Articles By and About Michelle
Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu, JD, MMsc, Phd
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Michelle Manu Multi-talented, International
The mix of prestigious awards, academic achievements, media features, and public honors reinforces her credibility and influence on a global scale. It’s clear she is not just a martial artist and teacher but a thought leader, high-performance coach, cultural advocate, and elder.
- Elite athlete in gymnastics, cheerleading, pro-wrestling, and professional American football.
- Over 40 years in martial arts.
- 10th-degree black belt in the Lua, Kaihewalu lineage.
- ‘Alihikaua (General) and Kumu (teacher).
- Founder and school head for Nā Koa and Pā Lua o Manu, the evolved Lua.
- Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I for her work in promoting, protecting, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture through Lua.
- Hall of Fame Inductee for her impact and for altering the course of martial arts history by the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame 2016.
Michelle is known for her accomplishments as a 10th Black Belt and teacher (Kumu) of the rarely seen ancient Hawaiian Combat Art, Lua
She is the only woman accepted as a disciple and earned the title of Kumu under Grand Master (‘Olohe) Solomon Kaihewalu in over 40 years.
Michelle is also the only woman to date, to be given the designation of “Knight Commander” of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I for her continued work in promoting, protecting, and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through the Lua.
She was inducted into the 2016 Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame for altering the course of history of martial arts.
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Martial Artist
Actress
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Actress:
R Culture
Leilani
Femme d’Action (TV Movie)
Contestant
IN3DRAGON
Amber
Stunts
R Culture (stunts: self defense coordinator)
2019 Michael Caine (TV Series) (stunt coordinator – 2 episodes)
– Informant (2019) … (stunt coordinator)
– Disloyalty (2019) … (stunt coordinator)
Self
2019 Martial Arts History Museum: Michelle Manu (Documentary)
Herself
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Michelle Manu is a sought-after self-defense consultant, providing practical and effective training for individuals in high-risk environments. Following the terrorist acts of 9/11, she led the training of flight attendants in real-world self-defense techniques to enhance in-flight security. Her expertise extends to a diverse range of professionals and individuals, including:
- Pilots and flight attendants
- Real estate professionals
- Healthcare workers
- University students
- Adult entertainers
- Women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness
- Everyday women seeking environmental awareness and self-protection
- S. Secret Service agent
With a deep understanding of situational awareness and combat biomechanics, Michelle works to equip her clients with the skills and confidence to protect themselves in unpredictable environments.
Self-Defense Consultant
Michelle In The Media
Masters Hall Of Fame
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Michelle Manu is a dynamic presence in media, serving as a director, host, actress, fight actress, producer, and live fight commentator.
Her work spans pre-recorded and live-action interviews and in-depth conversations with industry leaders at various Hall of Fame ceremonies, red carpets, and fight venues.
With her quick wit, electric smile, and authentic focus on her subjects, she creates an engaging and insightful experience—her interviewees and audiences alike are drawn to her authenticity and depth
Beyond hosting, Michell is a skilled live color commentator and locker room interviewer for MMA events, bringing expert biomechanic analysis and real-world fight experience to the commentary microphone.
She has also appeared as a guest on many podcasts and live TV shows, sharing her expertise in martial arts, self-defense, and Hawaiian culture with audiences worldwide.
As a producer and director, she continues to shape compelling narratives that highlight the intersection of combat, history, and personal empowerment.
Video Wall
MICHELLE MANU ON CBS NEWS – VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Keynote: Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD)
Women In Industry
52 Masters Interview
Training Class
Sizzle Reel
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