(NewMediaWire) - November 03, 2024 - Glendale, CA – The year 1999 marked the birth of the world's first and only museum dedicated to martial arts history. Called the Martial Arts History Museum, it was established by former magazine publisher and Disney graphic artist Michael Matsuda. This November 16, the museum will celebrate its 25th year in existence at its new and larger location in Glendale, CA.
Originally a traveling exhibit touring across the American countryside, the museum found a permanent home in Santa Clarita in 2008. After nearly 15 years in Burbank, the museum relocated to a four-times larger facility in the heart of Glendale’s most visited area in 2023.
Matsuda, considered one of the world's most celebrated historians of martial arts, focused the museum on Asian art, music, history, tradition, and culture. Rather than just the physical aspects of martial arts, Matsuda’s goal was to introduce young people to the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. The museum’s new location is now large enough to include Armenian, African, Native American, Latin, and even European arts.
Located on Brand Boulevard, the most visited street in Glendale, the museum is a treasure trove of unique artifacts, uniforms from actual martial arts pioneers, movie props, anime history, and even a wall dedicated to Bruce Lee. The museum is also home to the official Hall of Fame for the martial arts community, with each name listed on the Hall of Fame Wall.
The 25th-anniversary ceremony will not only celebrate the museum’s milestone but also honor its founder, Michael Matsuda. “The museum has hosted over 150 honor days for instructors and pioneers. It’s a way of saying thank you,” says Matsuda. “I was nominated by one of our volunteers, Kitty Pleasant, to have an honor day for me. She asked me if anyone had ever honored me, and I said no one in 25 years. So, she added honoring me as a major part of the program, which I am very honored.”
“Michael and his wife have sacrificed their entire livelihood to keep the history of the martial arts alive,” says Pleasant. “I think that everyone who has ever been touched by the museum should pay their respects by being there to honor them.”
The special ceremony will take place at the museum’s new location at 201 N. Brand Blvd., B100, Glendale, CA 91203, from 4 PM to 6 PM. The cost of the event is $20 for adults and $5 for kids.
About the Martial Arts History Museum
The Martial Arts History Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and diverse cultures of martial arts. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, the museum inspires and educates visitors of all ages. This museum is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
