The seeds of Tri Ha began when Sensei Kowalski began studying martial arts in 1970.  He was introduced to the Okinawan karate tradition of Isshin Ryu by his teacher Sensei Dale Jenkins, who in turn studied with Master Kichiro Shimabuku (head of Isshin Ryu).  This martial art, loosely translated as “one’s heart, one’s mind way,” set the stage for practices that align the heart (spirit), mind, and body.  Even though karate is commonly known as a form of self-defense, practitioners discover that it is ultimately intended to improve one’s character.  Sensei Kowalski expanded his martial arts training with another Okinawan karate tradition, Goju Ryu, learning from Sensei Teruo Chinen, who in turn studied with founder Chojun Miyagi.  Goju Ryu can be loosely translated as “the firm and gentle way,” emphasizing the balance of yin and yang, as well as the importance of breathing.  Aikido was another key influence on Tri-Ha.  Sensei Kowalski learned from Sensei Bill Gleason, who in turn studied in Japan with the students of O-sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido.  This martial art loosely translates as “the way of harmonious spirit,” setting the stage for practices that redirect energy, instill harmony and compassion, and channel larger forces (including sound and chi).  Sensei Kowalski continued his studies in various holistic practices, such as Shiatsu, Shintaido, Yoga, Laughing Yoga, Qi Gong, and Macrobiotics.  It was then that he concluded that martial arts alone were incomplete in developing well-being among practitioners.