(NewMediaWire) – April 20, 2023 – Burbank, CA – Last year, for Asian American Pacific Islanders Month, the Martial Arts History Museum gave away 1,000 finger-stun devices to the Asian American community. This year, the museum will once again offer free devices along with a short training class on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the museum in Burbank, CA.
The hope of tensions against the Asian American community to decrease has failed to occur and attacks on Asian Americans, especially those more vulnerable, have continued to escalate with no relief in sight. Attacks have been both verbal and especially many violent physical occurrences.
“We need to do what we can to protect ourselves,” says museum president Michael Matsuda. “These are small devices that we hope, provide an opportunity to be a deterrent. We are not promoting attacking someone, we are providing a non-lethal way of hopefully, protecting your life against an assault.”
Throughout the nation, May marks the Asian American Pacific Islanders month as cities partake in celebrating the positive impact of the Asian American community. “The museum is about Asian art, history, and culture, so we celebrate the Asian community every day we are open. But we have to face reality. Families are being attacked, people are unsafe walking the streets and attacks against Asians is a big part of that,” adds Matsuda.
Nancy Hiyata, a representative from the WWII Camp Wall, states, “This is a sad state that we are in. Asians have been attacked throughout time, and it’s been hidden under the blanket, and it’s not right. Handing out stun devices is wonderful, and it needs to be promoted.”
Michelle Manu, a noted Lua instructor and Women’s Empowerment teacher, will be hosting the stun device training course. According to the museum, everyone must learn how to use the device properly.
“I hope no one ever has to use it, but if you are alone in a dark alley or someone is coming to attack you, I think having a device will hopefully prevent you from harm,” concludes Matsuda. “This is not violence vs. violence, it’s about having something that may save your life.”
The event will take place from 12 noon to 3 pm on May 13 at the Martial Arts History Museum located at 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506. Free finger stun devices will be on a first-come, first-served basis to both adult Asian and Pacific Islanders and non-Asian adults as well. For more info, contact the museum at (818) 355-1109.
