The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has launched a critical $5 million fundraising campaign to ensure its survival, issuing a heartfelt plea for community support as it faces the threat of closure. Unlike well-funded institutions such as the La Brea Tar Pits or the Natural History Museum, this independent nonprofit relies entirely on public donations to preserve and share the stories of Asian American heritage and the global impact of martial arts.
Founded with a mission that extends beyond displaying artifacts—many designed by a Disney artist—the museum serves as an educational sanctuary. It highlights the positive contributions of the Asian American community and the cross-cultural influence of martial arts in the West. The museum’s exhibits address pivotal historical events, including the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II, such as the heroism of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the resilience of martial arts practitioners in internment camps. Additionally, it honors figures like Filipino Kali icon Jack Santos, who protected Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo during wartime unrest, and Benny Urquidez, a Latino champion who overcame gang influence to become a world-class martial artist.
The museum president, Michael Matsuda, emphasized the urgency of the campaign. “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.”
To kickstart the fundraising effort, the museum has established a GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/e0e28705f as an initial step toward its incremental goal. Donations of any size can also be made directly through the museum’s website at MAmuseum.com. Contributions will support rotating exhibits, educational outreach programs, and operational costs to keep the doors open.
The museum, located at 201 N. Brand Blvd, B100, Glendale, CA 91203, is a nonprofit educational facility dedicated to promoting diversity, artistry, and cultural history. By connecting Asian American heritage with the global legacy of martial arts, it serves as a bridge of understanding for visitors worldwide. Without community guardianship, the museum warns, the invaluable stories of sacrifice and triumph it preserves could be lost forever.
