Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu

Coach. Author. Elite Athlete. Media Personality.

Guest Speaker

Events

Metaphysician, Coach, Kumu Lua, and Recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Biden, Dr. Manu is a guest speaker known for delivering engaging, thoughtful insights while inspiring listeners to take control of their well-being. Her unparalleled expertise merges ancient knowledge with modern science, integrating quantum physics, biomechanics intelligence, and metaphysical principles to unlock human potential.

As a public speaker and interviewee, Dr. Manu’s preferred topics for discussion, include:

*Hawaiian Lua teachings and cultural wisdom

*Philosophy of being a lifelong, elite athlete

*Practical urban self-protection strategies

*Wellness practices for longevity

Dr. Michelle Manu smiles brightly while standing on a beach with waves rolling in behind her. She wears a light blouse, traditional Hawaiian lei, and patterned wrap skirt. Her arms are raised above her head in a joyful, relaxed stretch. The black and white photo captures a moment of serene celebration by the ocean.

Her life experience establishes her as a protector and educator, carrying forward an ancient warrior tradition while adapting it to modern needs. She trains high-risk individuals, empowers women, and teaches self-protection through a holistic methodology—harmonizing mind, body, and spirit to cultivate true resilience and power.

With prestigious awards, academic achievements, media features, and global recognition, she stands as more than a martial artist and teacher. She is a thought leader, high-performance coach, cultural advocate, and elder—bridging the wisdom of the past with the science of the future.

Black and white portrait of Michelle Manu, seated barefoot on a chair and dressed in a long, flowing black outfit. She leans slightly forward with her arms resting on her knees, gazing calmly at the camera. The minimalist background highlights her poised and introspective presence.
Submit an Inquiry

The following is an abridged list of Dr. Kumu Manu’s past speaking engagements and public appearances:

  • Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame, Special Guest and Award Recipient Proxy (Las Vegas, NV 2025)
  • The Real Miyagi: Special Guest Host, AAPINH Special Event Documentary Screening (Glendale, CA, 2025)
  • Dragonfest Expo: Special Guest Appearance (Glendale, CA 2023, 2024)
  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation One APEX AANHPI Heritage Month Event: Keynote Speaker (2023)
  • Legacy 10: Headline Guest Appearance (Los Angeles, CA 2023)
  • Aloha Spirit Zürich: Special Guest Instructor/Speaker (Zürich, CH 2023)
  • CBS News Los Angeles Interview: Martial Arts Coach and Expert on Women’s Self-Protection & VAWA (Los Angeles, CA 2022)
  • National Women’s Martial Arts Federation RISE Conference: Featured Guest (Amherst, NY 2022)
  • Daughters of Hawaii Hulihe’e Palace Event: Special Guest Instructor (Kona, HI 2022)
  • A+E Network (Lifetime, History Channel) Cultural Conversations: Featured Panelist with Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Margaret Cho, and others (National Network 2021)
  • Empowered: Women in Industry Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District – Keynote Speaker (Placentia, CA 2021)
  • Wonder Women UCLA Martial Arts Series: Featured Coach/Teacher/Speaker (Los Angeles, CA multiple appearances 2020-2021)
  • Realty One Group: Town Hall: Special Guest Speaker (Laguna Niguel, CA 2020: multiple appearances)
  • Urban Action Showcase & Expo: Special Guest Speaker & Coach/Kumu (Virtual, New York 2020)
  • Goddess Spirit Rising Conference: Special Guest Performer and Female Empowerment Inspiration Award Recipient (Simi Valley, CA 2017 & 2019)
  • UCLA International Institute: Kaihewalu Lua Hawaiian Combat Art Presentation (Los Angeles, CA 2019)
  • Female Filmmakers Fuse Festival: Panelist/Coach/Speaker SHE Presentation (Pasadena, CA 2019)
  • Fremont College Graduation: Special Guest Speaker and Curriculum Advisory Board Member

A copy of Dr. Kumu Manu’s official press kit is available for download, here:

For promotional purposes only. All rights reserved:

Download Press Kit