(NewMediaWire) - April 05, 2024 - Glendale, CA – In just four short months, one of Burbank’s top ten attractions, has not only relocated to the city of Glendale, but this Saturday, their doors will be open to the public to enjoy. The Martial Arts History Museum, the first and only museum of its kind in the world, will be celebrating its re-opening at its new location at noon with special guests making speeches and greeting fans.
Michael Matsuda, the president and founder of the museum is waiting with great anticipation as the museum expands to a better location and with four times the growth of its Burbank facility. “This is going to be a big day for us. This is a huge step. We were thrilled to be one of the top attractions in Burbank where we brought in thousands of people every year, but the city of Glendale has opened its arms to us and welcomed us in. 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 those 25 years, they have held seminars, workshops, honor days, movie screenings, memorials, game nights, gambling nights, telethons, art shows, lectures, book signings and so much more. In addition, the museum has reached out to many community services such as creating workouts for the elderly, hosting special free tours for those with special needs, and providing 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 in the community.
“This museum is a huge tourist attraction. 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,” says Matsuda.
“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 libre section, a women’s warrior area, a Scottish, a Native American, and an African arts section,” adds Matsuda.
The museum, previously approved by the Los Angeles School District, will now have the capacity to host a variety of tour groups. They will also be looking for volunteer retired teacher docents very soon.
“Kids will learn about how each country connects with the martial arts. 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 be a visit to the museum…hint, hint,” concludes Matsuda.
The museum opens its doors this Saturday, April 6 at 11 am with a small ceremony at noon. Tickets are at the door for just $12 for adults and $5 for kids.
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 information about the museum, visit MAmuseum.com.
