Michael Matsuda, the founder of the Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has released a new autobiography chronicling his 27-year journey to preserve the legacy of Asian martial arts. The book, available on Amazon in softcover and hardbound formats for $25, offers a personal account of the museum's creation and the sacrifices made to safeguard the history of martial arts masters and traditions.
Before dedicating his life to martial arts history, Matsuda worked as a graphic designer for Walt Disney Productions, published magazines, and wrote non-fiction books. However, a deeper calling emerged from his six decades of martial arts practice and instruction. He recognized that icons like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan captured global attention, but without a dedicated institution, the rich history of Asian culture, tradition, and artistry could be lost. Alongside his wife Karen, Matsuda sacrificed his personal livelihood to establish the Martial Arts History Museum, a sanctuary for these memories.
The museum's 27-year journey has been marked by significant challenges and triumphs, including relocations and the massive effort to digitally archive thousands of historical photographs. Matsuda's autobiography, subtitled "Discover the Story Behind the Museum," captures these experiences with personal anecdotes and rare pictures. The book aims to show readers how a former designer and publisher became the leading head of a vital cultural institution.
For more information about Michael Matsuda and the Martial Arts History Museum, visit MichaelMatsuda.com or MAmuseum.com.
