Martial Arts History Museum to Honor World Champion Christine Bannon-Rodrigues in November 2025 Celebration

The Martial Arts History Museum will honor legendary World Champion and stunt double Christine Bannon-Rodrigues during a special weekend celebration from November 14-16, 2025. The main event will be an Honor Day on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 4-6 PM at the Museum, celebrating her extraordinary career as a world champion, stunt performer, and pioneer in martial arts competition. Bannon-Rodrigues is a nine-time World Champion in karate and weapons forms who has inspired generations of martial artists worldwide. Her groundbreaking achievements include being the first person to win three gold medals at a single World Games. Beyond competition, she has showcased her skills in film, television, and live performances, beginning her stunt career by doubling Hilary Swank in 1994's "The Next Karate Kid" and later playing the main villain in the 2005 film "Sci-Fighter" starring Cynthia Rothrock.

"Christine's impact on Martial arts is immeasurable," said Martial Arts History Museum President Michael Matsuda. "Her dedication, achievements, and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire practitioners of all ages, and we are honored to celebrate her legacy." Museum Representative Jerome Maida confirmed the event will feature a presentation examining Bannon-Rodrigues's life, opportunities for fans to meet her, and her induction into the Museum's Hall of Fame. Bannon-Rodrigues expressed enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, "This is a tremendous honor and I'm really looking forward to it." The weekend celebration extends beyond the Honor Day with additional programming including a screening of 2004's "Sci-Fighter" on Friday, November 14, from 4-6 PM and a screening of 1994's "The Next Karate Kid" on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 1-3 PM. Bannon-Rodrigues will participate in question-and-answer sessions following each film screening.

Admission for each day is $20 for adults and $5 for children. The Martial Arts History Museum is located at 201 N. Brand Blvd., Suite B100, in Glendale, CA. This celebration recognizes Bannon-Rodrigues's contributions to bringing martial arts to mainstream audiences through both competitive achievements and film work that introduced martial arts to wider viewership. Her pioneering role as a female champion in a male-dominated sport and her transition to film stunts helped normalize martial arts participation for women and expanded public perception of the discipline beyond traditional stereotypes. The museum's recognition serves to preserve the history of martial arts development in Western culture and highlight how individual athletes can bridge competitive sports with entertainment media to influence broader cultural acceptance.