The Martial Arts History Museum, the first and only museum of its kind in the world, recently reopened at its new location in Glendale with a celebration that featured special guests on April 6.
The museum was previously one of Burbank’s top 10 attractions, and with the move, the President and founder Michael Matsuda said the museum has grown four times the size of its Burbank facility.
“We were thrilled to be one of the top attractions in Burbank, in which we brought in thousands of people every year, but the city of Glendale has really opened their arms to us and welcomed us in,” Matsuda said. “I cannot think of a better place to have this museum.”
Later this year, the Martial Arts History Museum will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. Through its history, the museum has held seminars, workshops, honor days, movie screenings, memorials, game nights, gambling nights, telethons, art shows, lectures, book signings and so much more.
The museum has helped create workouts for the elderly, hosted special free tours for those of special needs and provided self-protection movements and devices for those in high-risk work environments.
Michelle Manu, one of the leading pioneers in women’s protection, has hosted a number of workshops for women of the community.
“This museum is a huge tourist attraction,” Matsuda said. “Someone from every country in the world has visited the museum. The martial arts community is huge, in the billions. However, our main focus is education. We hope to enlighten visitors about the Asian community and the positive influence they continue to have. We hope to create a bridge of understanding so that we learn more about each other.”
Matsuda added: “Now, since we have a place that is four times our last location, we can include other artforms from many different countries. We will be introducing a new Armenian section coming up, a Hispanic lucha section, a women’s warrior area, [and] a Scottish, a Native American and an African arts section.”
The museum, previously approved by the Los Angeles School District, will now have the capacity to host a variety of tour groups.
“Kids will learn about how each country connects with martial arts,” Matsuda said. “Adults will learn about the many different countries. What a great way to entice tourism all over the world. I am so excited about this move to Glendale. We are looking for great, great things from this city as we create the new ‘museum row’ now that Glendale has the Neon Museum, the Armenian Museum and now the Martial Arts History Museum. What a great way to spend an afternoon.
“With Ohtani and Yamamoto on the Los Angeles Dodgers this year, there could possibly be a visit to the museum…hint, hint.”
The museum entrance is located at 201 N. Brand Blvd., Suite B100. However, the best entrance is at 111 W. Wilson St., which includes an elevator downstairs.
For more information about the museum, visit martialartsmuseum.com or mamuseum.com.
First published in the April 13 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
