Shoden & Okuden
Jikiden Reiki® Training – Levels 1 & 2
Shoden and Okuden are the traditional names given to the first two levels of Reiki training in Japan. Within Jikiden Reiki, these levels form the foundation for learning and practising Reiki in its traditional Japanese form, with an emphasis on hands-on experience, simplicity, and clarity.
These courses are suitable both for those seeking personal healing and for those who may later feel drawn to practise Reiki professionally.
Shoden – Level 1
Shoden (初傳) is the first level of Jikiden Reiki training and the starting point for learning Reiki.
No previous experience is required.
Shoden focuses on learning how to give Reiki treatments in a practical and grounded way, both for yourself and for others. The emphasis is on understanding Reiki through direct experience, rather than theory alone.
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The history of Reiki in Japan and how it later spread to the West
Gokai (the Reiki Precepts) and their practical meaning in daily life
What Reiju is and receiving Reiju (three times during Shoden)
How to give Reiki treatments using a traditional approach
How to practise self-treatment
How to sense and respond to Byosen (areas of imbalance)
Core traditional techniques, including Ketsueki Kokan Hō
Plenty of supervised practice giving and receiving Reiki
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Are new to Reiki
Wish to support your own wellbeing
Would like to help family and friends with Reiki
Feel curious about Reiki but are unsure where to begin
Are already a Reiki practitioner and wish to explore a traditional Japanese approach
Okuden – Level 2
Okuden (奥傳) is the second level of Jikiden Reiki® training.
It builds naturally on the foundations established in Shoden and introduces additional methods that allow Reiki to be applied more widely and deeply.
Okuden is taken after completing Shoden.
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Two additional Reiju
Seiheki Chiryo – a technique for supporting mental and emotional wellbeing
Enkaku Reiki (distance Reiki)
Further practical applications of Reiki
Continued hands-on practice and guidance
Together, Shoden and Okuden prepare you to practise Reiki with confidence, clarity, and sensitivity.
Learning at Your Own Pace
Some students choose to take Shoden and Okuden together, while others prefer to leave time between the two levels in order to practise and integrate what they have learned. Both approaches are respected.
You are welcome to repeat Shoden or Okuden if you wish to deepen your understanding. Repetition is an important part of learning within the Reiki tradition and is especially valuable for those who later consider teaching.
Preserving the integrity of Jikiden Reiki®
One of the core aims of Jikiden Reiki training is to preserve the integrity of authentic Japanese Reiki as it has been traditionally passed down. To support this, students undertaking Jikiden Reiki training are asked to agree to certain guidelines set by the Jikiden Reiki Institute. These include respecting the confidentiality of course content and ensuring that Jikiden Reiki teachings are not shared publicly or combined with other systems. Teaching Jikiden Reiki is permitted only for those authorised by the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Japan.
Certification
Certificates are issued by the Jikiden Reiki Institute in both Japanese and English.
• Students who complete Shoden receive a certificate confirming completion of Shoden. • When Okuden is completed at a later date, a new certificate is issued confirming completion of both Shoden and Okuden. • Students who complete Shoden and Okuden together receive a single certificate confirming completion of both levels.
In all cases, certification reflects the levels completed and follows the standard format of the Institute. The learning and recognition are the same, regardless of whether the levels are taken together or separately.
Shoden & Okuden with Rika
Shoden and Okuden courses are offered regularly in a small, supportive learning environment. Teaching is guided with care, attentiveness, and respect for each student’s individual pace and experience.
My intention is to provide a calm and welcoming space where students can learn Reiki in a way that feels clear, grounded, and true to the tradition as it has been passed down in Japan.
If you are unsure which level is right for you, or whether now is the right time to begin, you are very welcome to get in touch.