The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, is set to open the Warrior Women Exhibit on August 22, 2026, a groundbreaking installation that highlights the critical and often unrecognized contributions of women in warfare, cultural preservation, and the protection of indigenous lands. Curated by Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, a 10th Degree Black Belt and teacher of the sacred Hawaiian art of Lua, the exhibit is the first of its kind globally to center on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge.
“We are setting a historical precedent!” said Michael Matsuda, founder and president of the museum. “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 correct the historical record, which has often minimized or obscured women’s roles in warfare. As Manu stated, “This is not about adding women into history - it’s about correcting the record of what has always been true. 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 Gala, featuring an official ribbon cutting, will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm PDT. This free public event marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum. The museum, located at martialartsmuseum.com, 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. Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, JD, PhD, is a metaphysician, master martial artist, and cultural educator who champions women’s self-protection and longevity, integrating ancient knowledge with quantum physics. More information about her work can be found at michellemanu.com.
The exhibit underscores the importance of recognizing women’s roles throughout history, not only in martial arts but also in broader contexts of cultural preservation and protection. By restoring balance and accuracy to the historical narrative, the Warrior Women Exhibit serves as a vital educational resource for the community and beyond.
