/KKO/ Michael Gonzalez-Matsuda has been a proud member of the martial arts community for nearly 40 years. He began his martial arts studies in 1968 in a Judo class at the Japanese Community Center in Sun Valley, California.
From Judo, Michael went on to study Japanese Karate then Japanese Jiu Jitsu for a short time at the San Fernando Valley Parks and Recreation facility.
After seeing a brief performance by Al Dacascos, Michael became intrigued with the Chinese arts of Kung Fu. In 1974, Michael began studying Hung Gar (Shaolin) Kung Fu from Sifu Lyle Fujioka, a senior student of Sifu Buck Sam Kong's school in Hollywood. Lyle was teaching as a branch of the school at the Mid-Valley YMCA. From there, Michael moved onto the Hollywood school and studied there until 1981, but continued his training for another three years thereafter.
In 1977, during his studies in Hung Gar, Michael met fellow student Paulie Zink. Paulie was just starting to learn Tai Shing Pek Kwar (Monkey) Kung Fu from his instructor, Cho Chat Ling. After every Hung Gar class, Paulie began teaching Michael the Monkey Kung Fu style. Michael and Paulie became best friends and Michael continued to study under Paulie for nearly 30 years.
From 1974 to 1977, Michael was the president of the Hop Sing Tong group. It was a non-official martial arts club at his high school.
In 1977, Michael opened a Hung Gar Kung Fu school in Sun Valley, California.
During this time, Michael also dabbled for a year in Jeet Kune Do from one of Dan Inosanto's students as well as three years of kickboxing under Sensei Cecil Peoples.
In 1982, Michael began a writing career as a journalist for Inside Kung Fu magazine and Black Belt magazine. Michael has interviewed such martial arts figures including Jun Chong, Benny Urquidez, Gini Lau, Karyn Turner, Simon Rhee, Cecil Peoples, Brendan Lai, Y.C. Wong, Carrie Ogawa-Wong, Phillip Rhee, Eric Lee, James Lew, Dan Inosanto and many more.
In 1983, Michael became the founder and publisher of Martial Arts Magazine -- a California tournament magazine. He sold the company in 1988.
In 1985, 1986 and 1987 Michael established the Regional Karate Championships which were held at Cal State Northridge University.
From 1992 to 1998, Michael and Paulie produced 15 videos through Panther Productions and CFW Enterprises.
In 1995, Michael produced a three-part video series about the history of Martial Arts in America.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Michael co-authored three books including "The History of Monkey Kung Fu," "TKC," and "Monkey Kung Fu Fundamentals."
In 1999, Michael became the co-CEO of Martialinfo.com. He was able to turn a 100 monthly hit count into a 100,000 a day hit website. Martialinfo.com today is the most visited martial arts site on the Internet (Michael resigned as the co-CEO in December 2005).
In 1999, Michael also founded the Martial Arts History Museum -- thus creating the first martial arts museum in the world. It was also in 1999 that the official Martial Arts Hall of Fame was established.
In 2004, Michael introduced the Martial Arts History Museum traveling exhibit.
In 2004, Michael also had a short career in film co-starring in X-Treme Fighter, as a gangster role in 18 Fingers of Death and a gang leader in Soft Target. He also appeared in a variety of commercials for Disneyland, Cobra Golf and more. In 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 Michael began the Museum Ceremonies. Today, the Museum Ceremonies are considered the most "professional oscar style event" in the martial arts.
In 2004, Michael formed a Stunt and Wireworks Workshop company with film director Art Camacho. Since 1978, Michael continues to teach both Hung Gar Kung Fu and Monkey Kung Fu privately. In 1998, Michael began a running career and ran in a variety of 5-K's as well as four times in the famous Los Angeles Marathon.
Holding a bachelor's degree in Management, Michael also holds a degree in journalism and certificate in graphic design. He has been going to college for 25 straight years after high school including attending the American Film Institute for three years.
In 2001 and 2003, Michael was selected as one of the Nation's Top 100 Producers and has graced the cover of two film magazines. He has also graced the cover of six martial arts magazines.
Michael's working career has included Production Manager, Art Director, Computer Based Training Manager, Training Instructor, Chief Executive Officer, Publisher, Editor, Advertising Director, Event Coordinator and Producer.
He has owned MProductions Design Company, Martial Art Magazine and Martialinfo.com. He currently owns the WireWorks Workshop with Art Camacho, MuseumGear.com, Michael Matsuda Presents and is the president and CEO of the Martial Arts History Museum.
Michael was also the coordinator and director for the San Fernando Valley Health Fair, the Starbash Convention in Las Vegas, the Wellpoint Conference in Indiana and is currently planning the Asian-American Festival in Los Angeles.
From his Hispanic lineage, Michael is a direct descendent of one of the Founding Families of the City of Los Angeles. His great....great grandfather was Augustin Zamorano, Governor of the State of California. Augustin is also the first person to bring the printing press to California. His first printed book is housed in the California Section of the Natural History Museum.
