So, if you are interested in Reiki, you have a look online and there is a sea of course providers, all with slightly different names for the type of Reiki they teach, along with an array of levels of study. Where do you start trying to work out what is going to be a good course for you? In this short article, I want to help those looking into learning Reiki find the right course.

To start with before anything else I would suggest you hone into what type of Reiki you are looking for, as although they may be called the same thing ‘Reiki’, or ‘Usui Reiki’, etc., you WILL be taught very different things with different Reiki teachers or course providers. Key in your selection of Reiki courses is what you will be taught, so what the Reiki teacher is actually teaching is the most important thing, or otherwise, you might not actually get what you are expecting from a Reiki course.

To help you hone in very quickly as at its core Reiki training courses fall under 2 main categories, so to help you choose which path to take I would ask you a simple question. Note: I have been a teacher of Reiki in both these categories, so understand each well.

Select A Path of Reiki Training that is Right for you

Which of these options appeals to you most?

1.      Learning original authentic Japanese Usui Reiki, as it was in Japan before it came to the West and got changed, so training with no Western influences, the Japanese cultural thinking behind Reiki intact, with a focus on simplicity and depth, that preserves the original. In a nutshell, you learn Reiki in its complete original form as it was created by the founder Usui Sensei.

2.      Or would you prefer a more ‘new age’ system of healing with hands and energy, which has its roots in Usui Reiki, but has been changed dramatically from the original, and has missing parts, so does have some misunderstandings of Reiki. These approaches are likely to include a focus on spiritual, chakras, and possible concepts such as spirit guides, angels, and a system that has differing interests merged in with Reiki if you like with both Western and other world influences.

If you are looking for number 1. A more original authentic Reiki, you are looking for Jikiden Reiki, period. That is what I teach (having previously been a teacher in other approaches to Reiki). So if this is you simply need to find an authorized Jikiden Reiki teacher in your country. I am based in the Birmingham area of the UK, Have a look at my Reiki training courses, I also help run the Jikiden Reiki UK Association, where we have a list of Upcoming Jikiden Reiki courses across the UK. For more information on More original Japanese or Western approaches to Reiki, see my article Jikiden Reiki and Western Reiki, What’s the Difference? For information about Jikiden Reiki, see my article What is Jikiden Reiki? For tips on helping you identify authentic Japanese Reiki training courses see my article How to Find Authentic Japanese Usui Reiki Courses.

If number 2. Sounds more what you are looking for, then the school of Reiki would be less of a thing, as with these approaches to Reiki, what you would learn would have had a variety of modifications and other healing ideas would have been added into the training to different degrees, added to which each individual teacher might have adjusted the teachings at various stages along that teachers Reiki lineage (kind of any Reiki teachers family tree, from their own teacher back to the founder Usui sensei- indicates what teachings were pasted down and might indicate how far away from the original the training is likely to be).

In-person or Online Reiki Training for Beginners

So firstly, have a look online at in-person Reiki courses. Reiki is something to learn in person, I would not recommend online Reiki courses at all, for most info on that see my article Are Online Reiki Courses A Good Idea? Have a look at the teacher’s reviews. Are others who attended their courses broadly saying positive things? Then have a chat with any teachers that look promising. Then go with what you are drawn to. For more info, I have written an article on the topic of finding the right Reiki Course and teacher for you.

Reiki Beginner Course Levels

In original Reiki the beginner course is called Shoden (beginner level) in most Reiki you will see it termed Level 1. Once you find the right course provider, they can guide you as to whether it is appropriate to take level 1, then level 2 at a future date, or what route to take, as some have a variety of levels. Most of the training is broken into 2 course levels. For more on understanding Reiki levels see my article Reiki levels explained. In Jikiden Reiki we tend to learn both levels Shoden (equivalent to level 1) and what is called Okuden (meaning deeper level- equivalent to level 2) at the same time, over 3 days of training, so you have all the techniques and a better understanding to then go and practice. There is second-level content that is relevant and useful for complete beginners, as well as other benefits of this approach. See my article Attending both Reiki course levels together or separately.

So, in closing the best Reiki course for Beginners is the one that will teach you what you want to learn ideally in the country you live in. I would suggest focusing on that. If you would like to find out more about Jikiden Reiki and upcoming course dates in the Birmingham area UK, see my Jikiden Reiki courses.

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

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.