About the Institute

Vision & Aims

The Institute of Masters of Tea Arts (IMTA) was established to promote the enjoyment and education of authentic Chinese tea arts.  The IMTA aims to provide the highest standards of education and training for tea enthusiasts, and rising tea masters, in the field of Chinese tea.

In addition to an academic education of tea, the IMTA focuses heavily on practical training in both tasting, and the performance of Chinese tea rituals.  The objectives of the education programs are:

• To advance the understanding and enjoyment of Chinese tea in the areas of taste, performance and culture.
• To further the understanding of issues affecting product quality, and promote higher standards of quality in the tea industry.

 

What distinguishes a Master of Tea Arts certification from other tea industry qualifications?

The IMTA aims to promote the highest standards of excellence in the complete experience of Chinese tea art.

Therefore, candidates that successfully complete the certification programs are not only recognized for attaining an in depth knowledge of tea products and tea culture, they are further distinguished for attaining the highest standards of tasting skills, and excellence in the performance of Chinese tea rituals.

 

The World of Chinese tea

Although the popularity of tea is second only to water, most people’s experience with the beverage is centered on fully fermented tea, known as black tea in continental tea culture.  However, premium teas are composed of many more styles than just fully fermented tea.

To discover the widest range of tea styles we look to China—the homeland of tea.  China is one of the largest tea producers in the world, but among all the tea in China, fully fermented tea represents only 12% of its total production.

Chinese tea is truly composed of a vast spectrum of styles that include refreshing green tea, subtle white tea, tender yellow tea, a complex array of wulong tea, and sophisticated aged tea.  China is the only country with a long history of producing such a wide range of tea styles in significant quantities.

Home to tea for almost 5,000 years, China is also the cradle of tea culture.  While tea traditions have spread from China and grown to all corners of the globe, the Chinese art of tea has maintained its own path over the millennia.  The Chinese art of tea is not only about enjoying the flavours of tea, it is also about cultivating values and principles that are universally relevant and timeless. 

Our pupose is to further the understanding of Chinese tea styles and the beauty of Chinese tea art.

 

What is a Tea Master?

The concept of a tea master often varies from person to person, because the position of a tea master can serve different purposes.  At the IMTA we believe that the title of Tea Master represents a multi-faceted role.

The most widely held concept of a tea master is that of a connoisseur.  To be a tea connoisseur is to love tea with an appreciation that extends to every style from the vast range of artisan tea.   This affection for tea also represents a broad understanding and an expertise to distinguish the nuances of every style.

In addition to having a connoisseur’s palate, the tea master must also be proficient in preparing tea.  Only when tea is properly prepared can it be fully appreciated. Therefore, every tea leaf should trust that it will have the opportunity to express its true and finest character when placed in the hands of a true tea master.

However, connoisseurship represents skills that are possessed by an individual, and does not sufficiently define a tea master.  A connoisseur can focus his sensitivity to enjoy tea selfishly, but a tea master applies his skills for the service of others.  The tea master is responsible for performing tea services and hosting tea gatherings. As a host, the tea master is expected to be cordial, gracious, knowledgeable, and sincere.

Whether preparing tea individually or for a social gathering, the process of preparing tea itself is considered to have greater significance than the pleasures of the palate. The ritual of preparing tea is an artistic and spiritual ceremony in which the tea master aims to cultivate perfection as an artist and virtue as an individual.   Such a philosophical perspective on tea comes from the rich history of tea culture that is the foundation of the tea master’s art.

The full beauty of Chinese tea arts continues to flourish because preceding generations of tea masters laboured to pass their knowledge and skills to following generations.   Therefore, a tea master is expected to be a teacher with the responsibility of perpetuating the art of tea and ensuring that the beauty and quality of fine tea are not lost to commercialism and industrialization.

In the business of tea, the title of tea master refers to the individual in control of merchandising and developing a company’s tea offerings.   The tea master is responsible for tea selection and tea quality, and is a key influence on the integrity of the brand.

The IMTA certification programs aim to guide individuals to becoming multifaceted tea masters, and to help them embrace the responsibilities that come with their position.   Our vision is to nurture tea masters that will promote higher quality products and services in the tea industry and perpetuate the complete experience of tea as an art.