Michael Matsuda, founder of the Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has released an autobiography detailing the 27-year journey of building and preserving a cultural institution dedicated to martial arts history. The book, available on Amazon, recounts Matsuda's transition from a graphic designer at Walt Disney Productions and magazine publisher to a guardian of martial arts legacy.
Matsuda, who has practiced and taught martial arts for over sixty years, recognized that the stories behind martial arts masters and icons like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan were at risk of being lost. Alongside his wife Karen, he sacrificed his personal livelihood to create the Martial Arts History Museum, a sanctuary for Asian culture, tradition, and artistry. The museum's journey included relocations, such as the move to Glendale, and massive efforts to digitally archive thousands of historical photographs for future generations.
The 315-page autobiography, titled after Matsuda's role as a guardian of history, is described as an easy-to-read, deeply moving chronicle filled with personal experiences and rare pictures. It aims to show readers the ultimate highs and devastating lows of preserving a legacy. Matsuda hopes that by reading his journey, others will understand how a former designer and publisher became the leading head of a vital cultural institution.
Matsuda's work is particularly significant in an era where cultural history can fade quickly. The museum serves as a fortress for memories that might otherwise slip away, ensuring that the true history of Asian martial arts and their impact on global culture is preserved. The autobiography is available in both softcover and hardbound formats for $25. More information can be found at MichaelMatsuda.com or MAmuseum.com.
The release of this autobiography comes at a time when cultural institutions face challenges in funding and visibility. By sharing his personal story, Matsuda not only highlights the museum's mission but also inspires others to support the preservation of cultural heritage. The book serves as both a memoir and a call to recognize the importance of safeguarding the stories behind martial arts, which have influenced entertainment, fitness, and philosophy worldwide.
