The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, announced the opening of the Warrior Women Exhibit, a groundbreaking installation set to debut on August 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. PDT. The exhibit, which is the first of its kind globally, aims to honor the critical and often unrecognized role 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 centers on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge. “This is not about adding women into history - it’s about correcting the record of what has always been true,” Manu stated in the announcement. “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.”
Founder and President Michael Matsuda emphasized the historical significance of the exhibit. “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,” he said.
The Warrior Women Exhibit Gala, which will include an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, is free and open to the public. The event marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum. The museum, located at martialartsmuseum.com, aims to promote an appreciation of America’s cultural diversity by using martial arts as a gateway to understanding how Asian history became part of American history.
Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, a metaphysician and cultural educator, is known for championing women’s self-protection and longevity. More information about her work can be found at michellemanu.com.
This exhibit is particularly significant as it challenges the traditional narrative of martial arts history, which has often overlooked women’s contributions. By highlighting the roles of female warriors across cultures, the museum hopes to educate the public and restore a more accurate historical record. The timing of the exhibit, opening in late summer, provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with this important cultural correction.
