Karate

My kid does really well when she's left to herself.

Some kids are extroverts and love being part of a team. They draw their strength from the cheers and accolades of their friends, they feel secure knowing that someone else is there to get their back, and they love being a part of something larger than themselves. Stick them on a team, and they blossom.

Other kids are introverts, and they love being on their own. They're encouraged by affirmation, but what they really crave is the focus that comes from being in the zone. They feel secure when they lose themselves in the process of discovery, of learning; and they live the most deeply when they're striving on their own or with one or two close friends. Leave them to their own devices, and they blossom.

My oldest is an introvert. Team sports are not for her.

This past week, I took her to a trial class at True North Martial Arts in Highland Park. Located at 320 Raritan Ave., right next to 10,000 Villages, the studio is a new effort by Sensei Mercee, of the former Family Kickboxing Academy. The new studio is just getting started, but it is full of promise.

The studio, incidentally, is having its grand opening celebration from noon-4 p.m. April 22, with information about its children and adults programs, as well as about its children's summer camp.

Unlike softball, where Oldest Daughter too often was stuck warming the bench because she compared negatively to other players, martial arts are an activity where the only person you compare to is yourself. In the class, you gauge your progress by how you are improving over your past performance.

The big lessons at True North are respect, hard work, discipline and focus. Students refer to instructors as "sir," and no one is ever spoken down to. I've seen students' attention wander, and they're always gently brought back into the fold. Middle Daughter has taken karate lessons for most of the past year, and she's never had a bad time.

The attitudes taught are good, the workout is excellent, and my daughter, who often resists my efforts to get her to move in the morning, asked if she could go back as a regular.

A recommendation doesn't get any better than that.