Martial Arts History Museum Launches $5 Million Campaign to Preserve Asian American Heritage

The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale has issued an urgent appeal for community support as it launches a $5 million campaign to ensure its survival. Unlike city-funded institutions such as the La Brea Tar Pits or the Natural History Museum, this independent museum relies entirely on public donations to preserve the cultural heritage of Asian Americans and the global impact of martial arts.

Museum president Michael Matsuda emphasized that the institution is more than a collection of artifacts; it is a sanctuary for stories that risk being forgotten. These include the history of the 442nd American Japanese military regiment, the role of martial arts in Japanese Internment camps, and the bravery of Filipino Kali icon Jack Santos, who protected Little Tokyo during World War II. The museum also highlights the journey of Benny Urquidez, a Latino champion who overcame gang influence to become a world martial arts legend.

“History, the internment camps, the 442nd, the heavy pressure of Asian-Hate in America – all these items are addressed in the museum through our rotating exhibits,” Matsuda said. “These are important, heavy facts that we now have a precious opportunity to educate others about. The martial arts serves as our connection, our common denominator across so many diverse cultures. But the simple, painful truth is that we can only continue forward with your financial support.”

The museum has launched a GoFundMe campaign (https://gofund.me/e0e28705f) as the first step toward its $5 million goal. Donations can also be made directly through the museum’s website at MAmuseum.com. Every contribution supports rotating exhibits, educational outreach, and operational costs.

The museum, a non-profit located at 201 N. Brand Blvd, B100, Glendale, CA, 91203, serves as a bridge between Asian American heritage and the global martial arts community. Its mission is to promote diversity and cultural understanding through exhibits that connect past struggles with present-day issues, such as anti-Asian hate. The museum warns that without community guardianship, these vital pieces of history will be lost forever.