SANTA CLARITA, CA, (NAMC) - After eight years of hard work, political negotiations and with the tremendous support of the community, the World’s First Martial Arts History Museum will be opening its doors on June 2, 2007 in the city of Santa Clarita, CA (near Magic Mountain).

“This has been a tremendous effort and I’m thrilled that all our years of waiting have turned this into a reality,” states Museum founder and president Michael Matsuda. “This is it, the world’s first museum dedicated to Asian martial arts. This is now the home of the martial arts worldwide and home to the official Hall of Fame for the arts. This is a huge accomplishment and I want to thank the whole community for getting behind this effort, especially our volunteers and members.”

The ribbon-cutting and door opening will be held on June 2 at 10:30 am with a special Chinese Lion Dancing performance by Sifu Buck Sam Kong’s school of Hollywood. City representatives and the previous Museum Hall of Fame members will be on hand to cut the ribbon.

The nearly 7,000 square foot Museum will focus on the history of Asian martial arts including Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Korean art forms. “The Museum will provide a historical look at these amazing art forms. Tracing back from the Shaolin Temple, the Samurai, through the tournaments of the 60s/70s to the films, television shows and even playstation games. This is something the whole community can enjoy and learn about the historical impact of Asian martial arts on Western society.”

 The Museum is a non-profit organization which started in 1999 by Michael Matsuda. “The Museum will have a huge impact on both the martial arts community, but also the surrounding Santa Clarita community. This is the very first and I would travel from anywhere to see the first Martial Arts Museum and I think other people will as well. This is a rare opportunity and it gives recognition to our community” says Matsuda.

Since 2004, the Museum has been a huge traveling exhibit at a variety of expos, conventions, and festivals.  Stretching from New Jersey, Las Vegas, to mostly Southern California, the Museum has been the focal point of most festivals. “Our goal is education. To provide an education for our children, to inform others about the wonderful contributions of the Asian American community and the positive influences martial arts has had on the West,” adds Matsuda.

Former Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste and Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon have been strong supporters of the museum project.

The Museum is located at

24406 San Fernando Road

in the City of Santa Clarita.

For information on the ribbon-cutting opening, please email the Museum at or visit their website at www.MAmuseum.com or you can call the Museum at their temporary number of 818 355-1109. Adult tickets are $6 and children and seniors are $3.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to the Museum at their post office box, P.O. Box 800668, Santa Clarita, CA 91380.

Special MEMBERS ONLY pre-viewing will be held on May 26, 2007. Please contact the Museum if you plan to attend.