Martial Arts World News Magazine - Volume 23 | Issue 3

COVER STORY
people were interested where the arts
came from, how they were established, and
then the impact on American history. Using
this timeline approach was the key.”
The museum highlights the countries
in which the art came from, and how the
martial arts played a key role in its development.
The museum is divided into several
sections: China, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, the
Philippines, Thailand, Anime history, and
Media history. Through creative displays
designed by artists from Disney, Dreamworks,
The Simpsons, and Halloween prop
makers, the museum is like a mini-Disneyland
with interesting backdrops, animatronics
to greet the guests, and actual artifacts;
it is a place for all to enjoy and learn from.
The place is also lined with video displays
explaining the history of the arts. The
walls are filled with artistically designed
photographs and drawings of Asian history,
artistry, music, and of course, our pioneers
and legends that made a huge impact on
Eastern and Western history. Large images
of Cynthia Rothrock, Benny Urquidez, Jigoro
Kano, Ed Parker, Bruce Lee, and more
line the museum.
The Events
A museum can never entirely depend
on just visitor-ship. That is of course unless
it is a car museum or a Disney museum, it
stands alone on just the name. But for the
rest of us, a museum must have special
exhibits and on-going events, and that, besides
everything else, is what the museum
is wonderful at.
The Martial Arts History Museum is
very big on events. In fact, it averages two
to three events per month. From photo
exhibits to craft fairs to book signings to
seminars and workshops, the museum has
something different for all to enjoy.
“One of our biggest events is our
‘Honor Days.’ We dedicate two hours to
honor a martial arts pioneer, legend, significant
achiever, or martial arts instructor.
It is a time to share that person’s life and
accomplishments. It is a very touching time
where people come from all over the nation
to give thanks to their instructor,” adds
Matsuda. “I enjoy the flexibility we have in
our events. We have done mini-concerts,
comedy shows, and more to help raise
money for the museum.”
The Tours
Children love to go on field trips, especially
to museums, and the Martial Arts
History Museum has become their latest
destination. Thousands of kids come to the
museum each year from as little as 30 kids
to as many as 90 kids in just one session.
Volunteer docents lead the kids
throughout the facility with animated story
telling, fun facts, and tons of Q&A. At the
GM Arthur Inducted into the “Who’s Who” Legends Hall of Fame
You’ll Want to Check Out the Martial Arts “Timeline”, Highlighting Notable Events in Our Shared history
MARTIAL ARTS WORLD NEWS VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 3 43