LOS ANGELES, CA, (NAMC) -  Each year the Martial Arts History Museum is proud to induct ten new individuals into the most prestigious level of the martial arts, the official Martial Arts Hall of Fame. After a six-month nomination and voting process, the previous Hall members have selected the following ten
individuals:

Ark Y. Wong, an instructor who opened the doors for non-Chinese to learn the Chinese art of Kung Fu.
    

Wen Mei Yu, who became instrumental in spreading the art of Tai Chi, Qi Gong.
    

Wally Jay, a pioneer in introducing Jiu Jitsu throughout the world and enlightening the art through his small circle system.
    

Lily Lau, as the successor of the art, brought the Chinese art of Eagle Claw to America.
    

Cacoy Cante, a pioneer in introducing Kali/Escrima throughout the world and opening the doors of this art to a new generation.
    

Brendan Lai, who became the focal point in bringing Tai Mantis kung fu to the Western world.
    

Toshishiro Obata, who championed creating new ways of practicing sword cutting with the utilization of tatami mat slicing and upholding traditional sword teachings.
    

Buck Sam Kong, a leader in the Hung Gar system and not only was the first to open the doors to non-Chinese in Hawaii, but became instrumental in spreading Hung Gar in America.
    

Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most honored Samurai’s of his generation who created such masterpieces as the Book of Five Rings.
    

Leo Fong, who in the early days of the arts, began transforming Kung Fu with a more physical, weight training approach that appealed to many non-martial artists and opened the doors to new methods of exercise with the arts.
    

The Museum’s Martial Arts Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of an artist’s career. A video of their martial arts life will be created by the Museum and included in the Hall of Fame Wall at the facility so that generations from today can learn about the great pioneers of yesteryear. “Creating a Hall that most people will appreciate is difficult, that is why I did not want the Museum to select them. Rather, it is up to the previous Hall of Famers to nominate and induct the next generation of pioneers,” notes Museum
founder Michael Matsuda.

In addition to the Hall of Fame, the Museum founder has the honor of casting a single vote in selecting the “Funakoshi Award” winner. Named after Japanese pioneer Gichon Funakoshi, this award is the “Contributors Award” and is given to an individual who is recognized for their contributions to the arts, rather than their martial arts skill.

“This year I was proud to select an individual who even though has made his mark in the last decade, but its impact has made such a significant difference that everyone today is benefiting from his contribution,” notes Matsuda. “This year I am proud to induct the ‘father of martial arts on the
Internet,’ Fariborz Azhakh.
    

Though only a quarter-century old, a computerized form of technology changed the way people gathered information and communicated. By creating innovative ways of research, Azhakh created a series of websites which enabled locating studios and researching martial arts information. With such
innovations as Martialinfo.com (the world’s biggest martial arts website), Yoga411.com, establishing the first online management system, creating a truly functional online directory, a martial arts search engine and the first successful online magazine, Azhakh has made an immediate impact for the arts.

On October 14, 2006, the Martial Arts History Museum will be presenting the Museum Ceremony into which a number of this year’s inductees will be formally recognized into the Hall of Fame. Able to attend this year’s event include Wally Jay, Wen Mei Yu, Toshishiro Obata, Buck Sam Kong and Ark Y. Wong (his grandson Seming will be accepting on his behalf).

Called the “Oscars” of the martial arts, each inductee will be properly honored with a video display of their entire martial arts career. The inductee is then celebrated on stage and presented “the Sammy,” the Museum Statue for their accomplishments.
    

“This is the most prestigious presentation of any martial artist’s career. The Museum doesn’t just hand the person their award and that’s it, but the Museum takes the time to honor them properly with a whole display about their martial arts life for their family and friends to enjoy and for others to learn about them,” states Matsuda. “This ceremony provides that one last time to show our appreciation for their efforts.”
    

The Museum Ceremony, which is now in its sixth year, will be held at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park, CA. Doors will open at 4:00 pm, and the ceremony will begin at 5:00 pm and be topped off with a buffet dinner immediately following. Tickets costs are $100 per adult and children 16 & under for $50. Tickets costs are tax-deductible.
    

In addition to the presentations, attendees will enjoy a first time theatrical performance on the “History of the Martial Arts.” The play will cover how the martial arts was created, how it came to America and where it is today.
    

For information on the event, please visit their website at www.MAmuseum.com, email or call 818 355-1109.