Today we’d like to introduce you to Neil Segal.
Hi Neil, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started training in karate at age 12. I loved the camaraderie and pushing myself and my partners to each be our best. When I entered college, I wanted to study where karate came from. I took a Japanese history class and loved it so much that I did every optional reading. I then began to take classes in Japanese anthropology, sociology, comparative literature while I also took my premedical classes. I changed my major to East Asian studies and decided to go see Japan for myself. While studying at Sophia University in Tokyo, I was introduced to Aikido for the first time.
I knew it would be my path in life. After 6 months of training at the Aikido World Headquarters, I returned to the United States and continued training here while I finished college. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to return to Japan on a Fulbright scholarship. One day, I decided to look for a Dojo. I took a bus that I had never taken before to a train that I had never taken before and got off and asked the first person I saw on the street if he could help me find an Aikido Dojo. That turned out to be the son of Abe Seiseki Sensei, one of only three 10th degree black belts in the history of Aikido. I was very fortunate that Abe Sensei accepted me as his student. I studied with him for 11 months before returning to the United States to start medical school. I returned to Japan for Aikido training for periods each year for about 24 years. I opened my first Dojo during my residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. I subsequently opened Aikido Dojo in Iowa and now in Kansas, where I plan to stay.
I currently serve as the medical director of musculoskeletal rehabilitation at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where I care for patients with tendon, joint, muscle, nerve, and ligament problems. All these parts of the body are made of collagen. This led me to become interested in improving health of the skin, the largest organ of the body and one that is also made of collagen. I opened Confidence Med spa in Olathe this year with my close colleague, Dr. Jeannine Nilges. Confidence is located above Aikijuku Dojo, making it well positioned so that I can share Aikido to improve spiritual, mental and physical well-being, while also helping people to experience the beauty of healthy skin.
Confidence is more than just aesthetics—it’s the blending of science, artistry, and compassion. Through personalized, safe, and effective treatments, we create an environment where men and women feel cared for, understood, and inspired. Our passion is helping people achieve their health and beauty goals, so their natural radiance can shine. Dr. Nilges and I have worked together for years on advancing medical science through clinical trials. We started Confidence med spa because we are passionate about delivering a physician-directed med spa experience that allows us to educate clients and deliver advanced science with a human connection—empowering each client to look and feel their best. We envision a community where self-care is not indulgence but a celebration of well-being, beauty, and confidence.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a medical career to serve patients and lead clinical trials, while also pursuing Aikido to the highest level has of course been challenging. Starting small businesses such as Aikijuku Dojo and Confidence have entailed additional struggles and investments of time. However, it has been very rewarding to pursue these paths to develop myself, my family, and my students, clients, and patients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in musculoskeletal medicine, clinical trials to help patients with osteoarthritis, Aikido—a Japanese martial art, and medial aesthetics. While I am glad to have had the opportunity to publish over 200 medical articles from the dozens of clinical studies that I have conducted, I feel especially good about achieving the rank of 6th degree black belt in Aikido as this is a stage that few practitioners of Aikido reach. I am committed to continuing to serve my patients, my Aikido students and my Confidence clients.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I learn and grow through listening to podcasts and audiobooks about history, philosophy and human experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: Aikijuku.com / Confidence-kc.com
