Martial Arts Museum to Host Premiere of 'The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia'

The Martial Arts History Museum will host a movie premiere for The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The event includes a red carpet from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a movie screening from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at its location at 201 N Brand Blvd B100 in Glendale, California. The film follows Detective Dalton, portrayed by Craig Bruss, a Navy Seal veteran with PTSD who becomes a bounty hunter. His mission, assigned by DEA Agent Prasad, played by Vineeta Prasad, involves taking down remaining Lunada Bay gang members in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Dalton explores alternative medicine strategies with karate Sensei Darryl Vidal alongside traditional therapy, but the plot intensifies as he must hunt down the Russian Mob, known as the "Red Mafia," to rescue the kidnapped Agent Prasad. In this pursuit, Dalton reconnects with Chief Higgins, the Match Stick Mobsters, and Jake to orchestrate the rescue.

Michael Matsuda, the Museum Director, emphasized the film's alignment with the museum's focus, stating that the screening is a natural fit due to its action genre and mixed martial arts elements. The film features highly experienced actors and martial artists, including Darryl Vidal, renowned for the "crane kick" in The Karate Kid and his role as a referee in Cobra Kai Season 6. This connection highlights the museum's role in celebrating martial arts culture and history, offering a unique event for the Glendale community. Tickets are available at the door, priced at $12 for adults and $5 for kids aged 17 and under, with credit cards accepted. The museum is situated at the corner of Brand and Wilson, adjacent to a Muay Thai School, and parking is available at the 4-story tower at 222 N. Orange Street, where the first 90 minutes are free.

The premiere underscores the museum's commitment to engaging with contemporary martial arts media, bridging historical appreciation with modern entertainment. Following the event, The Match-Stick Flame 3: Red Mafia will be available on streaming services such as Tubi, Amazon, and YouTube. For context, previous films in the series can be viewed on Tubi, including The Match-Stick Flame and The Match-Stick Flame 2: Lunada Bay. This screening not only promotes the film but also enhances the museum's visibility as a cultural hub, attracting fans of martial arts and cinema alike. By hosting such events, the museum fosters a deeper connection between martial arts traditions and their representation in popular media, reinforcing its educational and community-oriented mission.