Kung Fu fighting

COEUR d'ALENE - Master Mike Edmonson has long had his mojo, now he has his dojo.

After years of teaching martial arts wherever he could find a spot, Kung Fu San Soo now has a real home.

"I have been teaching in Coeur d'Alene for six years," Edmonson said. "I trained privately, in rented spots not my own."

On Monday he opened in his first storefront operation at 2004 Sherman Ave.

"This is a long-term thing for me," he said.

The dojo is a place for martial arts training, and Edmonson's is about as basic as it gets. A large, open area with patches of carpet, and walls decorated with a variety of swords and other weapons.

"Weapons are important," he said. "People do not walk down the street with a sword."

Picking up a chess piece, he adds, "Anything can be a weapon. This is a weapon. Don't underestimate the power of a scalding hot cup of coffee."

For two decades Edmonson has had his mojo working, developing his skills until earning the title of Kung Fu Master a couple of years ago.

"It is not a sport," he said. Rather, it is a self-defense technique that relies heavily on awareness, of spotting problems before they occur and avoiding them when possible.

"If not, you do what you can to get home to your family," he said. "I teach people how not to lose. It is a different mindset."

Classes revolve around the family if children are involved.

"I don't segregate children from adults," Edmonson said. "A lot of times children have to defend themself from an adult."

Basic and advanced classes are offered, with children alongside adults. And while there is seating for nonparticipants, it is not for spectators.

"I invite people in to sit and watch, and see if it is for them," Edmonson said.

Class sizes range from solo to up to 15.

"If only one shows up, it's magic time," he said. "They get private lessons."

Kung Fu San Soo classes are held 5-8 p.m. weekdays and on Saturday the floor is open 10 a.m. to noon. Training sessions are one hour each.

Dues are $70 per month for the first member, and $35 per month for each additional family member. No contract is required.

Private lessons are also available by request.

Preparation involves becoming aware of your body and surroundings, Edmonson said. Peripheral vision and hearing are key elements.

"I'm not teaching people to see how hard they can punch," Edmonson said. "I teach full body motion."

Self-defense training can be one-on-one or one on multiple attackers.

"It is how to command the room," Edmonson said. "It is not about speed or strength, it is about knowledge."

There is little opportunity to get hurt, because it is a cooperative workout, not competitive.

"We watch out for each other," Edmonson said.

The only equipment required is the traditional robe, available from around $25 to $100.

"The idea is there is no social status," Edmonson said.

Hours will be expanded as needed.

"The only issue I fear is I will outgrow this space," he said.

Information: 704-4161