Like Suzuki-sensei always says...
CHASEN, CHAKIN, KARA NO FUKURO
From Suzuki-sensei
Opening chawan shifuku
Picking up chawan and shifuku after the initial untying, don’t put the loop on top of the chawan. That is specific to Nagao Chaire. (Even Shin no Gyo doesn’t put the loop on top for the chawan shifuku). Just hold the loop nigiriconde.
[[Shin no Gyo|Just like in [Shin no Gyo]]], left hand holding shifuku supports chawan all the way down after opening.
Opening natsume
Untie as usual and place in left hand. Pull the first knot. Then, RH index plus thumb, pull the uchidome back while the middle and ring finger hold the fabric down.
- TODO Add a video of opening natsume shifuku ➕ 2023-05-04
Opening chashaku shifuku
I remember him very specifically correcting me for this. Be naaatural, he says. Don’t fold the top down then do the bottom. Fold both up at the same time.
- TODO Add a video of tying the chashaku shifuku. ➕ 2023-05-04
More things
If there is a heri in the way for dougu positioning, you must obey it. This happens often if you’re doing komazue. If something ends up in an awkward position because of the heri, do your best.
- The same goes for teishu position when you’re returning at the end for haiken conversation. You must sit in front of the dougu for conversation, but it may end up being awkwardly high up on the tatami, on “temaeza”. It’s okay.