Deciding to learn Reiki is an exciting step, whether you are drawn to self-healing or looking toward a future professional practice. But with so many Reiki courses and training providers across South Africa, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are the essential factors to consider when choosing the right Reiki Master and course for your journey.
The relationship between a Reiki Master and a Reiki Student is an important one which should not be taken lightly. Reiki Masters share a little bit of themselves with every student and we create lifelong bonds. You must therefore make sure that you will get along well and, for the lack of a better word, will be able to “gel”.
In addition, there are a few background facts and technical points you may want to consider, and questions you will want to ask of the Reiki Master, before deciding whether or not to enroll in a Reiki training course. Here is a list of questions to ask the Reiki Master as suggested by the UK Reiki Federation, and our answers to those questions:
| Questions to ask the Reiki Master | Our answers |
| What style of Reiki do they teach? | Usui style of Reiki in the Japanese and Western traditions |
| Do they have a lineage (similar to a family tree) that goes back to the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui? | Yes. View our Usui Reiki lineage. Each student also receives a copy of their lineage |
| Are attunements given in person? “Attunements” can be compared to spiritual blessings and is the most important aspect in the system of Reiki. | Yes |
| How many class contact/face to face hours are there. | 16 hours |
| Are there any additional hours required to be put in? | No |
| Do they provide you with a manual? | Yes |
| Do you have to do case studies (i.e. treatments), and if so how many? | Not for Level 1. Level 2 students have to do eight case studies over three months. Master Practitioners have to provide 30 case studies before they can enroll in the Level 3B course. |
| Are they insured? | Insurance is not a requirement in South Africa |
| How long have they been practising Reiki? | Since 2021 |
| How long have they been teaching Reiki? | Natasja since 2022, John since 2024 |
| Where are classes held and is there parking nearby? | At YogaSteps studio in Pretoria, and a boutique hotel in Plettenberg Bay. There is ample parking at both venues. |
| Are they a member of a professional Reiki organisation, if so which one? | Yes, we are both members of the Reiki Guild South Africa |
| Are there any things which you will need to purchase prior to training? | No |
| What are the requirements if any, for certification at the end of the course? | No additional requirements for Reiki Level 1. Reiki Level 2 students receive their certificate after they have submitted their eight case studies. Master Teachers have to write a test and do a practical assignment. |
| What is the cost? | From R3,000 (as at 2026) |
| How long do they say a student should wait between Reiki courses and the three levels of Reiki? | We recommend at least 2- 3 months between Reiki Level 1 and Level 2 (Practitioner); at least 4 – 6 months between Level 2 and Level 3A (Master Practitioner); and 12 months between Level 3A and 3B (Master Teacher). |
What if I still don’t know who to choose to teach me Reiki?
Pick the person you like, and feel a connection with, over one with more experience, or over someone who is more well-known – as long as they are 1) qualified, 2) give attunements in person and 3) can show a clear unbroken lineage that goes back to Mikao Usui. Trust your intuition when choosing a Reiki Master. You can get a good sense of a the Reiki Master’s personality, their values and character by looking at their website and social media content.
If you are in doubt, book a Reiki therapy session with the Reiki Master, call them to ask questions, or just meet them for a coffee and then decide if this is the person you would like to teach you Reiki.
