The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, has issued an urgent appeal for community support as it launches a $5 million campaign to ensure its survival. The museum, an independent nonprofit, warns that without immediate financial assistance, it may be forced to close, taking with it irreplaceable stories of Asian American heritage and martial arts history.
Unlike city-funded landmarks such as the La Brea Tar Pits or the Natural History Museum, the Martial Arts History Museum relies entirely on donations and fundraising to operate. Its collection includes artifacts designed by a Disney artist and rotating exhibits that cover topics ranging from the Japanese American internment camps to the heroism of Filipino Kali icon Jack Santos, who defended Little Tokyo during World War II, and the rise of Latino champion Benny Urquidez from the barrio.
“History, the internment camps, the 442nd, the heavy pressure of Asian-Hate in America – all these items are addressed in the museum through our rotating exhibits,” said Michael Matsuda, museum president. “These are important, heavy facts that we now have a precious opportunity to educate others about. The martial arts serves as our connection, our common denominator across so many diverse cultures. But the simple, painful truth is that we can only continue forward with your financial support.”
The museum has launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding page as the first step toward its $5 million goal. Donations can also be made directly through the museum's website at MAmuseum.com. Funds will support rotating exhibits, educational outreach programs, and operational costs to keep the museum’s doors open.
The museum’s mission extends beyond martial arts displays; it serves as an educational haven highlighting the positive contributions of the Asian American community and the cross-cultural impact of martial arts in the West. The museum underscores the risk of losing stories such as the historic 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the resilience of those in Japanese internment camps—narratives that are increasingly relevant amid rising anti-Asian sentiment.
For business and technology leaders, the museum’s plight underscores the challenges faced by independent cultural institutions in an era of digital engagement and shifting philanthropic priorities. The loss of such a museum would diminish opportunities for diverse educational programming and community building, particularly in a region as culturally rich as Southern California.
The museum is located at 201 N. Brand Blvd, B100, Glendale, CA, 91203. More information about the campaign and how to contribute is available at MAmuseum.com.
