Martial Arts World News Magazine - Volume 23 | Issue 3

COVER STORY
The Museum Features the Martial Arts of MANY Continents and Cultures!
end of their tour, kids enjoy a fun scavenger hunt as they earn a
museum sticker while getting educated about martial arts history.
Humanitarian Efforts
Although a museum is, without a doubt, the best way to keep
the history of the martial arts alive, Matsuda believes that the
museum must be a part of the community,
that it must have an impact
on society, and having a number of
humanitarian events are essential.
“We give back to the community
and the world. A museum must be
a living thing, it must grow, and although
it’s great to have photos and
amazing information, we must have
the connection with the world,” says
Matsuda.
As part of their humanitarian
efforts, the museum hosts blood
drives, acquiring used uniforms and
equipment for kids who cannot afford
them. They conduct special free tours
for the elderly and those mentally
and physically challenged. They work
with the “Make A Wish” foundation
and “Save the Children” and the host
free workshops on “Making money
on Youtube, “How to write a book,”
“How to run a school,” so humanities
is a big part of the museum.
Dragonfest: The Comic-Con of
the Martial Arts
In the 1990s, actor and martial
arts pioneer Gerald Okamura started
a convention called Dragonfest.
It was an accumulation of martial
arts stars, pioneers, and celebrities.
From just a small room with a handful
of tables, it amounted to a larger
convention with over a thousand
visitors in attendance. The event
lasted for nine years as Dragonfest
ended and laid dormant for the next
ten years.
Upon the encouragement of
the martial arts community and the
blessings of Gerald Okamura, the
museum re-started Dragonfest. It
has grown to over 3,000 visitors and
140 booths in the six years and has
expanded to a two-day event.
“Dragonfest, I feel, is the next
Comic-con. It is a gathering of
pioneers, martial arts products,
movie stars, cosplay, management
firms, animators, and unique cultural performances. It is a reunion
of martial artists and a great place for anyone who loves watching
martial arts movies,” says Matsuda. “Dragonfest is also the
place for workshops and seminars. From learning how to run a
school to martial arts marketing to teaching seminars and plain
old workouts.”
Dragonfest, the Annual “Comic-Con” of the Martial Arts Supports the Museum’s Growth
44 MARTIAL ARTS WORLD NEWS VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 3