Johnny Hughes' focus might be different from other martial arts instructors.

"I'm certified by Karate for Christ International," said Mr. Hughes, who teaches CSRA Defensive Arts classes at the Aiken County Recreation Center in Graniteville on Mondays and Thursdays.

"My martial arts is reflective of my lifestyle," he said. "Everything should reflect Christ."

Mr. Hughes said he teaches a form of karate called kindai no karate, which is an offshoot of kempo karate.

Mr. Hughes, who has been training in the martial arts for about 17 years, started teaching in November. Attendance has tapered off over the summer, but he expects it to gain momentum after school starts.

"One thing I'm happy about is the number of families that have been involved," he said.

Dorothy LaGrange and her 11 year-old daughter, Danielle Miller, started taking the class in November.

"I suggested it, and she thought it was cool," said Ms. LaGrange, who attends church with Mr. Hughes.

Ms. LaGrange said she was looking for an activity she and her daughter could take together.

"She's getting to that age where she's starting to do things without parents," she said.

Darren Foster involved his entire family.

"It's a great class," said Mr. Foster, a black belt who participates with his wife, Brandi, daughters Christin, 13, and Summer, 11, and son Brandon, 8.

"I started when I was a child. My dad was a brown belt. I got back into it and last January I got my black belt," said Mr. Foster, a longtime friend of Mr. Hughes.

Classes are from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on Monday and Thursday. The cost is $25 per month, and family discounts are available. There are no contracts, testing fees or association dues.

For more information, call (803) 349-4320 or visit www.csradefensivearts.com.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.