Martial Arts History Museum Issues Urgent Call for Donations to Preserve Cultural Legacy

The Martial Arts History Museum, recognized as the sole museum worldwide dedicated exclusively to martial arts history, has issued an urgent appeal for donations to ensure its continued operation beyond 2025. Located in Glendale, California, this non-profit institution serves as a vital cultural repository, documenting the profound connection between art, history, and the diverse global cultures that shaped martial arts, with particular emphasis on their integration into the American story.

Michael Matsuda, museum president and founder, emphasized the institution's unique role. "The Martial Arts History Museum is a story of those who came before," Matsuda stated. "It is a place where history is preserved, and stories are shared for this and future generations. There is no other place like it in the world, and without community support, this irreplaceable history is at risk of being lost forever." The museum's mission extends beyond displaying artifacts and ancient weaponry; it functions as a living narrative honoring the sacrifices of early Asian immigrants who brought their traditions and martial arts to the West.

The museum argues that institutions like it are essential cornerstones of society, providing a link to past societies, iconic figures, and innovators. They offer perspective on historical progress and sacrifices that have impacted not only America but the world. The potential loss of the Martial Arts History Museum would represent a significant cultural setback, erasing a dedicated space for understanding martial arts' historical and social context, including the struggles of immigrant communities who helped establish these arts in new lands.

The call for support is directed at the broader community, including philanthropists, business leaders, and martial arts enthusiasts. The museum, which operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, relies on periodic donations to maintain its operations and fulfill its educational mission. The appeal highlights that contributions are especially crucial before the end of 2025 to secure the museum's future. For martial arts school owners, supporting the museum is framed as an investment in their students' deeper understanding of the art's roots, which can enrich their practice and commitment.

The museum's location and online presence are central to its outreach. It is situated at 201 N. Brand Blvd., B100, Glendale, CA 91203, and maintains a website at https://MAmuseum.com for further information. The institution's plea underscores a broader principle: that preserving such specialized history requires active community stewardship. The potential closure of this unique museum would not only mean the loss of a physical collection but also the silencing of the immigrant and cultural stories it safeguards, diminishing public access to a significant facet of global cultural heritage.