The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, announced the opening of the Warrior Women Exhibit, a groundbreaking installation that highlights the critical role of women in warfare, cultural preservation, and the protection of indigenous lands. The exhibit, which opens Aug. 22 at 4 pm, is the first of its kind globally to center on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge.
Curated by Kumu Michelle Manu, a 10th Degree Black Belt and cultural educator, the exhibit aims to correct historical records by showcasing the contributions of female warriors throughout history. “This is not about adding women into history - it’s about correcting the record of what has always been true,” Manu said. “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.”
The exhibit is curated by Manu, a teacher and lineage architect of the sacred Hawaiian art of Lua. A modern-day woman warrior, she is a metaphysician and champion of women’s self-protection and longevity. The exhibit will feature artifacts, stories, and educational components that highlight the unrecognized roles women played in martial arts and warfare.
Michael Matsuda, founder and president of the museum, emphasized the 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,” he said. “We are here to let the community know we support warrior women throughout the ages.”
The Warrior Women Exhibit Gala, including 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 in Glendale, this event marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum.
The Martial Arts History Museum aims to promote an appreciation of America’s cultural diversity by using martial arts as a gateway to share how Asian history became part of American history. For more information, visit the museum’s website at martialartsmuseum.com.
Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, JD, PhD, is a metaphysician, master martial artist, and cultural educator. She integrates ancient knowledge with quantum physics to unlock human potential. For more information about her projects, visit michellemanu.com.
