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(NewMediaWire) – November 12, 2023 – Burbank, CA – The Martial Arts History Museum, listed as one of the top five attractions in the city of Burbank, CA, has finalized their deal to relocate the museum to the city of Glendale, CA, roughly about 10 minutes from their current location. After nearly a year of negotiations, the museum will begin to move its artifacts and displays this mid-December to its new, larger facility. The museum is the only one of its kind in the world and has attracted thousands of visitors from nearly every country across the globe. Along with the museum, their successful Dragonfest convention will also find a permanent home in Glendale.
According to Michael Matsuda, president and founder of the museum, the new expanded area will allow the museum to host larger events as well as provide a large enough facility for nearby schools to visit. “Let me first say a big thank you to the city of Burbank. The council members and city officials have been so kind and generous to us. I love Burbank but we need a bigger place and that’s the reason for the move,” says Matsuda. “Also, we are not large enough for school visits and we no longer have enough seats for our events. We would have happily remained in Burbank, but no one reached out from the city to keep us here.”
The museum is the only home for the martial arts worldwide. The walls within the museum reveal the history, tradition, artistry, and culture of Asia and how, through the martial arts, continue to play an important role in Western civilization. “I didn’t want a museum just about the punch and kick, I wanted it to be educational. To tell the story of how martial arts shaped several Asian countries and how it changed America’s films, TV shows, and animation. I wanted children to learn about where the art came from and the positive contributions the Asian community continues to make on the world. I feel that the museum creates a bridge between Asia and America and breaks down prejudice and racism,” adds Matsuda.
Every month, the museum hosts two to three events in their outdoor pavilion. Activities range from movie screenings, book signings, honor days, craft fairs, gallery events, mini concerts, and game nights. Their annual Dragonfest expo brings in nearly 3,000 visitors in a “comic-con” style event.
One of the most important things, reveals Matsuda, is the museum’s humanitarian events. “We need to be part of the community and over the past decade, we have held Anti-Asian Hate Days, Anti-Bullying Days, Women’s Empowerment events, Women’s Self-Defense events, Job-Skill Development courses, Asian language courses, healing events, blood drives, Make-A-Wish programs, hosting special free tours for mentally or physical challenged groups and special tours for seniors and those suffering from Dementia. These are things we have done for free for the community, all without a grant or assistance from the city.”
The new facility will be nearly 8,000 square feet and be located in the heart of Glendale on Brand Blvd. The museum’s current facility will close on December 9 and re-open sometime in February 2024.
The museum is a fun place for the whole family to visit. Designed by artists from Disney, DreamWorks, The Simpsons and Halloween set designers, it is a wondrous place filled with martial arts history. From Japanese samurai to anime, Chinese lions to drums and gongs, and Hawaiian lua warriors to the actual headband worn by Ralph Macchio in the Karate Kid 2 movie.
To assist them in their move, the museum is asking for donations to purchase more display cases, walls, and graphics. As a non-profit organization, all donations are tax-deductible.
To make a donation, visit https://martialartsmuseum.com/move-in-fundraiser/
For more information about the museum, visit MAmuseum.com.
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