Usui was the founder of the association in Japan called "Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho". Usui had over 2000 students and had trained 21 teachers by the time of his death.

There are many different stories about his marvelous life and each time you surf the net you will find a new beautiful story. I recommend you to read the two accounts of Reiki History that is done by Barb Weston. However, one truth remains written at Usui's memorial Stone which is located at the Saihoji temple in the Suginami district of Tokyo.

The writings on the Stone can be summarized as follows:

One day Mikao decided to commence an intensive meditation retreat on Mt. Kurama where he spent about 21 days in meditation. During this time, Usui fasted and undertook a practice called Kushu Shinren, which is a particular type of meditation practice. At the completion of his time on Mt. Kurama, he gained a realization into the way of healing. According to several sources including this memorial stone, a great energy appeared over his head and he received the empowerment of the Universal healing energy. As a result of his prior learning and spiritual attainment, he formulated a system of healing which later became known as Reiki.
 

Mikao decided to share these teachings with others after much contemplation and careful consideration.  Usui first practiced his newly discovered method on his family and friends. Then he began to offer his healing method to the lower class district of Kyoto. Kyoto is a religious center and the people in the streets are taken in and cared for. Usui opened his home to many and with boundless compassion brought Reiki to them. This gave him the opportunity to perfect and refine his new healing method.

In April of the 11th year of Taisho (1922), Usui moved to Tokyo where he worked as the secretary to Pei Gotoushin, the Prime Minister of Tokyo. He opened a Reiki clinic in Harajuku, Aoyama, outside Tokyo and began to set up classes and teach his system of Reiki.

Due to Kanto earthquake and fire in September (1923), there were many injured and sick people all over Tokyo. Mikao felt deep anxiety. Everyday he went around in the city to treat people and save their lives. During this emergency situation, his relief activity was that of reaching out his hands of love to suffering people.

After that, his learning place became too small. In February (1925), he built and moved to a new one (a dojo or training hall) outside Tokyo in Nakano. (Nakano is now part of Tokyo). His fame had risen and he was invited to many places in Japan as to Kure, then to Hiroshima, to Saga and reached Fukuyama. (Fukuyama was also the location of Sensei's creditors - his final trip was mainly to meet with them). It was during his stay in Fukuyama that he unexpectedly got sick and died. He was 62 years old.

English Version translation of the Usui Memorial is done by James Deacon (Reiki Master, Researcher & Writer -UK)