Sochin (壯鎭) (Japanese: "Tranquil Force") is a kata practiced in several styles of karate. It may have derived from Dragon style, and was taught in the Naha-te school in Okinawa by Seisho Aragaki. It was then passed down to Shito-ryu. Later, a variation of it was introduced into Shotokan by Gichin Funakoshi's son, Yoshitaka.

The rhythm of the kata is dynamic, it is characterized by slow, deliberate movements interspersed with explosive out-bursts of speed. In the Shotokan version, the powerful dominant stance in this kata is sochin-dachi ("rooted stance"). In the Shito-ryu version, it employs several stances including nekoashi-dachi ("cat stance") and zenkutsu dachi ("front stance"). Rhythm is important in the execution of this kata. This kata has been said to develop Chi/Ki energy.

Sochin is practiced in Shuri Style Karate, not from Naha Style.

References

External links

• Sochin kata diagram
• "Bushido-dai" Shito-ryu club page, including Sochin description
• Example