EDITORIAL
From the Curator / Director
Michael Matsuda
Welcome to the first issue of the Martial Arts History Museum magazine. Oh, we’re not really a magazine, we are actually a glorified newsletter designed to keep you informed on what’s happening at the museum. However, as a former magazine publisher and contributing editor for Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu magazine for many years, I wanted to do something to give honor to those two publications. Making the newsletter look like a magazine is my way of giving thanks for the impact they both made on my life.
Through these pages, you will see our events, the exciting new products we have to help support the museum, and a listing of our upcoming events. This magazine will be available on our social media pages.
There will be no charge for viewing our magazine.
Is the magazine going to be printable? Probably not. Obviously, the internet is the reason all the martial arts and other magazines are no longer in circulation. Yes, bad internet. But, to keep up with new media, we took the internet path….I know, I know.
If you will notice, our cover is pretty nice. It looks like a magazine and has that cover feel and that’s what I wanted to do, have that magazine feel. Doug Wong, the man who loaned us almost his entire school, is gracing our first cover. It’s my way of saying thanks.
I had planned to release this about four years ago and of course, COVID came and now the new museum came and I didn’t have the time or resources to do it, but now I have.
www.martialartsmuseum.com
My goal is to have maybe one article per issue. Maybe someone will see the value of 80,000 subscribers and decide to get an advertisement…hint, hint.
The magazine will go out in several different languages as well. How frequently will the magazine be online published? I don't know yet, we'll play it day by day.
So, with that all said, enjoy the first issue of the Martial Arts History Museum magazine.
Biography
The story of a young Mexican fighter who became the greatest kickboxing champion of all time.
The story of a groundbreaking Kung Fu weapons champion of the 1970s and movie badguy
An Emmy nominated producer and martial arts movie director talks about living the dream.
He’s one of the early pioneers of bringing awareness of Chinese Kung Fu throughout the West
Raised in the barrio, surrounded by death, a champion arose amongst the ashes.
A brash, hotheaded fighter becomes one of the leaders of the Black Karate Federation, he’s Bishop Williams
www.martialartsmuseum.com
Benny Urquidez
Art Camacho
Al Leong
Carl Totton
Blinky Rodriguez
Donnie Williams
MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY MUSEUM
D V D s
A five-time undefeated champion, she leaped into the movies and became the official Queen of the arts.
This is the story of a man who built an empire in the martial arts industry.
An early Ed Parker blackbelt, he became the teacher of champions and opened the doors of martial artistry.
From one of the top kickboxers to one of the top box office draws, “the dragon” tells his story.
This is the story a tournament point fighter who was able to make a successful transition into kickboxing.
He’s the torch-bearer for Chinese Kung Fu in America and helped reshaped the industry.
Cynthia Rothrock
Chuck Sullivan
Cecil Peoples
Dave Kovar
Don Wilson
Douglas Wong
MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY MUSEUM
D V D s
Cynthia Rothrock
A five-time undefeated champion, she leaped into the movies and became the official Queen of the arts.
Richard Norton
He’s one of the most successful martial arts actors and stuntman in martial arts history.
Jeff Chan
This is the story of a simple practitioner who played a key role in the promotion of Chinese cultural performances.
Fariborz Azhakh
He played a key role in the development of the museum and became of the top leaders in school management.
Cecil Peoples
This is the story a tournament point fighter who was able to make a successful transition into kickboxing.
Leo Fong
Best friend of Bruce Lee, Fong reveals his relationship to the icon plus he talks about his own personal growth.
MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY MUSEUM
D V D s
A five-time undefeated champion, she leaped into the movies and became the official Queen of the arts.
He opened the doors of Apache Knife Fighting to the world and became the greatest advocate for the art.
She became the first female Lua instructor ever and today, represents the art across the globe.
World-renowned teacher
Carrie
teaches a unique concept of Tai
for seniors.
This is the story of a tournament point fighter who was able to make a successful transition into kickboxing.
Cynthia Rothrock
Michelle Manu
Cecil Peoples
Robert Redfeather
Tai Chi for Seniors
Ogawa-Wong
Chi
Qigong Energy Ball
Michael Matsuda provides the benefits of the Qigong Ball method.
By Allen Woodman
MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY MUSEUM
GRAND RE-OPENING
The Martial Arts History Museum's New Era In the heart of California's bustling cities, where the energy of Hollywood studios and Disney's magic merge, the Martial Arts History Museum has embarked on a remarkable journey. Originally nestled within Burbank's creative hub in September 2011, the museum quickly outgrew its cozy 1200 square foot home, brimming with rich history and resonating stories.
The quest for a new haven that could accommodate the museum's expanding vision and its community's growing fascination was no small feat. Yet, Michael Matsuda, the museum's dedicated curator, alongside a visionary board of directors, tirelessly sought to weave this dream into reality.
The search concluded triumphantly, culminating in a grand revelation on April 6, 2024, featuring an awe-inspiring 8000 square foot space at 111 W Wilson Ave, Glendale, CA 91203-2605, United States.
Months of meticulous preparation have transformed this space into a sanctuary that celebrates the profound legacy and vibrant evolution of martial arts. The new facility promises an immersive experience, showcasing larger, more intricate displays and innovative sections never seen before
This monumental effort, championed by Michael Matsuda, a limited yet passionate staff, and the unwavering support of the martial arts community, has breathed life into the museum's expansion.
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Large and small displays throughout the museum tell the story and history of the martial arts.
The Martial Arts History Museum keeps our history alive
At the Grand Opening, Curator Micheal Matsuda along with special guest host the ribbon cutting ceramony
The new Bruce Lee exhibit will disply his history and presence in the annals of martial arts fame.
one of the most visited display units at the museum, The Karate Kid Movie franchise “Kobra Kai” patch.
Displays and artistry from the Philipines, Japan, China, South-East Asia, Korea, Thailand and more.
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The reception and merchandise store has amazing square footage and an entire line of Museum merchandise available for the public.
Many areas demonstrates the purpose of the museum. Remembering those who came before
The Japanese room displays traditional uniforms worn by pioneers of the arts.
Chinese Master of Kung Fu Ark Yuey Wong bust decorates the museum floor.
The grand reopening was nothing short of spectacular, attended by the luminaries of the martial arts world, including Art Camacho, Eric Lee, and Robert Redfeather, among others.
These pioneers stood witness to a significant milestone that not only honors the past but also paves the way for a future rich in exploration and discovery
The museum's growth has enabled the introduction of special days dedicated to martial artists who have profoundly impacted the community, alongside a "Women Warriors" section, celebrating the formidable females who have etched their mark in martial arts history.
The addition of a comfortable sitting area, a theater capable of hosting 122 guests, and a retail center on par with renowned establishments heralds a new chapter for the Martial Arts History Museum.
Anticipation buzzes in the air for the extraordinary events and esteemed visitors that will grace this cultural treasure.
For those drawn to the compelling narrative of martial arts, a visit to the LA area is now incomplete without experiencing this captivating museum
To book your tour and immerse yourself in an unrivaled celebration of martial arts history, contact Michael Matsuda and explore www.martialartsmuseum.com for more details. Dive into the legacy, be part of the future.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
Martial Arts History Museum: Individual & Family Memberships are now available (nationwide only)
Cover Story
by Michael Matsuda
I’m thrilled to feature my dear friend Douglas Lim Wong on our first cover. When I closed my magazine in 1988, I had the idea of starting a museum, and the first person I ever discussed the idea with, was Douglas Wong. We met at his studio and we discussed it in length and he felt it was not only a good idea.
After I went back to school for many years to learn how to run a museum, in 2003, I launched the museum touring exhibit and I asked Douglas if I could borrow some of his weapons for our display. I asked him, could I borrow this Lion? Then, could I borrow that drum? Could I borrow that shield? After all was said and done, I borrowed nearly half of his items for our traveling exhibit.
I am so grateful for the love and the trust that Douglas Wong had for me and the museum. The museum was an impossible dream that became possible because of great people like Douglas Wong.
Since our earliest days, Douglas Wong and his wife Carrie Ogawa-Wong have continued to support the museum. From stage events to performances, they have been there showing their support. Save one, they have been at every Dragonfest event, long before the museum took the reins.
Douglas Wong is one of the influential figures in martial arts history. He played a major role in helping his brother Curtis Wong establish Inside Kung Fu magazine. In the 1970s, he formed the greatest Kung Fu performance team in the world which included James Lew, Robin Kane, Carl Totton, James Brown, Al Leong, and later Carrie Ogawa-Wong,. They completely dominated the tournament circuit for many, many years. In fact, they were so good, that no one could beat them. The promoters had asked them to demonstrate instead because no one wanted to compete against them.
A student of the great Ark Y. Wong, Douglas Wong has continued to be the driving force for traditional Kung Fu. He is an accomplished author, he has graced the cover of many magazines, has appeared in talk shows, seminars, and events, and even released a series of instructional videos.
As many of our legendary leaders have passed over the last decade, it has been Douglas Wong who carries the torch to a new generation.
I have been honored and humbled to know this great man personally and I am proud to call him one of my dearest friends.
So, with that said, I am thrilled to have Douglas Lim Wong on the first cover of the Museum magazine.
White Dragon
the years 2011 – 2014
the years 2007 – 2010 www.martialartsmuseum.com
Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame Volume 1 Covering the years 1999 – 2002.
Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame Volume 2 Covering the years 2003 -2006.
Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame Volume 4 Covering
Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame Volume 3 Covering
