The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, announced the opening of the Warrior Women Exhibit, a groundbreaking installation that will highlight the critical and often unrecognized role of women in warfare, cultural preservation, and the protection of indigenous lands. The exhibit opens on Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. PDT and is free to the public.
Curated by Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, a 10th Degree Black Belt and cultural educator, the exhibit is the first of its kind globally to center on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge. Manu, a teacher and lineage architect of the sacred Hawaiian art of Lua, emphasized the importance of the exhibit in correcting historical records. "This is not about adding women into history - it's about correcting the record of what has always been true," she stated. "For centuries, women's contributions have been minimized or obscured. This exhibit restores balance, accuracy, and truth."
Founder and President Michael Matsuda noted the significance of the exhibit, saying, "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...here to let the community know we support warrior women throughout the ages." The exhibit aims to honor women who have served as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge across cultures and time periods.
The Warrior Women Exhibit Gala, including an official ribbon cutting, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the museum located in Glendale, California. This event marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum. The museum, dedicated to promoting appreciation of America's cultural diversity through martial arts, invites the community to attend this free event. For more information, visit martialartsmuseum.com.
Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, JD, PhD, is a metaphysician, master martial artist, and cultural educator who champions women's self-protection and longevity. She integrates ancient knowledge with quantum physics to unlock human potential. Further details about her work can be found at michellemanu.com. The exhibit promises to restore what was never missing: the true and accurate history of women in martial arts and warfare.
