Michael Matsuda, the founder of the Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has released an autobiography chronicling the 27-year journey of establishing and maintaining the institution. The book, available on Amazon in softcover and hardbound formats for $25, offers a personal account of the challenges and triumphs involved in preserving the legacy of martial arts masters and Asian cultural traditions.
Before dedicating his life to martial arts history, Matsuda worked as a graphic designer for Walt Disney Productions, published magazines, and wrote non-fiction books. However, his passion for martial arts—practiced and taught for over six decades—led him to recognize the need for a permanent home for the stories and artifacts of iconic figures like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan. Alongside his wife, Karen, Matsuda sacrificed his personal livelihood to establish the museum, which has faced numerous relocations and financial hurdles over its 27-year existence.
The autobiography, titled with the museum's mission in mind, includes personal experiences, rare photographs, and a detailed account of the museum's highs and lows. Matsuda emphasizes the importance of preserving history before it fades away. The museum itself underwent a significant move to Glendale and a massive digital archiving project to ensure historical photographs survive for future generations.
Matsuda hopes the book will inspire readers to understand the value of cultural preservation. 'Without a sanctuary to hold their legacy, the true history of Asian culture, tradition, and artistry might one day slip away,' he writes. The autobiography aims to show how a former designer and publisher became the leading head of a vital cultural institution.
For more information about the book and the museum, visit MichaelMatsuda.com or MAmuseum.com.
