4 minute read
Dragonfest 2024
Written By Allen Woodman Photographs by Dan Kennedy - Kim Marra - Allen Woodman - Mario Prado
Dragonfest Expo 2024: A Spectacular Celebration of Martial Arts The 18th annual Dragonfest Expo, held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California, was a resounding success. Like previous ones, this year’s event aimed to support the Martial Arts History Museum through charity fundraising, bringing together martial arts icons, instructors, students, and pioneers for a grand celebration.
The event was hosted by the museum's director and curator, Michael Matsuda, who also served as the master of ceremonies. Among the celebrities in attendance was: - Action Queen Cynthia Rothrock, who delighted fans with promotions for her new movie release, "Black Creek." - Sean Kanan, known for his role as the antagonist in "Karate Kid 3" and his ongoing role in the hit series "Cobra Kai." - Art Camacho, an action director and stunt coordinator, who was there to promote his video series "The Camacho Experience."
These stars and many others shared their stories and interacted warmly with the attendees.
The expo featured free hands-on seminars conducted by martial arts legends such as: - Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, kickboxing legend. - Michelle Manu, Hawaiian Kuma Lua instructor. - Robert Redfeather, a Native Apache and respected martial artist. Other notable attendees included: - Don "The Dragon" Wilson, kickboxing champion.
Eric Lee and Peter Kwong, stars from the movie "Big Trouble in Little China." - Tarak, known for his role as Vega in the action movie "Street Fighter." - Robert Parham and Allen Woodman signed autographs and shared their extensive film experiences with collectors and adoring fans.
Participants also had the chance to meet bare-knuckle fighters, legends like Cecil Peoples, and tournament promoters like Steve Cooper, all of whom were eager to engage with fans.
Dragonfest can trace its origins back to the "Masters in Action" convention, which ran from 1994-1997. Gerald Okamura, a movie bad guy, took over and renamed the event, moving it to Diamond Bar, California, where it became one of the largest martial arts events in Southern California. Michael Matsuda revived this tradition with gusto and prestige, making it a beloved annual event once more.
The stage was a hub of vibrant cultural performances throughout the day, including: - Taiko drummers. - Chinese lion dance teams. - Japanese traditional Shamisen players. There were also heartfelt speeches and stories from notable personalities like Mario Prado, a former photographer for Black Belt Magazine, and actor Vince Ciciri.
The event also saw successful exhibitions and merchandise sales, with the latest International Martial Arts Magazine issue selling out before the event concluded.
Dragon Wear Brand Designs also showcased their newest line of unique athletic wear, including the famous new Samurai Gear line, which saw brisk sales. This year's Dragonfest Expo was an extraordinary event, appreciated by hundreds of fans and museum supporters.
The entire event was alive and kicking as it were with so many great people coming together for the martial arts community and the Museum.
For more information on attending the next Dragonfest Expo or details about the Martial Arts History Museum, visit [www.mamuseum.com] or contact them at the following: Martial Arts History Museum 201 N. Brand Blvd., B100 Glendale, CA 91203 (Use entrance at 111 Wilson Ave.) (818) 245-6051 info@mamuseum.com
We eagerly anticipate next year's Dragonfest and the continued celebration of martial arts culture and history.
