Benefits of Joining the Jikiden Reiki UK Association (JRUKA)

In the UK, we are lucky enough to have our own national Reiki Association specifically for those who are trained in and practise Jikiden Reiki. So, once you have attended a Jikiden Reiki training course with me (or any authorised Jikden Reiki teacher) you have the opportunity to become a member of the Jikiden Reiki UK Association (JRUKA).

Before I go into how I think it’s a great thing to join, full disclosure, I helped set it up along with 3 other Jikiden Reiki teachers and I serve as one of the 4 committee members, so yes a bit biased maybe, but so what, if it's helpful to you, it's helpful to you. It's run by myself based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, along with, Rika Tanaka (based in Ealing, London), Jonathan Stuart (based in Woking, Surrey) and Amanda Jayne (based in Padstow, Cornwall). We run the organisation online but organise some national in-person events as well.

Together we run the association for the benefit of its members as a not-for-profit association, the association is also recognised by the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Japan. As I write this it has been around for 4 years now (2024).

In Jikiden Reiki, as was the original Usui Reiki tradition in Japan, we place importance on support for Reiki practitioners once they have completed Reiki training courses. Consider the formal Reiki training courses of Shoden and Okuden as the start point of your study of Reiki. As individual teachers, we may do group workshops called Reiju Kai (Reiju meetings) periodically. I support practitioners on a 1-1 basis as well. However, having a national Reiki association specific to Jikiden Reiki is a great bonus to those in the UK.

Our aims are:

·        To create a central hub to promote a cohesive national Jikiden Reiki community in the UK

·        To support Jikiden Reiki students, professional practitioners, and teachers in the UK

·        To Foster the growth of Jikiden Reiki in the UK, maintaining the integrity and spirit of the founder of Reiki

We built it for the reason to support Jikiden Reiki practitioners in the UK. You can join after completing Shoden course. You just need to be a Jikiden Reiki trained and a UK resident. The membership is designed for those who are practising Reiki for their own personal journey, or supporting family with Reiki, as well as those who may do Reiki with the public, both voluntarily and professionally. I have listed some key benefits of membership below, have a look and if you wish to join us and support our aims links are at the bottom of this article.

Key benefits of Jikiden Reiki UK Association (JRUKA) membership:

Education & Community

A big thing that we offer is regular online webinars, that are both free and exclusive to members. These are on a range of topics relevant to Reiki, at a frequency of every 1-2 months. Topics range from Reiki, Professional Reiki practice, Japanese language and culture, as well as community-focused events. Recent webinar topics have included: Arjava Sensei (the vice representative of Jikiden Reiki), joining us from Greece to talk about Reiki. We had a presentation from the International Hado Institute, on the topic of energy and its effect on water. Before that, we talked on the business side of Reiki The one before that was an end-of-year community webinar to get to know each other better. There is also access to archive webinars (we also have a webinar library where you can view past webinars).

National in-person events- Training and Community

We hold in-person national Reiju Kai meetings around the UK for our members, 2-3 times a year at present. We recently did one in Exeter, and the next one is in Surrey, at the end of last year I hosted one in Edinburgh. These are great events to have Reiju from multiple teachers and to meet and practice with practitioners outside your local practitioner groups. There is also a Reiki training element. These in-person events do have a small additional fee as it is with any Reiju Kai events, currently £30 per event.

Discounts

We secure heavily discounted public and professional insurance for Reiki with the public (needed Reiki voluntarily or professionally) with Balens LTD. We have secondary discounts for a few other things as well, such as quality Reiki therapy couch company, however, the insurance discount alone can be a reason for membership.

Royalty-free Reiki Music

We commissioned composers to create some Reiki background music tracks for us, which we license to members free of charge, so you get royalty-free music (so play in public without additional license fees).

Practitioner resources

You get access to a range of useful resources which include a free public directory for Professional Practitioners. Use of professional JRUKA practitioner logo. You have the option to get a public listing page on the JRUKA national website and be added to the national Jikiden Reiki practitioner map at no additional cost. You can even join the JRUKA Professional Practitioner Programme where we can support you to achieve Verified Practitioner status (additional fees). There is much more available, I have jut put some highlights for you here.

To find out more and apply to join visit the JRUKA website: https://www.jikidenreikiuk.com/membership/

If you have any questions regarding JRUKA membership email us directly at the JRUKA email:

https://www.jikidenreikiuk.com/contact/

For more information about Jikiden Reiki training courses see my Jikiden Reiki courses page.

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I am mainly known nowadays for my work with Reiki, as a specialist in authentic Japanese Reiki. I am an experienced, Reiki teacher and practitioner with a proven track record of results. I offer Jikiden Reiki training courses, promoting authentic Japanese Reiki teachings. I am based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the UK. I have a background in coaching and training in the areas of exercise coaching, holistic lifestyle, fitness, and performance coaching. I also have a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science, for more information visit: www.shaunmckeown.com

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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.

How to Find Authentic Japanese Usui Reiki Training Courses

This article is to help those looking for original Japanese Usui Reiki teachings and would like help to find Authentic Japanese Usui Reiki training courses, among a sea of options out there. If you like approaches to Reiki that have moved far from the original, that’s fine, This article is not for you, it is for those who are looking for Reiki training as close as possible to the original, in its complete form how Reiki was originally taught in Japan.

The Reality

There are many different Reiki courses, and many misunderstandings in Reiki courses, In addition, many courses present themselves as authentic Japanese Usui Reiki, yet are quite a distance from that. Many teachers don’t realize this, others are aware of this, and some look to appear more Japanese than the Reiki training they provide. Which makes it difficult for those looking for authentic Japanese Usui Reiki training (Usui Sensei being the founder of Reiki).

Why I am writing this article:

Many people contact me looking for original Japanese Reiki training and are confused about how to find it, or have previously taken Reiki training and have been disappointed with what they got, thinking it was the original, to later find out it was not, and are coming to me for help. For some, this is the journey, as it was with myself learning Usui Reiki, which was unknowingly more Westernised, to then later discover more original Japanese Reiki training in Jikiden Reiki. Something that has helped me, understand what is taught in other Reiki courses, so I am well-positioned to write articles such as this. So, with my Consumer Champion hat on, I am writing this article to help you navigate through the choices out there, to help you get to the Reiki training you are looking for.

Avoiding Disappointment

Some who attend my Reiki training courses are new to Reiki, and others have received previous Reiki training, so are now attending my courses to deepen their understanding of Reiki, which is all fine. Others, however, did not get what they thought they were getting with other Reiki courses the first time they took Reiki training courses, so then sometime later after not feeling what they were taught was that effective, or did not seem what they were looking for come to me for help. The only solution is to retain them, so many decide to take Jikiden Reiki training with me. What I want to do here is to help people avoid the need to retrain in Reiki, by helping them understand how to get to the original teachings from the start and avoid any potential disappointment.

This Article is for you if:

You can self-identify if I am talking to you, as you will be wanting to learn Reiki and want to learn it in its complete original form, The accuracy of what you are taught is likely important to you as well. Many students use terms like they want ‘pure’ Reiki, or ‘non-watered-down Reiki’. You would want to learn the system of Reiki with no Western influences of different healing therapies or concepts mixed in, that muddy the water. In a nutshell, you want to learn Reiki in its original complete form, with no missing parts, no non-Reiki additional content, without misunderstandings, as it was created by Usui Sensei in Japan. If that sounds like you, read on.

The Solution

So, if this is you the quick answer is to learn Jikiden Reiki with an authorized Jikiden Reiki Teacher. If you are in the UK have a look at my Jikiden Reiki training courses page for further details and course dates. I am based in the Birmingham area, UK. Many travels quite a way to get to my training, however if you live at the other end of the country, and want a course a bit closer have a look at the Jikiden Reiki UK Association’s UK Jikiden Reiki course schedule for upcoming Jikiden Reiki courses in the UK. For those not in the UK have a look at the International Jikiden Reiki Association for teachers internationally.

The only sure way to ensure you get original Japanese Reiki training is to take Jikiden Reiki training courses. We know this is the only known credible route that is available to the public in the UK, or internationally. Be aware many Reiki schools, teachers, and courses use terminology that makes them sound more authentic and Japanese. Some add Japanese concepts, or actual original techniques into their teachings. The origins of some Reiki courses can be very well hidden. So, again the best way I can help you find original Japanese Reiki training is to suggest you take Jikiden Reiki training courses, with an authorised teacher. Without the inside understanding, it’s going to be difficult to uncover all those that present as original Japanese Usui Reiki, yet are something much different. Below are some points that should help you screen out 80% and give you some clues to start.

11 x Clues to help you Spot Reiki Courses that might not be a fit for you if you are looking for original Japanese teachings

1.      The fact it is called Usui Reiki, or Japanese Reiki, or has a Japanese-sounding name, is no indication that it is close to the original Usui Reiki teachings. Most Western Reiki approaches use the title Usui Reiki.

2.      Just the fact a teacher is Japanese themselves is no indication what they are teaching is close to the original Japanese Usi Reiki teachings (as much of the Reiki taught in Japan to the public has its roots in Western Reiki).

3.      If the teacher calls themselves a Reiki Master, or even terms sounding even higher levels of a teacher than that, it is unlikely they are not teaching original Usui Reiki. In Jikiden Reiki we use the term Shihan (meaning teacher). See my article Reiki Levels Explained for more on this.

4.      With a teacher's Reiki Lineage (a teachers teacher's family tree traced back to the founder of Reiki Usui Sensei- this being each teacher in that lineage being trained to teacher level and given permission to teach what they were taught by the teacher above). If Mrs Takata is in the lineage it is Western Reiki. Note: Although teachings from Mrs. Takata onwards were changed, she did a lot for Reiki and its spread in the world. See my article What is Reiki lineage?

5.      Also understand some Reiki schools and teachers (be that the teacher themselves, or more commonly a teacher further up in the teacher’s lineage have altered their true teacher lineage to look more Japanese, for example, some might take practitioner-level training with an original school, then claim to have been a teacher with that person and add them to their lineage. A common sign of such problems is a teacher's Reiki teacher lineage with various branches. This is a big problem with Reiki courses, or teachers wanting to appear more Japanese. Again for more understanding of this point see my article What is Reiki Lineage?

6.      If a training course uses terms such as attunement, or initiations, it is an indication it is away from the original. Reiju is the original term used for clearing the channel so you can channel Reiki energy yourself.

7.      On a practical level, if a course teaches to deliver Reiki treatments from set hand placements (usually 10 or more), commonly with 5 min durations or less at each point, delivering a standardized Reiki treatment, or relies heavily on your intuition, or communication with guides and other entities, we are getting away from the original. The way Treatments were delivered in Original Usui Reiki is targeted and uses a concept called Byosen (not to confuse with byosen scanning). Treatments are delivered by placement of hands in contact with the body, then the body giving you sensations through your hands, as to the degree of need at that hand placement, that is the information used to guide the treatments this was the original way. Note: books have been published with information on Byosen in the public domain, that teachers may have read and added to their training courses, but if a course teaches standardized approaches to delivering treatments, it gives you a good indication of the roots of it. See my article Jikiden Reiki and Western Reiki, What’s the Difference? which expands on these practical differences.

8.      If there is a theme of improving on the original, developing, or evolving Usui Reiki in some way, they have the concept of Reiki backward and are away from the original. If you want original Reiki, look for those that try and preserve the original teachings, not change them.

9.      Amazon's best-seller list is not an indicator of authenticity in Reiki training. Yes, some teacher-authors are teaching original Usui Reiki, but popularity is not a good indicator of authenticity. So not always a good place to look for a teacher. For some recommended Reiki book titles see my Recommended Reiki books page.

10.   Original Usui Reiki uses the Japanese Lemoto system, in that permissions to teach are more controlled and granted with consideration and in stages. We continue this system in Jikiden Reiki, so we have Shahain Kaku (assistant teachers) who can teach the first level of Reiki courses, Shoden (level 1) then Shihan (teacher) who is permitted to teach the complete system. Shoden and Okuden levels. (level 1 and 2). Yet a select 1-2 senior teachers in each country are permitted to teach the assistant teacher, but not the full teachers, it then falls on the head of an organization that creates full teachers (we have 2 people in the world who create Shihan) so most teachers would deliver Reiki training to teach the whole system, but not permitted to teach teachers. So as a Shihan myself I teach Shoden and Okuden courses. The point to look out for is that if a Reiki course works that you get to teach very quickly and can create your teachers, you can see it as another indicator of an approach that has moved away from the original.

11.   You learn Reiki in person with a teacher. Some parts, Most importantly Reiju (where the teacher performs a process handed down from their teacher to clear your energy channels, is just not done remotely. If someone offers some way to do that remotely, they have moved a long way away from the original and I would question how effective such a clearing was compared to the original in-person way. See my article Are Online Reiki Courses A Good Idea? for more on this point.

I hope this article helps you in your search for the right Reiki training courses for you. If you are in the UK and would like to find out more about learning Jikiden Reiki see my Jikiden Reiki Training Courses page.

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I am mainly known nowadays for my work with Reiki, as a specialist in authentic Japanese Reiki. I am an experienced, Reiki teacher and practitioner with a proven track record of results. I offer Jikiden Reiki training courses, promoting authentic Japanese Reiki teachings. I am based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the UK. I have a background in coaching and training in the areas of exercise coaching, holistic lifestyle, fitness, and performance coaching. I also have a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science, for more information visit: www.shaunmckeown.com

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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.

Jikiden Reiki® and Western Reiki, What are the Differences?

I have written this article primarily to help those new to Reiki who are looking for Reiki training courses and want to make sense of the options out there, who have come across Jikiden Reiki as well as other approaches to Reiki and wish to better understand the differences, to help them to make a better decision as to their direction in Reiki training courses, or indeed treatments. This article could also be helpful for those who have received training in Reiki of some form, who wish to deepen their understanding and study of Reiki and understand more about Jikiden Reiki. I have had countless private conversations with people looking for Reiki training, who want to better understand what they might be getting with each approach, so I have decided to write about it.

I write this article in peace, intending to help the person looking to better understand Reiki, who might be looking to invest in Reiki training courses and is confused about the options out there, so I write this with my consumer champion of Reiki hat on if you like. Before I go into the article, I want to make a few points to set the framing of this article, as you read it.

Firstly, people have seen good results from many different Reiki approaches.

Reiki energy is Reiki energy, and we all use the same stuff, so the differences in the practice of Reiki and the results people experience with differing approaches to Reiki come from factors other than the energy itself (what I mean is one approach is not using ‘stronger’ or special energy).

The term Western Reiki was not created by the Jikiden Reiki community, but by a prominent senior teacher in the Usui Reiki society in Japan in the early 1990s as a way to identify Reiki approaches that had moved away from the original Japanese teachings and practice of Usui Reiki. I highlight the differences from that view also.

Understand also there is a wide variety in what is taught under the title of Reiki, Usui Reiki, Western, or Japanese, and a wide range of accuracy of what is taught in any Reiki approach. As such the understanding of Reiki teachers, or Reiki Masters (the common Western term for a Reiki teacher) varies greatly as well. Consider as well most Western Reiki teachers would not be aware what they teach is Western Reiki at all! Some are and prefer not to make that known, but prefer to present their teachings in a more Japanese light, something to watch out for that as well.

I am a Jikiden Reiki teacher (Shihan) and that is all I teach nowadays, however, I was previously a Reiki Master teacher in both what was called Usui Reiki (Western Reiki) as well as a Reiki Master teacher in more ‘modern’, or ‘progressive’ approaches to Reiki as well, so I know what is being taught in both approaches to Reiki, so I am well positioned to write this. I have organized this article into 4 sections to help you gain an understanding of a few key characteristics of each approach to Reiki to help better understand them.

Overview

Jikiden Reiki is all about preserving the original teachings of Usui Sensei (the founder of Reiki) the Reiki teacher lineage (teachers link back to the founder of Reiki) is very short, with no Western influences, maintaining the original Japanese idea and practices of Reiki is the focus. Jikiden Reiki was built around the training Chiyoko Yamaguchi received directly from Chujiro Hayashi in the 1930s. Maybe think of Jikiden Reiki as the closest thing to authentic Japanese Usui Reiki training in the world that is openly available to the public. To find out more about Jikiden Reiki see my article: ‘What is Jikiden Reiki?’

Western Reiki has its roots in original Usui Reiki, it however lost some key components, understanding, and teachings in its move to the West, as well as the base Japanese culture and philosophy that ties into Reiki. This undoubtedly helped Reiki spread in the West and indeed back to Japan in the 1980s, however, this has led to in addition to fundamental misunderstandings of Usui Reiki, huge variations in what is taught under the name Reiki, and indeed has sprouted all these variations in styles of Reiki. I would suggest looking at my article: ‘Is there Such a Thing a Styles of Reiki?’ for more detail on this.

Reiki Teacher Lineage

The differences can be easily seen in a teacher's Reiki lineage. A Reiki lineage is a teacher's teacher training if you like, and who has granted permission for them to teach what they teach, this tracks back to the founder Usui Sensei. For more on Reiki Linages see my article: ‘What is Reiki Lineage?’ Note: A Teacher's lineage is always only a single line down, teaching what you were taught by the teacher above, back to the founder of Reiki. It is also only teachers should have one. I say this as you will come across teachers who have ‘expanded’ a lineage to look more Japanese, indeed many have found ‘creative’ ways to hide that what they teach is Western Reiki, choosing to list practitioner training with Japanese teachers as if they had been trained as a teacher and granted permissions to teach in that person’s name as an example. Characteristics of Jikiden and Western Lineages are below:

Jikiden Reiki

Mikao Usui
Chujiro Hayashi
Chiyoko Yamaguchi
Tadao Yamaguchi

Jikiden Reiki Shihans (teachers)

As an example, Tadao Yamaguchi is my Reiki teacher I trained with him and I teach what he taught me, he granted me the level of teacher, so I would be under him on my own Reiki teacher lineage.

Western Reiki

Mikao Usui
Chujiro Hayashi
Hawayo Takata

Here is a Western teacher lineage, it branches off in a variety of directions. There are commonly another 4- 15 steps down until you get to your teacher. The point is what is taught was changed at multiple points in that lineage. Any teacher with Hawayo Takata in their lineage is teaching Western Reiki.

Reiki Teachers & Teacher Training

Jikiden Reiki preserves the Japanese Lemoto system where who creates teachers is controlled from the top of the organization in Japan, so a couple of people in the world can create Shihan (full teacher), so as teachers, we don’t create other teachers, that is left to the top teachers in the organization, who are all senior teachers. This does help to preserve standards, however, there are naturally a lot fewer authorized Jikiden teachers as a percentage of Reiki teachers out there. So, for example, there may be 2-4 new Shihans (full teachers) created each year in the UK. The process of starting teacher training to the full teacher is commonly a 2-year journey for most, with many requirements to be met along the way such as repetition of full Reiki training courses 2 or 3 times, then attendance to an assistant teacher level (Shihan Kaku) training course. Then a teacher gains permission to teach only the beginner Reiki course (Shoden), they build experience delivering Reiki training, further repeating Reiki training and assistant training courses, then a Shihan (full teacher) course. We all teach the same thing, charge the same training fees, and work from the guidance of a central organization, the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Japan. All training is certified with them. For more details about Jikiden Reiki training, see my Jikiden Reiki courses page.

Western Reiki allows a Reiki teacher (commonly termed Reiki Master, or Reiki Master Teacher) to make adjustments to what they teach, how they deliver it, and charge what they want. The controls on the teachings you see in Jikiden Reiki are just not there in Western Reiki. Many have added other parts to the training, that are nothing to do with Reiki. Many have created different styles of Reiki. Teacher training is commonly a 3-day training course. Prerequisites are usually only to have taken level 1 and 2 Reiki, maybe some experience, but that is it. Teachers can then create their own teachers (Reiki Masters) at any time. There isn’t any coherent quality control or organized way of doing things. Some have formed organizations to honor the teachings of Hawayo Takata, or they aim to stay in line with her teachings, but it's more an individual teacher’s choice what they do (It’s a bit of a wild west out there).

What is taught in Reiki Training Courses

Jikiden Reiki This is the most important bit for you, and where differences are most evident. The Jikiden Reiki teachings are about the original complete Usui Reiki teachings. For a start, the method the teacher uses to clear the student’s channels to be able to channel Reiki energy is different than Western Reiki. In Jikiden Reiki this process is called Reiju. We perform Reiju multiple times throughout the Reiki training courses and place importance on maintaining a clear channel. How Jikiden Reiki teaches students to deliver Reiki treatments is always with hands on a person’s body, with light contact, with a focus on a person’s body showing us where the need is which we can track through sensations in our hands with the original Usui Reiki approach of Byosen, this is the cornerstone of delivering effective Reiki treatments (this is one of the parts missing in Western Reiki). We find a person’s area of need and stay there, for long periods of 30 mins plus, further supporting a targeted effective treatment, in addition, we can track a person's progress through the changes in these sensations. There are other useful original Usui Reiki techniques we teach that are absent in other Reiki teachings as well, such as Ketsueki Kokan Ho (a useful circulation technique performed at the end of Reiki treatment sessions) and the complete Seiheki Chiryo (emotional technique). Jikiden Reiki places enthesis on accurate historical information and cultural understanding in its training courses as well. There is also a focus on living Reiki in our lives. The style is simplicity and depth in its teachings and authenticity, it's easier to use, with non of the rituals you tend to see in Western Reiki. It is about honoring the original teachings of the founder Usui Sensei. Course levels will be Shoden (beginner) 2-day course. And Okuden (deeper level) 1-day course. We teach both courses together as 3 days of training. Jikiden Reiki will tend to suit those wanting authenticity and accuracy in what they learn and want to learn Reiki in its complete original form. For more details on Reiki training course levels see my article: ‘Reiki training levels Explained.’

Western Reiki The method the teacher uses to clear the student’s channels to be able to channel Reiki energy is different. In Western Reiki this process is called an Attunement, some call them other words such as initiation, but the process differs from the original method. Personally, having been trained in many of these methods the original has the best effect. Attunements tend to be 1 per course level and not done much after formal training courses. As not all Japanese Reiki teaching made it to what was first taught in the West, the teaching content gaps tend to be filled with things that are not Reiki, such as chakras, crystals, pendulums, angels, animal spirits, guides, additional symbols, such as a ‘master’ symbol among others. The method of delivering treatment tends to be standard hand placements, usually 15 sites, working 3-5 mins per placement. Or a more intuitive lead treatment. Having the hands hovering over the person’s body is the norm during treatments. The style tends to be adding more to the system. The levels are commonly presented as level-1 (beginner) a 2-day course and level 2 (practitioner), a 2-day course. Many have added additional levels, but any content in such courses is nothing to do with Usui Reiki. People usually learn level 1 training, then after 3 months or so take level 2 training. Western Reiki tends to suit those with an interest in things such as developing psychic senses, or interest in spirit guides, and for those where authenticity and accuracy, are not that important, for those that are happy with content being changed, or merged with other approaches.

In Closing

I hope this has helped you gain an insight into the differences between Jikiden Reiki and Western Reiki. If you would like to find out more about original Japanese Reiki courses in the UK, see my Jikiden Reiki training courses. If you are looking for Reiki training, you might find my article: ‘Guide to Finding the Right Reiki Course and Teacher for You' helpful.

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I am mainly known nowadays for my work with Reiki, as a specialist in authentic Japanese Reiki. I am an experienced, Reiki teacher and practitioner with a proven track record of results. I offer Jikiden Reiki training courses, promoting authentic Japanese Reiki teachings. I am based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the UK. I have a background in coaching and training in the areas of exercise coaching, holistic lifestyle, fitness, and performance coaching. I also have a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science, for more information visit: www.shaunmckeown.com

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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.

What is Jikiden Reiki®?

This article is primarily written for and to help those who are looking to learn Reiki and are considering which is the right course for them, who have come across my website, and maybe the term Jikiden Reiki for the first time and wish to understand a bit more about it. My aim is to provide an insight into Jikiden Reiki, as well as highlight some of its characteristics.

Although it can be considered to be desirable to focus on our similarities, rather than our differences in the Reiki world, in the context of understanding what Jikiden reiki is, a comparison to other approaches to at least be able to see where Jikiden Reiki sits in an environment of multiple variations and approaches out there all under the banner of 'Reiki' can be helpful. Better understanding the characteristics and methods of Jikiden Reiki, can help you make a more informed choice as to the best direction for you in your study of Reiki.  Just today I had a conversation with another person looking to learn Reiki who was trying to make sense of all the choices out there for Reiki training.

In a nutshell, Jikiden Reiki is authentic Japanese Usui Reiki, as practiced and taught in the late 1920s and 30s in Japan, with no Western influence or adaption to the original teachings of the time. Most people assume, and why wouldn't they, that everything under the banner of Reiki is the same thing. It is a correct statement that Reiki energy is Reiki energy, regardless of approach or what is commonly termed ‘style’ of Reiki. To a degree, they have strong similarities: they all channel energy through the practitioner's hands to the recipient; Most have their roots in or originate from the Usui Reiki system of healing and they all help people. Yet there are marked differences in understandings, teachings, techniques, and applications between differing Reiki ‘styles’. Many in the professional Reiki community are completely unaware of this fact (Reiki masters included) so do not worry if this is new information for you.

Having personally had the pleasure of learning Reiki at the teacher level in various ‘styles’ of Reiki, I am grateful to all those who I have learned from. I am writing this article with an understanding of what is taught in differing Reiki styles and that this understanding has come from teachings and professional practice rather than a place of academic research, or reading books. I have witnessed great healing in all Reiki styles I have learned, and with the knowledge and understanding of Reiki I have now, I have made a personal choice to practice and teach Jikiden Reiki exclusively. Jikiden means 'directly taught'. The significance of the word 'directly' being the teachings is not modified in any way as they are passed down by teachers to students. They are taught the same way as in Japan in Reiki's early days.

The Jikiden Reiki Institute was founded in 1999 by the late Chiyoko Yamaguchi and her son Tadao Yamaguchi (My own Reiki teacher). At first glance, it may appear as though it would be a new style of Reiki having only been formed in 1999 but this is not the case. When forming the organization it was important to choose a name to protect the integrity of the teachings and authenticity of the training. Hence the choice of Jikiden Reiki, which is now a trademark, with the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Kyoto, Japan. Today, following Chiyoko sensei's death in 2003, Tadao sensei is the Representative, or head of the organization, or president, with Frank Arjava Petter (the prominent Reiki author and authority on Japanese Reiki history) as its vice Representative. It has teachers all over the world now in various countries including the UK, of which I am one based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, UK.

In order to understand some of the characteristics of Jikiden Reiki, we need to overview some historical events. The roots of Jikiden Reiki came from the discovery in the mid-1990s that a direct student of Hayashi Sensei, Chiyoko Yamaguchi Sensei, was alive in Japan and had been practicing Reiki every day since the mid-1930s, however receiving it for quite a few years prior as well. Up until this discovery, it was thought that no one was still alive who was directly taught Reiki by Hayashi Sensei who was a prominent student of Usui Sensei, the founder of Reiki. Hayashi sensei is widely acknowledged as having facilitated the spread of Reiki to the rest of the world as he taught Mrs. Takata from Hawaii, in the mid-1930s as well. It was through Mrs. Takata that Reiki spread from Hawaii to the USA and then globally, including importing the Western version of Reiki to Japan (the original Usui Reiki teachings were not taught publically after the second world war). These imported styles all came from the teachings and lineages of Mrs. Takata who died in 1980. Both Chiyoko sensei and Mrs. Takata were trained to Shihan (full teacher level) directly by Hayashi sensei around 1939 and 1937 respectively.

As Reiki spread in the USA, into Europe, and then Asia the original Usui Reiki system was modified: key components were omitted, new approaches added, and key focuses were diluted. The traditional controls on who became a teacher were removed around the time of 1981. It was, therefore, an amended version of Reiki which was re-introduced to Japan in the mid-1980s.

It is only fair now to make the point that these adjustments supported Reiki's spread and indeed Reiki may not have survived globally without such amendment. However, the point is that by this stage the Reiki being taught had many differences from the Reiki taught by both Usui sensei in the 1920s and continued by Hayashi sensei in the late 1920s up until his death in 1940.

The term 'Western Reiki' is a term sometimes used to identify these amended teachings and is by no means meant in a disrespectful way, it is just a way of classifying what kind of Reiki, or what teachings are being described. The term was first coined by one of the presidents of the Usui Reiki Gakki (the original Usui Reiki society) in Japan in the early 1990s in reference to the imported Reiki being taught in Japan at the time and its thinking and approaches being somewhat away from the original Usui practice of Reiki. This term tends to only be used by Japanese-trained Reiki people anyway. In the context of this article, I use the term to help in identifying differing Reiki teachings.

I have seen some Reiki teachers presenting their Reiki classes as traditional Japanese teachings when they are clearly not, bolting on some granted very useful Japanese Reiki techniques onto a Western Reiki syllabus. It is again important to note that any Reiki style has value in helping people and all approaches to Reiki have the potential to work. So rather than saying that some of what is being taught is incorrect in the Western styles, it is a better way to view such teachings as say being further away from the original teachings of Usui sensei to varying degrees. From a consumer point of view if you wish to learn authentic Japanese Usui Reiki, then understanding the differences is important in order for you to be able to make an informed decision as to what Reiki training course you would like to take.

So as I have already mentioned the way Reiki is taught within Jikiden Reiki comes from the teachings of Hayashi Sensei, as taught to Chiyoko sensei in the mid-late 1930s. She then passed on these teachings to her son Tadao Sensei. The key point is that the culture and integrity of the Reiki teachings, or system are intact. With regards to the teachings themselves, they have a simplicity, yet depth within them. There is much emphasis on the Gokai (the guiding principles we live by as students of Reiki) to support us in life and our growth. You learn techniques that have disappeared in Western Reiki styles. There are key components of how Reiki was used in Japan in Usui sensei and Hayashi sensei's day that are not found in other Reiki courses.

In practical terms, the Reiju (termed attunement in western Reiki) you receive is again technically different from other Reiki styles. You can be confident that you are learning correct information regarding Reiki history and applications. You are trained in the traditional understanding of Byosen, which Usui sensei observed in treatments and can be classed as the cornerstone of Japanese Reiki and is the primary treatment method used in all Jikiden Reiki treatments. You learn other components that work in partnership with this understanding to enhance treatment effectiveness. You also learn how Japanese Reiki treatments are conducted, with long periods of time at locations, without the preset hand position sequences as commonly seen in many other Reiki styles.

Who becomes a Jikiden Reiki teacher also follows traditional ways. To become a teacher requires repetition in learning followed by permission to become an accredited Jikiden Reiki Shihan Kaku (Assistant Teacher) and Shihan (Teacher) is granted by the head of the organization/representative of the Institute Tadao Yamaguchi (or the vice representative alone). Following various assessments and repetition of training, the grade of Shihan Kaku is granted which permits the teaching of the first (beginner) level of Jikiden Reiki Shoden. After commonly a year or so of gaining experience teaching, further assessments are carried out, and all training levels are repeated with the addition of a further teacher course before the grade of Shihan is granted. This permits the teaching of the second level, Okuden (deeper learning).

For those of you with knowledge of other Reiki styles, you will again notice distinct differences in Jikiden Reiki with regard to teacher levels. Rather than being a 'become a teacher and off you go' setup, it takes time and investment in both experience and repetition of training in order to gradually be permitted to teach the two levels that are the Jikiden Reiki system. For example in my case, at this time, in attaining Shihan (full teacher) I have taken Shoden and Okuden levels (comparable to levels 1 and 2 in the west) both six times (three times with Tadao sensei himself), Shihan Kaku tree times plus my Shihan training twice (having completed all levels with the vice representative- Arjava Sensei as well). Furthermore, as set by Usui sensei and observed by Hayashi sensei, Reiki teachers are not permitted to create other teachers they simply train people to Shoden or Okuden, dependent on their own teacher grade. It is primarily the President of the organization, so with Jikiden Reiki Tadao Yamaguchi, plus a handful of Dai-Shihans (Senior Teachers) globally, who are permitted to teach Shihan Kaku level, with an even smaller number who are permitted to teach the full Shihan level. These senior levels are granted many years of service and contribution to the Jikiden organization rather than a course to ask to do. 

So from a student perspective, the complete Jikiden Reiki system is taught at the Shoden and Okuden levels. Teacher levels are purely for those who wish to teach and learn the Japanese Reiju method to be able to teach Reiki to others. This original Japanese way helps to preserve standards in teachings, and from a consumer view, it is a good way of having confidence in the teacher's ability, knowing they are accredited by the central organization. In Western Reiki styles, and therefore with most Reiki in the UK, a teacher can create another teacher with no pre-screening or ongoing observation or control, who then, in turn, can create more teachers and can modify the teachings at their discretion. There are some great Western Reiki teachers, what I am pointing out is the open approach to becoming and creating other teachers seen in other Reiki styles leads to great variability in teaching quality as well as variations in teaching content. 

As was the case in the 1920s and 30s Japan, with Jikiden Reiki there continues to be a great emphasis on the value of receiving Reiju (the process of clearing the channel to use Reiki energy) and there are events set up for the ongoing receiving of Reiju and to practice Jikdien Reiki, to build experience and confidence alongside other students of Jikiden Reiki. So Jikiden Reiki offers a high level of structured, ongoing support to students, which again contrasts with many other styles of Reiki. This repetition in teachings also adds depth to someone's understanding of Reiki. 

My view is that when repeating a course you are at a different place in terms of self-awareness and growth, your view or perspective is at a different place, you have been using the techniques so your questions are coming from a place of some experience using the material and concepts previously taught, so the experience is reinforcing and supportive, deepening your study of Reiki. I personally found I wrote just as many notes the third time of repeating Shoden and Okuden as I did on the first occasion, and of course, with a different group come differing Q and A topics as well. Jikiden Reiki is set up to support this by offering opportunities to repeat Shoden and Okuden training at markedly reduced costs. What is more, all UK pricing is fixed for all authorized Jikiden Reiki teachers in both the initial and repeating course fees by the Institute in Kyoto, Japan. 

Jikiden Reiki will tend to suit people who value authentic Japanese teachings, and who value learning accurate information and teachings. My view is that there is value in everyone with an interest in Reiki taking Jikiden Reiki Shoden and Okuden level training, even if they do migrate towards more amended approaches to Reiki, at least you have correct core teachings as a foundation. Jikiden Reiki is practical, solid, and authentic. I hope this has been an interesting article for you. Should you have any further questions look at the information on Jikiden Reiki courses with the link below, or if you are looking to take Reiki training and are interested in taking Jikiden Reiki training with me in the Midlands area of the UK, you can get in touch. If you are further afield in the UK contact a Jikiden Reiki teacher in your area/country. For more discussion on the differences between Jikiden Reiki and Western Reiki see my Article: Jikiden Reiki and Western Reiki, Whats the Differences? You can find out more about Reiki training here: Jikiden Reiki Courses

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I am mainly known nowadays for my work with Reiki, as a specialist in authentic Japanese Reiki. I am an experienced, Reiki teacher and practitioner with a proven track record of results. I offer Jikiden Reiki training courses, promoting authentic Japanese Reiki teachings. I am based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the UK. I have a background in coaching and training in the areas of exercise coaching, holistic lifestyle, fitness, and performance coaching. I also have a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science, for more information visit: www.shaunmckeown.com

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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.