The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, is set to open the Warrior Women Exhibit on August 22, 2026, a groundbreaking installation that honors the critical role of women in warfare, cultural preservation, and the protection of indigenous lands. Curated by Kumu Michelle Manu, a 10th Degree Black Belt and cultural educator, the exhibit is the first of its kind globally to center on women as protectors, strategists, and carriers of martial knowledge.
“We are setting a historical precedent,” said Michael Matsuda, founder and president of the museum. “Not only are female warriors a significant part of martial arts history but many wars would not have been won without them... here to let the community know we support warrior women throughout the ages.” The exhibit aims to correct historical narratives that have minimized women's contributions in combat and martial traditions.
The Warrior Women Exhibit Gala, including an official ribbon cutting, will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 4:00 pm PDT. The event is free and open to the public. Hosted by the Martial Arts History Museum, this marks the first time women are being honored in a martial arts museum setting.
Kumu Michelle Manu, a modern-day woman warrior and lineage architect of the sacred Hawaiian art of Lua, emphasized the importance of the exhibit. “This is not about adding women into history - it’s about correcting the record of what has always been true,” she stated. “For centuries, women’s contributions have been minimized or obscured. This exhibit restores balance, accuracy, and truth. Women were never absent from the history of war - only from the way it has been told. This exhibit restores what was never missing.”
The exhibit is expected to draw attention to the often-unrecognized roles of women in martial arts and warfare across cultures. By showcasing artifacts, stories, and educational materials, the museum seeks to provide a more inclusive perspective on martial arts history. For more information on the exhibit and related projects, visit Michelle Manu's website.
The Martial Arts History Museum exists to promote an appreciation of America’s cultural diversity by using the martial arts as a gateway into sharing how Asian history became part of American history. This new exhibit aligns with the museum's mission by expanding the narrative to include female warriors from various traditions, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and preserved for future generations.
