Better to Attend Both Jikiden Reiki Courses Together or do them Seperately?
This question comes up quite regularly when people look to attend Reiki training. In short, either way, is fine to do. In Jikiden Reiki things are set up for students to attend both levels together- to learn the whole system of Reiki at one time, rather than do it in bits. I have my views on it and will expand on this question with the aim to better help you decide what is best for you. Jikiden Reiki training (as is the case with most approaches to Reiki in general) consists of 2 courses or levels of training. The first course ‘Shoden’, meaning beginner level- is comparable to what is termed in the West as Reiki level 1. The second course ‘Okuden’, meaning deeper level, is comparable to what is termed in the West as Reiki level 2. Details of the Beginner Reiki Course and the Deeper level Reiki course can be found on the Jikiden Reiki training courses website page.
In non-Jikiden Reiki circles, well most of the common approaches to Reiki out there you will come across, training courses tend to be set up for students to attend the first course, then go away, gain a bit of experience then return and complete the second level of training at a later date. Most consider a period of 12 weeks to be best for this. The idea it’s helpful as after taking the second level students can then go off and become professional practitioners, so enforcing a period of delay between courses is thought to be better. The idea is a student is more experienced when they take the second level, so better able to be a professional practitioner.
The approach to taking both courses together came about in Japan in the early days of Reiki, as travel was so challenging when key figures taught Reiki a long way away they tended to teach both levels together. An approach that continues today with Jikiden Reiki. Commonly Jikiden Reiki training courses in Europe and Japan are delivered as a 3-day event, day one and two are the Shoden course, with Day 3 being the Okuden course. At this time I tend to deliver Shoden on one weekend, then deliver Okuden on a day the following weekend, simply for logistical reasons, as more people are available at weekends than in the week. With Jikiden Reiki in general people commonly just sign up for the training and take the complete training, both Shoden, and Okuden together. The option does still exist to take the Shoden course, then at a future date take the Okuden level. The view of the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Japan is that there is no need to take the first level, then wait for a period of time before taking the second level.
The way I see it the content of the second course will still be new to you, no matter how long you wait for in-between courses. In addition some of the content in the second course is helpful to a complete beginner, so on that basis alone it can be helpful to do both levels together. In Jikiden Reiki the second level is made up of additional techniques, or approaches for you to use, so the toolbox of approaches you have is larger than if you just did the first course on its own. One of the main techniques is a method of emotional healing for yourself and others, I would say that’s relevant for most students, new or experienced.
The other is a method to deliver a Reiki treatment remotely, which again is useful to a complete beginner whose elderly parent lives 100 miles away, as much as it is a student with 12 weeks experience whose elderly parent still lives 100 miles away- they just delayed the ability to use this technique by 12 weeks, that’s all. As if I need a better example of this, I am writing this article during the 2020 Covid 19 lockdown. Those who took Jikiden Reiki training with me in January 2020 and did both levels together (Shoden and Okuden) have been using the distant Reiki technique to support family members over recent months, who they have been unable to get to during the lockdown, so been unable to use hands-on Reiki with. Those who only took the first level (Shoden) in January with me, who were due to take the second level (Okuden) in early April- a course I had to cancel with the Covid-19 situation and going into Lockdown. So as I write this in early August 2020 so the last 7 months or so, 4 months of which were full lockdown they have not been able to use this technique to support family members and friends around them.
This brings me to another observation, with the best intentions in the world when students come for training, life can through some curve balls, 2020 being an example of this. Logistically the reality is it’s sometimes easier to clear the diary for both courses at the same time than it is to try and clear space to do a Reiki course one month, then try to clear space for another Reiki course again 3 months on. Some do the courses with a gap to spread out the cost, for financial reasons. I find that people’s financial situations tend to be pretty similar 12 weeks after the Shoden. I offer payment by card for courses as well which many students have said is helpful.
The only other reason seems to be people think learning both levels together would be too much info in a short space of time. I tend to deliver most courses over 2 weekends so there is a slight gap. The way we teach Jikiden and with the ongoing follow-up support from myself as a teacher, with regular workshops and practice events along with also having heavily discounted opportunities to repeat any formal Jikiden Reiki training course at any future time available, this is less of an issue with Jikdien Reiki (note: with may approaches to Reiki there is not this level of support after the formal training built-in).
Another consideration is many find it helpful to do the second level with the same group of people they just learned the first level with, rather than join a new group at a later date. So most do both levels together, I would say with 90 % of people it’s the best option, but attending the courses separately is possible. If it helps reassure you, below are some thoughts of those who did choose to do both courses together and were pleased they did, most were beginners to Reiki as well.
“I am so glad I decided to complete both Jikiden Reiki courses (Shoden & Okuden) with Shaun. The pace & depth of the course was perfect for the group as was Shaun’s style of teaching – he is patient & supportive whilst ensuring the group is comfortable with the knowledge they are learning. Highly recommended.”- Claire
“I attended the Shoden and Okuden courses with Shaun, what a fantastic course! All course material and teaching was easy to understand and explained as well as lots of opportunities for hands-on experience. I highly recommend this course”
“I have recently completed the 3 days of training (Shoden and Okuden) with Shaun which was amazing. The insight into the origins of Jikiden Reiki and its philosophy was really interesting and the practice course content was far more than I imagined.”- Jane
”I had the best experience attending the Shoden and Okuden Reiki training. Shaun who is the trainer, is a natural teacher, he teaches Jikden Reiki with a lot of depth and passion. Shaun creates a very warm and relaxing environment to teach Reiki. I came from very little knowledge and experience with Reiki. Shaun helped me to fully understand what Reiki is, and how we can use it.”- Pam
“I have attended the Shoden and Okuden courses where Shaun teaches the original Jikiden form of Reiki.
It was such an enjoyable and insightful three days with lots of practical work which is a great way of learning. The whole experience was so relaxed and Shaun’s obvious passion and ability to teach made it an absolute pleasure. I highly recommend Shaun as a teacher and practitioner.”- Janet
If you are looking to take Jikiden Reiki training courses with me and would like to discuss options, you can get in touch and I am happy to discuss the options with you and advise you. Click on the link to see dates and details of upcoming Jikiden Reiki Training 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.