Testimonials

What a wonderful experience it has been to have Chas Kroll mentor and guide my journey through the world of tea. Chas gave me the perfect amount of guidance to point me on the right path, without taking away the joy of self discovery – a true mentor. A great mix of humor and reverence has made this course so informative and very enjoyable at the same time. I cannot thank you enough Chas and look forward to staying in touch as I journey along my way of tea. Dianne S., Australia

I thought I knew a lot about tea before starting this course—not everything, but a lot. I considered myself the town’s authority on tea because I knew how to brew most tea. Our café was, and is, the only place in town where one could find a pot of loose leaf tea, properly prepared, and served with panache! I jokingly told people that my mother-in-law taught me well! I knew I would learn many things about tea, but in all honesty, I was a tried and true coffee drinker who looked at this certification as another angle that might help our business expand.
        Now, all these months later, I can’t even begin to count the things I’ve learned! Assigning a quantitative significance to any one of them is impossible, because each one in its own right is the most significant! What makes it harder is that they build on one another. I studied world history in college, so I found the history of tea fascinating in every aspect. As an innkeeper who has served afternoon tea daily since 1983, learning about the various tea ceremonies and the service aspect of being a Tea Master was right on point! The subtle nuances of aroma and taste as well as the harvesting and processing of the numerous teas that I have sampled has been enlightening in every aspect. And lastly, as an insatiable gardener (in the Rocky Mountains, no less), learning about how geography, climatic conditions and soil differences can affect the final product has been captivating!
       How do I choose any one of these things as being THE most significant? I can’t! What I can say for sure, is that today—even after learning all of this—I realize how little I know! Tea will never again be just another beverage. Every cup will be a sensory and educational adventure! Most of all, I haven’t had a satisfying cup of coffee in months! Frankee M., Montana

The Certified Tea Mastery Course I recently completed was both extraordinary and outstanding. It allowed me to go deeply into the true knowledge and mysteries of the world of tea. By true knowledge I mean first hand and top quality information and data, with one exceptional tea tasting experience after another. But beyond its quality I want to outline the work done by Chas Kroll, Certified Tea Master and Executive Director of the American Tea Masters Association, a man who I consider a visionary and used his skills to create something that I describe as "a world tea family." Diego M., Rosario, Argentina

No other course offers a better overview of the world of tea. If you're going to be in the tea business, you really must have a solid foundation in tea. This course provides just that by giving the best opportunity to taste, discuss, and get to know the characters of a great sampling of teas covering all the major types, as well as learning the important basics in history, production, rituals and the service of tea. Being able to do it from the comfort of my home and save travel expenses was a bonus. I recommend it highly! Elaine T., Ohio

I did the Tea Master training on Skype in April 2009. I was amazed to have my own personal tea master giving me private lessons. The training was very thorough and informative. Chas had done a tremendous amount of work putting the most comprehensive training I have seen in one place. The most valuable thing about the program to me was that I had the best mentor in the tea business review my website and business and give me valuable suggestions to take my business to the next level. Chas was patient and engaging. I totally looked forward to our class times. I feel I have made a true connection with a master. I am extremely grateful for the experience. Chas is an excellent teacher. I know the schooling I began with Chas will be a life-long process and relationship. Thia M., Houston, Texas

Chas Kroll has developed a much-needed Certified Tea Master program that will raise the bar on tea training here in the USA. The program not only challenged my existing knowledge of tea, but expanded my tea knowledge and shattered some prior incorrect understandings of tea and tea preparation. I am quite excited to be taking part in the “maiden voyage” of this Certified Tea Master study program. The curriculum is well researched, up-to-date and immediately applicable to today’s rapidly growing specialty tea industry. Being able to sit toe-to-toe with tea industry experts (in some cases legends) is worth the cost alone, but Chas didn’t stop there. He added expert curriculum coupled with a unique learning environment. This learning environment allowed students to challenge themselves while encouraging others in a poignant one-on-one daily exchange of ideas and sensory critiques. The faculty’s knowledge of tea was surpassed only by their passion of tea. I look forward to the positive impact the ATMA Certified Tea Master program is going to have on the specialty tea industry here and abroad. Thank you for this program, and I look forward to having tea and sharing ideas and techniques with all of the wonderful tea people I have met here at ATMA. Alan L., California

It was an honor to be one of the first in the Tea Masters Program. It was truly an unforgettable awesome tea week. The things that were confirmed, shared and the on-going education in tea is really beyond what I can put into words at this moment. This program is greatly needed in America. Cheryl G., Arizona

The five-day immersive segment of the first American Tea Masters Association program has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The caliber of the faculty was second-to-none; the participants were knowledgeable, helpful and bonded completely. The facility in San Diego was perfect and the hands-on opportunity has been invaluable. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who chooses to rise above the rest. Darlene F., California

Having sampled all those wonderful teas was most valuable to me as I would never have been able to do that on my own! Having everyone in the same room sharing experiences and observations made it even more irreplaceable. I will miss going to class now that it's over! Thank you for organizing this gathering of tea aficionados. We are one in tea! Joy W., California

The American Tea Master Assocation has raised the bar on tea education and mastery. I had the privilege to attend the first Tea Master certification course and was amazed at the level of tea education that was available to us. From the well known speakers and faculty to my very educated classmates, I learned (and continue to learn) a wealth of information that will benefit me and those I am able to teach about tea. The way the course is designed enables the students to interact with their classmates and the faculty and come away with an increased level of knowledge. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to take the next step to become a Tea Master. Sherry E., California

The American Tea Masters Association's training and certification program provides an opportunity to prepare and taste all types of teas under the guidance and direction of several renowned tea masters. The learning environment was warm, supportive and encouraging, made possible by the generous personalities of the registrants. The initial 5-day course was truly enjoyable. I was sad to see it end, but the lessons and camaraderie continued with weekly telesessions, which required cupping and evaluating 36 additional teas. This is serious program for people willing to make the commitment to advance their knowledge to a higher level. The best part of the program for me was the friendship and networking found with like-minded tea lovers. After it ended, a fellow student joined me on a two-week trip to explore Puerh Tea in Yunnan Province in China. We're already planning joint tea events together. Would I recommend the program? Without hesitation! Charleen K., California

The American Tea Masters Association was a great way to increase my knowledge about tea. My pallet developed exponentially as I tasted and evaluated a variety of teas that I hadn't yet tasted. Chas Kroll worked with me one on one across the country via Skype. I found Chas to be extremely knowledgeable about the history of tea, of tea, and practically all things tea. He even sent me teas that weren't a part of the course because he cared more about my development than he did about the basic completion of the course. This experience was worth the cost and I would take this course again in a heartbeat. Thanks to Chas and everyone at the ATMA. Chris B., Indiana

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