Michael Matsuda, a former graphic designer for Walt Disney Productions and longtime martial arts practitioner, has published an autobiography chronicling the 27-year journey of the Martial Arts History Museum. The 315-page book, available on Amazon in softcover and hardbound formats for $25, details the highs and lows of preserving the legacy of martial arts masters and Asian cultural traditions.
Matsuda's path to becoming a guardian of martial arts history began with a career in creativity and storytelling. After working at Disney and publishing magazines, he turned his focus to martial arts, which he had practiced and taught for over sixty years. He recognized that while icons like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan were celebrated worldwide, their stories and the broader history of Asian martial arts risked being lost without a dedicated institution. Alongside his wife, Karen, Matsuda sacrificed his personal livelihood to establish the Martial Arts History Museum, a sanctuary for these memories.
The museum's journey was marked by challenges, including relocations—such as the move to Glendale, California—and the massive task of digitally archiving thousands of historical photographs to ensure their survival for future generations. Despite these obstacles, Matsuda's dedication never wavered. The autobiography captures these experiences, offering readers a deeply personal look at the museum's founding and the passion that drove it.
According to the official announcement, the book is described as an "easy-to-read, deeply moving chronicle" that shows "the ultimate highs and devastating lows of preserving a legacy." It includes personal experiences and rare pictures, illustrating how a former designer and publisher became the leading head of a vital cultural institution. The museum's website, MAmuseum.com, provides more information about its mission and exhibits.
The autobiography is now available for purchase, and Matsuda encourages those interested in martial arts history to learn more about his journey at MichaelMatsuda.com. The story of the Martial Arts History Museum serves as a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and Matsuda's book offers a firsthand account of the dedication required to keep history alive.
