The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, is set to open the first-ever museum exhibit dedicated to warrior women on August 22, 2026. The exhibit, titled "Warrior Women," aims to recognize the critical contributions of women in warfare, cultural preservation, and the protection of indigenous lands throughout history.
Founder and President Michael Matsuda emphasized the significance of the installation. "We are setting a historical precedent!" he said. "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 is curated by Kumu (Hawaiian for teacher) Michelle Manu, a 10th-degree black belt and lineage architect of the sacred Hawaiian art of Lua. Manu, a modern-day woman warrior and cultural educator, describes the exhibit as a correction of historical records. "This is not about adding women into history - it's about correcting the record of what has always been true," Manu stated. "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, is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm PDT. The event is free and open to the public. Hosted by the Martial Arts History Museum, this event marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum setting.
The museum, which aims to promote appreciation of America's cultural diversity through martial arts, sees this exhibit as a crucial step. More information about the museum and its programs can be found at martialartsmuseum.com. Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, a metaphysician and master martial artist, also offers insights into her work on women's self-protection and longevity at michellemanu.com.
This exhibit not only highlights the historical importance of women in martial arts but also serves as a platform for broader discussions about gender roles and historical accuracy. By centering on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge, the Warrior Women Exhibit aims to inspire future generations and reshape the narrative of martial arts history.
