The URRI conferences began as a desire by 4 Reiki Masters from different countries to meet in person and share ideas.  in July 1998, Andrew Bowling of the UK and Tom Rigler of the USA independently were exchanging emails with Yukio Miura of Japan and myself (Rick Rivard) of Canada.   At the same time, Tom and Andy introduced me to Yukio and the 4 of us began a round-robin of sharing Reiki information and distant attunements.  What was of greatest interest to us was Yukio's information about a Japanese Reiki Master name Hiroshi Doi who was also a Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai member. 

Yukio translated some of Mr. Doi's book for us (click here) and began acting as a go between for us and Mr. Doi.  He decided to take Shinpiden and Gokuikaiden (highest level) training with Doi and this gave us more insight.  At the time I was a Tera-Mai Reiki master and I shared these attunements with Yukio, via the distant process.  Through Yukio, I offered them to Mr. Doi who accepted, provided I would also send them to his friend Mr. Tanaka, a healer who used over 30 different energies in his work. In September 1998 I made the exchange with them using distant attunements and in return received distant Gendai Reiju and an attunement to the 4th symbol energy from Doi, as well as a connection to a special healing energy from Mr. Tanaka.  They both reacted very favourably to the exchange and I enjoyed their transmissions as well.  My experience with Mr. Doi prompted Tom and Andy to make similar offerings and we began to build a very good relationship with Mr. Doi. 

In the early spring of 1999 I put forward the idea to my friends that perhaps we could interest Mr. Doi top come to Vancouver and present some of his teachings to a group of international Reiki Masters.  Everyone thought this was a great idea and the concept of URRI conferences began. 

The following links explain my view of each of the conferences that were held. 
 

Threshold Resources - Canada and International; (will travel) and Internet training - offering teachings of the late Sensei Kimiko Koyama (former Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai head) - as learned from Mr. Hiroshi Doi;  of Hayahsi student Chyoko Yamagauchi - as learned from Rev. Hyaktuen Inamato;  and information shared by the Usui-Do Eidan (from Usui, Eguchi and Hayashi students) and other sources connected to original Usui teachings.. 

Tom Rigler - USA  and International (will travel) - offering original teachings of the late Sensei Kimiko Koyama (former Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai head) - as learned from Mr. Hiroshi Doi. ; Also SKHM classes and Karuna Reiki.

Gendai Reiki-ho - This is Mr. Hiroshi Doi's school in Ashiya City, Japan (near Osaka)  Doi-sensei is a member of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai. 

Komyo Reiki - This is Reverand Hyakuten Inamoto's school of Reiki in Kyoto, Japan.  Inamoto-sensei was taught Reiki by Mrs. Yamaguchi, a student of Dr. Hayashi.