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What Is the Tea Horse Kōryū Foundation?

The Tea Horse Kōryū Foundation is the nonprofit educational arm of The Tea Horse, created to support accessible, culturally grounded Japanese tea education.

“Kōryū” means the flowing of traditions—a living lineage carried forward through care, adaptation, and community.

🍵 Our Purpose

The heart of the Tea Horse has always been to make the seemingly impossible possible.

Through tea, we create spaces where Japanese culture is shared with integrity and compassion—honoring tradition while meeting people where their bodies, minds, and lives are.

🌱 What Makes Our Work Different

The Kōryū Foundation recognizes that traditional arts are strongest when they are living.

Our programs:

honor classical forms of Japanese tea

provide thoughtful accommodations when appropriate

distinguish between formal training and participatory cultural experience

emphasize hospitality (Omotenashi), care, and presence over perfection

🤍 Accessibility & Care

Accessibility is not a deviation from tea—it is an expression of care.

When participants experience physical, neurological, or health-related limitations, we approach tea with discernment:

preserving tradition where training is the goal

adapting thoughtfully where participation and joy are the goal

🌏 Community & Cultural Partnership

Based in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Tea Horse Kōryū Foundation partners with local non-profits and regularly offers programming throughout Arkansas and the region.

Our work includes workshops, demonstrations, student training, and community-based tea gatherings that highlight cultural exchange and mutual respect.

🌿 Programs Supported by the Foundation

Educational tea workshops

Student training & mentorship

Community tea gatherings

Cultural exchange & local non-profit programming

Accessible introductions to Japanese tea culture

Tea teaches us how to meet the moment with what is available—hands, breath, care.

The Tea Horse Kōryū Foundation exists to ensure that tea remains a place of welcome, learning, and continuity for generations to come.

Fellowship Program

Our Fellowship Tea Program offers students the opportunity to study Japanese tea ceremony and cultural arts tuition-free by volunteering at The Tea Horse Koryu events and workshops. Participation is open to those who have successfully completed a mandatory beginner’s program and have been approved for the fellowship by the program director.

Students gain practical experience by assisting with event set-up, welcoming guests, preparing and serving matcha, and maintaining the tea space. In recognition of their time and dedication, they receive free tuition for weekly classes, hands-on training, and mentorship in Japanese cultural arts through the Way of Tea.

Open to middle school and high school students (with parent permission), college students, and adults.
Flexible volunteer hours based on availability.
Ideal for those interested in Japanese culture, hospitality, and event experience.
Fellowship hours count toward community service requirements for school.

Our next Beginner’s Program will meet on Saturday evenings from: