CV/Bio
Elite Athlete, Expert Martial Artist, Practicing Metaphysician
Michelle Manu is internationally recognized as a 10th Degree Black Belt, ‘Alihikaua (General), and Kumu Lua (teacher) of the indigenous Hawaiian warrior art of Lua (Kaihewalu and Manu lineages). She is a high-ranking expert and the only public representative of a Hawaiian woman warrior in over 200 years. For her dedication to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture through Lua, she was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I.
Michelle’s commitment to cultural preservation extends beyond Lua. She previously toured the Midwest for a decade as a professional Polynesian Hula dancer and choreographer. Today, she integrates Hula into her Lua teachings, recognizing its vital role in developing timing, balance, placement, and micro-body movements for close-quarters combat. She teaches her systems, Nā Koa (The Warriors) and Pā Lua O Manu, both in the U.S. and internationally, at institutions including UCLA, Honolulu Community College, Queen Emma’s Palace, Hulihe‘e Palace, Papakōlea Community Center, Kapolei Charter High School, and more.
Michelle also trains individuals in high-risk environments, including pilots, flight attendants, real estate professionals, healthcare workers, university students, adult entertainers, women facing domestic violence and homelessness, and even a U.S. Secret Service Agent.
Beyond her warrior lineage, Michelle has been a legal executive for nearly 30 years, holding a Juris Doctorate (JD), business credentials from George Washington University, senior leadership for executives credentials from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in Metaphysical Science (MMsc), and a PhD in Philosophy.
Her work has been widely recognized, with features in major publications including Black Belt Magazine, Hawaiian Airlines Hana Hou!, Custom Trends Magazine (cover), International Martial Arts (cover), Sports Illustrated, Inside Kung Fu, Martial Arts Masters Magazine, Seni Beladiri (Malaysia), Tae Kwon Do Times (Korea), USAdojo.com, Herstory, and Martial Arts Illustrated UK.
Awards & Honors
- Person of the Year, Most Influential in Women’s Sports (Custom Trends, 2024)
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (President Biden, 2024)
- Inductee, Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame (2024)
- Inductee, Argentina Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2017)
- Woman of the Year, Kenpo International Association (2017)
- Inductee, Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame (2016)
- Inductee, Masters Hall of Fame (2006)
Industry & Media
Michelle regularly works in film, television, and media as a producer, host, lead actress, fight actress, and fight coordinator. She recently made her directorial debut in an independent film. Her most notable appearances include a live national CBS News segment on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and an episode of the Bruce Lee Podcast with Bruce’s daughter, Shannon Lee.
Author & Speaker
As a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist, Michelle shares her expertise in warrior training, self-protection, longevity, and spiritual resilience. She is also a published author, with works including:
- Mea Kaua ‘O Kaihewalu Lua
- The Archetype of the Woman Protector
- The Butterfly Effect
- Every Thought is a Prayer (2026)