Samurais and Matcha: Are we even surprised?

Long before matcha found its way into cafés and Sunday (everyday, duh) rituals, it was revered by Japan’s samurai class — not just as a drink, but as a discipline.

Matcha wasn’t just nourishment; it was preparation. Before battle, samurai would whisk and drink matcha to sharpen their focus and steady their nerves. The ritual was quiet and deliberate — a moment of stillness before chaos. Rich in L-theanine, matcha promotes calm alertness, helping the mind stay centered even under pressure.

The tea ceremony itself mirrored the values of bushidō — respect, precision, humility. Every movement had purpose, every pause, intention.

Today, when we sip matcha, we may not be facing duels at dawn, but we are navigating a world that demands clarity, strength, and stillness. In that sense, we’re not so different from the warriors who came before us.