Karate for fun. Karate for exercise. Karate for self-defense.

In addition to the usual reasons for learning this art of self-defense, how about using it as a way to make quality time together with your child?

At the Traditional Karate-do school, 1870 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair, chief instructor Chuck Kerrigan said that is the latest draw of the ageless martial arts.

The school also has sites in Scott and Mt. Lebanon.

Cheryl O'Malley, 43, of Collier, was looking for a sports-related activity for children Cara, 11, and Ryan, 9, when she discovered karate, and decided to enroll in her first martial arts class.

"I wanted to know what they were doing, and it's fun. It's very out of my element, but I like that it's a challenge," she said.

Radhika Murali, 40, of Upper St. Clair, said she can't play sports with her children so she, too, has enrolled in adult classes while her son, Aditya, 11, and daughter, Ananya, 7, are enrolled in the youth classes.

"In karate we're both kids. If she's doing something wrong I'll tell her, and if I'm doing something wrong, she'll tell me."

In June, Jennifer Petyk, 36, and her son, David, 8, of Bethel Park, will test for their green belts. "It gives us a common goal, and we can practice together," said Ms. Petyk.

Another duo there is Bill Fleming, 48, and son Ian, 12, of Bethel Park, who take three class- es a week in their age groups.

"It gives us more time to spend together, and other things to discuss and argue about," said Mr. Fleming.

"We get to talk about it together, and he can help me," Ian said.

Parents also said while practicing and participating in clinics, they enjoy watching their children have fun learning self-defense and building self-esteem, while they themselves get in shape.

The activity helped Mr. Fleming lose 20 pounds, and Mrs. Petyk said it's a great alternative to a health club.

"You can only walk on a treadmill going nowhere for so long. Here you are constantly learning something new," she said.

The primary focus is karate as an exercise and self-defense, Mr. Kerrigan said.

Japanese Shotokan karate, which is taught at the school, is based on the body as a whole -- synchronizing the breathing, muscle contraction, and expansion, and body dynamics -- rather than relying on arm and leg strength alone.

Mr. Kerrigan, who holds a 6th degree black belt from the American Shotokan Karate Alliance, has 170 students enrolled among three other sites.

He has taught in the area since 1986.

Members' fees range from $79 to $95 per month depending on one's rank and number of weekly classes. Members pay as they go; pre-payment is possible for discounts. Family rates are available.

Mr. Kerrigan said he knows firsthand the bonding powers of parental involvement in karate: he and his sons, Michael, now 28, and Daniel, now 23, traveled to Panama, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere over the years as the then-youngsters competed.

"We have a great relationship," he said.

Unlike some karate schools, Traditional Karate-do allows parents to sit and watch their children practice and learn.

"We're here to support what the parents do at home," Mr. Kerrigan said.

For more, call 412-257-9115.