Martial Arts History Museum

The Martial Arts History Museum is a museum in Glendale dedicated to fighting traditions from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hawaii. The building contains separate sections for each region, each showcasing the distinct approaches and practices of that area.

The museum was founded in 1999 and began as a traveling exhibition before opening its permanent location in Glendale in 2023. This progression from a mobile presentation to a fixed space reflects the growing interest in documenting these martial traditions.

The exhibits display traditional weapons, fighting garments, and artifacts from several Asian countries, allowing visitors to see how each region developed its own approach to martial arts. The objects on display show the daily reality and ceremonial importance of these practices across cultures.

The museum is located in Glendale and operates several days a week, making it accessible for most visitors without long travel times. Weekday or weekend visits are both possible depending on your schedule.

The museum contains a media room with film props and videos showing how Asian martial arts shaped American cinema. This link between Eastern traditions and Western entertainment is often overlooked but has influenced countless movies over decades.