The Reiki Gakkai - Usui's Original Reiki Learning Society
The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai or the Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society, was the first society formed in honour of Usui Sensei. Some speculation still surrounds whether Dr. Usui actually began the society as he is listed as the first chairperson in 1922. However, it is more likely that this was done more so as an honorary title out of respect for the legacy which Dr. Usui had left his students.

Research suggests that the second chairperson, Jusaburo Ushida (1865-1935) began the learning society shortly after Usui Sensei’s passing in 1926. Ushida was also the author of the Usui Memorial, Dr. Usui’s grave memorial at Saihoji temple in the Toyotama district of Tokyo.

During the Second World War, the Reiki Gakkai went underground, moving its headquarters so as not to be detected as being a part of the Japanese peace movement. After the war when things had settled down, the Reiki Gakkai re-grouped and continued its practices formally. Today the Reiki Gakkai continues its practices and teachings based on Dr. Usui’s inspiration.

In the Reiki Gakkai many techniques are taught to enhance a students ability to generate spiritual growth, how to heal oneself and others and to increase awareness of subtle energy. The formal instruction of Reiki in the learning society takes place in a very methodical and progressive manner. The emphasis is on complete accomplishment of each practice before proceeding to a new level. The Gakkai therefore has ranks and levels within their system.

Ranks are based on the student’s ability to channel the energy and their adeptness or proficiency in performing the techniques.

Shoden (the first level) comprises of three stages, these being the Sixth, Fifth and Fourth. A student will go from proficiency rank 6 (‘the beginning level’ or First Degree) where the student learns hand-on healing methods and other techniques from the beginners level. One then progresses once they have proven to have accomplished the methods taught at each stage.

In Japan a student might take as long as 10 years to attain the 3rd proficiency rank (Okuden) At this level, the student is taught more advanced healing methods.
Below are the Ranks taught in the Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.


    Proficiency Rank 6 - Shoden Level (‘beginning teachings’)
    Proficiency Rank 5
    Proficiency Rank 4
    Proficiency Rank 3 - Okuden Zenki, Okuden Koeki and Shinpiden Levels
    Proficiency Rank 2
    Proficiency Rank 1

There are 4 levels taught in the Gakkai, Shoden (‘beginning teachings) Okuden Zenki (‘highest or secret level’, first term or Second Degree), Okuden Koeki (‘highest or secret level’, latter term or Personal Mastery) and Shinpiden (‘Secret method’ teacher training or Sensei).

At each level, additional methods are given. The practice of Reiki is seen as a method or path to reaching higher levels of Spiritual consciousness with healing being a ‘by-product’ that occurs from connecting to the ‘True-self’. When a student has mastered Okuden Koeki and the collective Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai Shinpiden teachers feel the student is ready, they may vote for the student to receive Shinpiden (teacher training).

Currently there are only 6 Shinpiden level teachers in the whole Reiki Gakkai. Precisely how a student is chosen to receive training or when Shinpiden is actually taught is not presently known.

The Reiki Gakkai is also a closed Reiki Society. They do not encourage contact with foreigners and all members are asked not to discuss the details of their training with those who are not members. The Reiki Gakkai currently consists of 500 members and is based in Tokyo. Students learn on a weekly basis in the society. During these meetings, students chant the Reiki Principles, recite Waka poetry* and practise Hatsurei-ho (energy enhancing practices). Each week, Shinpiden (teacher) Sensei’s give students regular Reiju (energy empowerments). These regular empowerments act to purify and open the students’ energy channels.

Today, variations of this Reiki movement exist under other names, these include: Gendai Reiki (Modern Reiki Healing Method), Usui Reiki Ryoho and Japanese Reiki Method.

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*Waka poetry is a traditional Japanese poetic form with fixed line lengths of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables. Much like Haiku poems, Waka poetry expresses spiritual aspirations, which aid in the expression of the Enlightened Mind.