Segal Sensei began training in karate in 1985 and soon became interested in learning about the origins of the art. Taking a Japanese history course at Brown University led him to major in East Asian Studies with a focus on Japanese history, anthropology, and comparative literature. While studying at Sophia University in 1992, he was introduced to Aikido by Tadaharu Wakabayashi and trained at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1992-1993. He returned to Japan in 1994 and was accepted as a student of Abe Seiseki Sensei.

While working at Mayo Clinic, Segal Sensei established a Japanese Cultural Center in Rochester, MN, and in 2005 opened a dojo in Coralville, IA with Abe Seiseki Shihan, under whose guidance he was conferred shodan (1st) through yondan (4th) ranks. Segal Sensei continued to train under Ryoichi Kinoshita Sensei, who conferred godan (5th) and rokudan (6th) ranks. Currently, Dr. Segal is Medical Director of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation for the University of Kansas, where he specializes in serving patients with tendon and joint concerns, and Chief Instructor at Aikijuku Dojo, where he shares his passion for Aikido and Japanese culture.