The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, is set to open the first-ever Warrior Women Exhibit on August 22, 2026, at 4 pm PDT. The groundbreaking installation aims to recognize the critical and often overlooked role of women in warfare, cultural preservation, and the protection of indigenous lands. The event, which includes a free public gala and ribbon cutting, marks a historic moment for the museum and the martial arts community.
“We are setting a historical precedent! Not only are female warriors a significant part of martial arts history but many wars would not have been won without them,” said Michael Matsuda, Founder and President of the Martial Arts History Museum. “Here to let the community know we support warrior women throughout the ages.” The exhibit is curated by Kumu (Hawaiian for teacher) Michelle Manu, a 10th Degree Black Belt and a modern-day woman warrior and cultural educator.
Manu, who is a teacher and lineage architect of the sacred Hawaiian art of Lua, emphasized the importance of correcting historical records. “This is not about adding women into history - it’s about correcting the record of what has always been true,” Manu said. “For centuries, women’s contributions have been minimized or obscured. This exhibit restores balance, accuracy, and truth. Women were never absent from the history of war - only from the way it has been told. This exhibit restores what was never missing.”
The Warrior Women Exhibit is the first of its kind globally to center on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge. It will feature artifacts and stories that highlight the contributions of women warriors throughout history, from ancient times to modern-day. The exhibit aims to provide a more complete and accurate narrative of martial arts history, which has traditionally focused on male figures.
The announcement carries significant implications for the martial arts community and beyond. By honoring female warriors, the museum challenges long-standing gender biases and encourages a more inclusive understanding of history. This could inspire more women to participate in martial arts and recognize their role as protectors and leaders. Additionally, the exhibit serves as a platform for cultural education, particularly regarding indigenous practices like Lua.
The Martial Arts History Museum, located in Glendale, exists to promote an appreciation of America’s cultural diversity by using martial arts as a gateway to sharing how Asian history became part of American history. For more information, visit martialartsmuseum.com.
Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, JD, PhD, is a metaphysician, master martial artist, and cultural educator. She is a disruptor and thought leader, championing women’s self-protection and longevity by integrating ancient knowledge with quantum physics. More information about her work can be found at michellemanu.com.
The Warrior Women Exhibit Gala, beginning at 4 pm PDT, is free and open to the public. It will include an official ribbon cutting and is expected to attract visitors from across the region. This event marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum, setting a new standard for inclusivity in historical storytelling.
