Sochin is most commonly interpreted as "Strength and Calm" or "Energetic Calm." The translations of "Preserve the Peace," or even "Peacekeeper," are also sometimes used. Sochin is a very bold and sturdy kata, marked by a commanding physical and spiritual strength. It is generally considered as a Seisho Aragaki kata. Of the three Aragaki kata practiced in Shotokan, Sochin is by far the most grounded. This is due primarily to the fact that the kata relies heavily on the use of fudo-dachi, or "immovable stance," to such a degree that the stance became nicknamed sochin-dachi. Also known as "rooted stance," fudo-dachi is probably the most stable of stances and is very tough on the thigh muscles. As such, Sochin is often practiced to train the legs. Although not the flashiest of kata, it is one of the most popular among Shotokan enthusiasts, especially at tournaments. The kata contains several slow, powerful techniques that must be executed with unwavering confidence and with proper muscle contraction and expansion. The student must project an imposing presence, instilling awe and trepidation in the enemy, allowing the karateka to utterly overwhelm the opponent with superior technique and an indomitable spirit.
The most notable technique in Sochin (aside from the fudo-dachi) is the muso-kamae (incomparable posture), Sochin's trademark. One of the more graceful and intriguing kata techniques, muso-kamae is a combination of rising block and down block, and when performed correctly, it is truly awesome. Other techniques of interest include kizami-mae-geri, yoko-nukite, naiwan-hineri-uke, and jodan-mikazuki-geri, all of which are exclusive to Sochin. Interestingly enough, Gichin Funakoshi tried to change the kata's name from Sochin to Hakko (Eight Storms). However, this name never caught on and was eventually abandoned. The revised JKA version of Sochin has 41 counts, with the kiai on #30 and #41 (Best Karate #10 40 counts, kiai on #28 and #40).
