Museum celebrates its newest Hall inductees

Jan. 19, 2010 - PRLog -- North Hollywood, CA – The Martial Arts History Museum announces the newest inductees into the Museum Hall of Fame for 2009. Ten individuals are selected for their significant and historical contributions to the martial arts community and this year is no exception. This is the only Martial Arts Hall of Fame that is considered the official hall for the martial arts community that is recognized by the Museum.
    The inductees this year came from a variety of different studies. Listed in voting order they include:
    1) Rorion Gracie – One of the primary individuals who set the tone for the mixed martial arts arena during its infancy years.
    2) Taiho Koki – One of the most celebrated Sumo wrestlers who helped advance Sumo to what it is today.
    3) Bruce Tegner – Perhaps the earliest pioneer in American karate who became a staple in the fabric of advancing karate in America.
    4) Dana White – A man who changed history by created the Ultimate Fighting Championships and set the arts in a new direction.
    5) Bow Sim Mark – One of the few women inductees who not only played a key role by helping to introduce Wu Shu kung fu to America, but became one of the best known advocates for Tai Chi.
    6) Angel Cabales – Known by many as the “Father of Escrima in America,” he opened the eyes of American artists to Filipino stick fighting.
    7) Angi Uezu – A man who did more for the cause of spreading Isshin-ryu karate globally.
    8) Karyn Turner – When tournaments were in its infancy, a group of women excelled by beating both their women competitors as well as the men, therefore, opening the doors for women in forms and fighting.
    9) Cung Le – A successful kickboxing champion that was able to successfully adapt kickboxing concepts into a Mixed Martial Art arena.
    10) Joe Jennings – A man who was the first who single-handedly was responsible for globally connecting the world via instructional videos through Panther Productions.
“These individuals have made more than a significant impact for the martial arts, they have
changed the direction of the arts for the better,” notes Museum president Michael Matsuda. “The Museum Hall of Fame is not about how many trophies one can win, but what they did to influence the next generation. It is a feat that is hard to accomplish and this is a Hall that is very hard to get into.”
   Each year a “contributor’s award” is also named. According to Matsuda, it is the highest honor given to any individual in the arts. Named in honor of one of the world greatest contributors, Gichon Funakoshi, the “Funakoshi Award” for 2009 goes to film director Akira Kurosawa. “Through his many martial arts theme films, he captures the essence of the arts and set the tone for film directors to follow,” notes Matsuda. “Many have called him one of the greatest directors ever.”
   For information on becoming involved with the museum, please visit their website at www.Mamuseum.com, write to info@Mamuseum.com or call 818 355-1109.

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