember the life and work of Rikyu, the founder of The Way of Tea, who must be given credit for establishing simplicity as an element of paramount importance in Tea. At this tea gathering, students will make an offering of matcha for Rikyu as well as performing one of the Seven "group exercise" or Shichijishiki. ROBIRAKI, The opening of the winter hearth The feeling is of early winter. Outside it has become quieter and our attention is drawn to the sound of the water boiling in the kettle over the newly opened hearth. At this tea gathering the tea jar is decorated, sweet and matcha are served. JOYAGAMA, The last Tea of the year Once again the tearoom is prepared to receive members and their guests at the end of the year. It is a time of reflection for the year passing and of continued hope for the year to come. The gathering takes place in the light of oil lamps and standing candle lanterns. A light Japanese meal, tenshin, and matcha is served.  Since 2001 annual seminars have been organized by the London Branch with the aim to give practitioners opportunity to further their studies in company of other students and teachers from abroad. These intensive courses cover all levels of practice including evening lectures related to Cha-no-Yu. Anyone practicing in the Urasenke school are welcome to join the seminar. 2004 seminar will take place at Kaetsu Educational Centre. Three whole days intensive course starting from ussucha procedures. Arrival on 22 Oct for dinner at 6 pm. Departure on evening of 25 Oct after dinner or 26 morning (no breakfast incl.). Anyone interested in taking part in the London Seminar or other seminars around Europe please go to Seminar Pages at Urasenke European web site. To take part in the London Seminar send or e-mail application form (print Japanese txt or English txt) to Urasenke London, dead line: 20th September 2004. (20 full board available) - breakfast: 7:00 AM - chado practice: from 8:00 AM - lunch: noon - chado practice: from 1:30 PM - dinner: 6:00 PM - lecture: 7:00 - 9:00 PM  The London Branch holds Chado presentations at "Waei-an" chashitsu, tea hut, in the Japanese Gallery of the British Museum. Presentations are given on second and fourth Fridays, two per day. Starting times are 1 PM and 3 PM. The Japanese Gallery is on the 5th floor from the North entrance. In case the Gallery is closed the doors will be opened few minutes before the presentation start time. Scheduled Dates: August 13 & 27, October 8. Please double check dates with Museum. Other public presentations: Sep 11: Ruskin Museum, Cumbria at 2 PM Oct 31: V & A, Japanese Gallery at 2 PM, 3PM, 4 PM |
