Which Reiki Course Is Right For Me?
If you are starting your Reiki journey, or perhaps you are already a Reiki practitioner, this guidance will help you choose between the two Reiki systems that I teach: Gendai Reiki Ho and Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki.
Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® is open to students who completed a Reiki Master Teacher course, therefore you need to train as a Gendai Reiki Ho Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) or a Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Master Teacher if you want to join the Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher class.
What is Reiki? Some definitions.
It is quite difficult to adequately describe Reiki to anyone who has never experienced healing energy or working with energy. Reiki is a personal experience.; one person’s experience cannot be felt by or experienced by another person.
There are several different Reiki schools worldwide that teach systems with minor variations in theory and practice, however the energy transferred is the same – if the practitioner has received a proper Reiki attunement.
Reiki has its roots in ancient Buddhism and Shintoism. Many consider that Mikao Usui was the creator or Reiki and that the word Reiki applies only to the healing system that he created and developed. However, research found that prior to Mikao Usui developing his style of Reiki, there were at least four other styles of Reiki healing that were being practiced in Japan (William Lee Rand, Reiki: The Healing Touch). Mikao Usui developed his system of healing in 1922 and called it Usui Reiki Ryoho (Usui Reiki Healing Method). In Japan, the ‘Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai’ founded by Mikao Usui has been teaching his system ever since.
Reiki is practiced by millions of people worldwide and there are over one hundred styles that have evolved from the system developed by Mikao Usui.
With this in mind, we can give some definitions about the subject:
“Everything that exists in the Universe possesses Reiki. Reiki is the Universal energy, the source of all existence, the hado of Love and the pure Light that comes from a higher dimension” – Usui Sensei
“Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.” – International Reiki For Reiki Training
“A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being.” – UK Reiki Federation
“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, a term used to describe a natural system to help bring about an improved sense of well-being and a positive feeling of spiritual renewal. This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and benefits may include deep relaxation and the promotion of a calm peaceful sense of well-being.” – Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
Click the button below if you want to read more about the Reiki history:
What Is A Reiki Practitioner?
A Reiki practitioner or Reiki healer is somebody who has the ability to access and process very powerful vibrations or frequencies of energy that are available to us from the universe. Channeling energy is the process through which Reiki healers can allow energy vibrations to go through their being and into the body of another person.
Reiki uses the human capacity to consciously direct the flow of energy healing, multidimensional energies, into human body and its associated physical and spiritual energy systems to bring about healing changes.
We all have the ability to do this. Some people are born with it, others have a powerful awakening that enables them to receive energy vibrations. Then there are those who gain the ability to channel Reiki after receiving an attunement.
To become a Reiki practitioner a person requires receiving the attunements from a Reiki Master teacher who has also received the attunements and training. The attunement is the most important part of the initiation into Reiki Healing.
During the attunement the ability to channel Reiki energy is transferred to the student by the Reiki Master. The meaning of attune is “to bring into harmony with”. During this energy transmission the students’ body of energy is being attuned to the higher frequency of Reiki which sets up an energetic channel in the student and empowers them to channel Reiki for the rest of their life.
During the attunement process the Rei or spiritual consciousness makes adjustments in the student’s chakras and energy pathways and also in deeper part of one’s consciousness to accommodate the ability to channel Reiki energy; it then links the students to the Reiki source. The process is guided by Reiki or spiritual consciousness and each person has a unique experience.
Are there different styles of Reiki?
There are many different Reiki styles that extend beyond the traditional Usui Reiki. Each style of Reiki has its own philosophies, symbols, and process of attunement. All Reiki styles follow the fundamental belief in a universal energy that helps emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical healing.
Some suggest there are over 100 styles of Reiki, with many sub-styles stemming from primary methods of Reiki. Some styles of Reiki have also developed based on geography and the relevant cultural beliefs of each region including Tibet, India, and Egypt.
Below are some more popular styles of Reiki that have developed over time.
Usui Reiki is listed first as the primary method of Reiki and the remaining styles are listed alphabetically with no preference given to reported efficacy.
– Usui Reiki
– Blue Star Reiki
– Five Element Seichem
– Gendai Reiki
– Karuna® Reiki
– Golden Age Reiki
– Jinlap Reiki
– Lightarian Reiki
– MariEL
– Satya Japanese Reiki
– Men Chho Reiki
– Prema Reiki
– Rainbow Reiki
– Tibetan Reiki
– Seichim Reiki
– Reiki Jin-Kei Do
– Saku Reiki
– Shamballa Reiki
– The Radiance Technique
– Holy Fire® Reiki
– Vajra Reiki
– Raku Kei
– Imara Reiki
– Kundalini Reiki
What Is the Difference Between Gendai Reiki Ho and Holy Fire® Reiki ?
There are no limits to the possibilities offered by Reiki. As demonstrated by Usui Sensei, Hayashi Sensei (one of the twenty Shihan initiated by Mikao Usui) and Takata Sensei, Reiki is something that is meant to be developed.
Takata Sensei had been initiated as a Reiki Master by Hayashi Sensei, and can be considered an important innovator of Usui Reiki Ryoho. If it were not for Takata Sensei, Reiki would most likely have fallen into obscurity and never have been practiced by people all over the world.
Reiki energy comes from an infinite source and because of this, regardless of how developed and evolved ones healing energy has become, one will always be channeling a small portion of the potential healing energy that is available. It is always possible or the quality, effectiveness and benefit of one’s healing energies to improve.
Usui Sensei once said that he wasn’t at the top of the Reiki healing system, but one step below.
The Gendai Reiki method is widely recognised in Japan and around the world. It is a simple and practical Reiki method that can be used on a daily basis, following the spiritual improvement taught by Mikao Usui and fully benefiting from its effects.
Gendai Reiki Ho is not a new Reiki system. It can be referred to as “original Japanese Usui Reiki Ryoho in the Gendai Reiki style,” as it allows people in modern society to learn and practice the original Japanese Usui Reiki Ryoho easily and comfortably.
Reiki energy comes from an infinite source and because of this, regardless of how developed and evolved ones healing energy has become, one will always be channeling a small portion of the potential healing energy that is available. It is always possible or the quality, effectiveness and benefit of one’s healing energies to improve.
In 2014, the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) introduced Holy Fire® Reiki, marking a new chapter in Reiki’s evolution. Holy Fire® Reiki builds upon Usui Reiki while introducing a refined, high-frequency energy known as “Holy Fire.” This energy is described as pure and deeply transformative, capable of working on deeper emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
Read more about the difference between Gendai Reiki Ho and Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki systems of Reiki:
Reiki Lineage
For those wishing to learn the system of Reiki it is necessary to understand why there is an emphasis placed on lineages.
A lineage is the line of teaching that your teacher has been trained in, similar to a family tree. A teacher’s lineage reflects the information that the teacher will be passing on to the student.
Therefore, different lineages will have different techniques, philosophies and understandings of working with the system of Reiki. Some lineages even have different histories.
It is important when undertaking Usui Reiki training that your teacher is able to provide you with a full unbroken lineage tracing back to Mikao Usui.
Since the system of Reiki began in the early 1900s and was brought to the West in 1938 by Hawayo Takata, there have been various histories and understandings about the system of Reiki. Since Hawayo Takata died in 1980 there have been a number of people who have created their own lineages.
Therefore, the first important element you must consider when choosing a Reiki course is the lineage of the teacher.
Gendai Reiki follows Japanese teachings and therefore has a Japanese lineage. The founder of the Gendai Reiki system is Hiroshi Doi.
I am a Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) of the Japanese Lineage and trained with Hiroshi Doi in Osaka, Japan.
This is my Gendai Reiki lineage:
– Usui Mikao (founder of the system)
– Kanichi Taketomi (3rd President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
– Kimiko Koyama (6th President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
– Doi Hiroshi (current member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
– Giancarlo Serra
If you train in Gendai Reiki,, when you qualify as a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) your lineage will be:
– Usui Mikao (founder of the system)
– Kanichi Taketomi (3rd President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
– Kimiko Koyama (6th President of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
– Doi Hiroshi (current member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai)
– Giancarlo Serra
– YOUR NAME
Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki has no lineage, and the founder of the system is William Lee Rand. I trained with William Lee Rand in Mt. Kurama, Kyoto, Japan, in 2019.
Whether you decide to train in Gendai Reiki Ho or Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki you can be assured that I learned each Reiki system from its founder. Students are given only original manuals and all my courses are accredited and certified.
How are the Gendai Reiki and Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki training courses structured
Gendai Reiki is taught in person only and it is structured in four levels:
- Gendai Reiki Ho Level I Shoden
- Gendai Reiki Ho Level II Okuden
- Gendai Reiki Ho Level III Shinpiden
- Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master)
Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki is structured in three levels and is taught online:
- Holy Fire® Reiki Level I
- Holy Fire® Reiki Level II
- Holy Fire® Reiki Master Teacher
QUESTIONS
I can attend in-person in London, United Kingdom
If you can travel to London to attend classes, you can train in Gendai Reiki Ho and start with Level I Shoden.
If you can’t travel to London to attend in person classes, you would only be able to join the Holy Fire® Reiki Level I course (as Gendai Reiki classes are taught in person only).
I am interested in the Japanese lineage with traditional teachings
Start with Gendai Reiki Level I Shoden.
I am interested in both Gendai Reiki and Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki systems
Start with Gendai Reiki, become a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) and then join the Holy Fire® Reiki Level I class.
Can I study both Gendai Reiki and Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki systems at the same time?
I suggest not to do that but to study and practice one style at the time. My suggestion is to start with Gendai Reiki, become a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) and then join the Holy Fire® Reiki Level I class.
I live in the United Kingdom, can I join the UK Reiki Federation and/or other UK Reiki Organisations if I train in Usui/Holy Fire®?
Since attunements in the Holy Fire® Reiki systems are not done in-person and are not traditional, the UK Reiki Organisation and other Reiki organisations n the UK do not recognise Holy Fire® Reiki classes. However, will be able to be an Online Associate Member of the UK Reiki Federation.
Which Reiki organisations can I join if I train in Gendai Reiki?
You can join different Reiki organisations depending on your level of Reiki training. If you are interested in joining the UK Reiki Federation you can read the information on this page.
What is the difference in content between Gendai Reiki Ho Level I Shoden and the Usui/Holy Fire® Level I classes?
Both systems produced their own manuals. Content may be different.
Gendai Reiki is based on Japanese techniques and traditional attunements are given to students.
Usui/Holy Fire® Level I integrates metaphysics and esoteric concepts, attunements are not traditional Japanese but are called placements, and they are given to students remotely.
Is there a difference in vibration between the two systems?
According to William Lee Rand, Holy Fire® energy is more refined and comes from a higher level of consciousness. This is the reason why we suggest that you begin with Gendai Reiki and then move to Holy Fire® if you intend to train in both styles.
I have already trained in another style Reiki style. Do I need to start from Level I?
Gendai Reiki – For most Japanese Gendai Reiki Masters in Japan, changing the Master is a big deal. A person who has learned Reiki from another lineage, even if that person is already a Master, must start with Level I Shoden if they want to learn Gendai Reiki.
Gendai Reiki adheres to the philosophy and pure energy line of Usui Sensei. If students are taught from the middle level, they will lack the energy transmission and theories of the levels that were not taught.
Usui/Holy Fire® – if you have already trained in another Reiki style with another teacher, you can join Usui/Holy Fire® and don’t need to start from Level 1:
- If you are a Level 1 practitioner, you can join the Usui/Holy Fire® Level II class.
- If you are a Level 2 practitioner, you can join the Usui/Holy Fire® Master Teacher class.
- If you a Reiki Master in another style, you can join the Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher class.
I want to become a professional Reiki practitioner in the United Kingdom. What qualifications do I need?
You need to become a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden and I recommend also completing the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma.
Why do I need to complete the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma as well as becoming a Reiki Master?
If you want to work as an independent Reiki Master Teacher, you do not need to complete the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma training, although it would provide you with more knowledge, skills and experience.
If you want to volunteer or work in the NHS, hospitals, spas, holistic centre you will probably need to complete the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma as with this qualification you will be able to receive the Complementary And Natural Healthcare Council Quality Mark.
The Quality Mark also incorporates the Professional Standards Authority accreditation mark and provides an independent indication of quality to those wishing to use complementary therapy services.
In some hospitals and medical centers, Reiki is offered as part of palliative care and can be found in cancer support centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, and hospices. It is used to help patients manage stress and emotional pain during difficult times.
The CNHC accreditation will become more important in the future as complementary therapies become more mainstream. If you are already in the complementary therapy profession and looking for a salaried role to practice Reiki, then it would be advisable to consider a Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma.
I want to teach Reiki. What qualification do I need?
If you intend to teach Gendai Reiki Ho, you need to become a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master).
If you intend to teach Holy Fire® Reiki, you need to become a Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Master Teacher or Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher and teach all Holy Fire® levels:
- Holy Fire® Level I
- Holy Fire® Level II
- Holy Fire® Master Teacher
- Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher
You can also teach both systems (as I do) at the same time if you become a Reiki Master in both systems.
However
If you are a Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Reiki Master you will need to start from Gendai Reiki Level I Shoden and train in all levels before becoming a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master).
If you are a Gendai Reiki Ho Level IV Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master), or a Reiki Master in any other Reiki style, you can take the Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher class and teach Usui/Holy Fire® Level I, Usui/Holy Fire® Level II, Usui/Holy Fire® Master. However it is strongly recommended that you also take the Usui?Holy Fire® Reiki Master Teacher class.
You will also be able to continue teaching the Reiki style you were teaching before taking this training.
What support do I receive after completing one of your Reiki classes?
You can join online and in-person sessions (in London) – check the Reiki Practitioner Expansion page.
Do I need to pay again if I want to take a class that I have already completed?
You can return to repeat a course that you have already taken at no charge (if vacant places are available).
Have Gendai Reiki classes received the Quality Mark of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council in the United Kingdom?
Yes. You can check the register here.
How can I receive the Quality Mark from the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council?
You need to complete the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma.
You become a Gendai Reiki Ho Level II Okuden practitioner, and then you will be able to complete two more modules of the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma and join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.
Are your Gendai Reiki courses accredited by the UK Reiki Federation and other UK based organisations?
Gendai Reiki Level I Shoden and Gendai Reiki Level II Okuden training classes have been verified and approved against the current recommended training standards for Professional Reiki Training as specified by the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council. All assessments and verifications have been conducted by qualified Assessors and Verifiers of the UK Reiki Federation.
– Gendai Reiki Accredited Reiki Master
– This course meet the National Occupational Standards and the Reiki Core Curriculum
– UK Reiki Federation Accredited Course
How many days are Gendai Reiki Level I Shoden and Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Level I classes?
All classes are 16 hours in total.
Gendai Reiki Level I Shoden classes are taught in person in London over two days, usually a weekend.
Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Level I classes are taught online over eight weeks, 2 hours each week (16 hours in total).
Are Usui/Holy Fire® accredited by any other organisations?
Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki training has been verified and approved against the current recommended training standards for the International Center for Reiki Training.
– Holy Fire® III Reiki Master Teacher of ICRT.
About Giancarlo Serra
Giancarlo is a Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) of the Japanese Lineage, as well as a Reiki Master of Western Lineages of Reiki. He trained with Hiroshi Doi in Osaka, Japan. Read More
