About This Kata
| Name | Sochin [壯鎭] |
| Translation | Tranquil Force |
| Style | Shotokan |
| Level | Advanced |
| History | Sochin is believed to have originated in the Aragaki-ryū tradition with strong Chinese Southern influence, preserved by Aragaki Seishō who was well-versed in White Crane and Tiger systems. From Aragaki’s teachings, a related kata called Koshiki was absorbed into early Shitō-ryū and Shōrin-ryū. Funakoshi briefly renamed it Hakkō but this did not endure. Sochin was not part of Funakoshi’s original 15 kata; it was introduced into Shotokan later, likely through Yoshitaka (Gigo) Funakoshi or senior JKA instructors seeking to broaden the advanced kata curriculum. The Shotokan version emphasises the rooted Fudo-dachi stance and differs significantly from the Shitō-ryū version. |
| Lineage | Aragaki Seishō → Kenwa Mabuni (Shitō-ryū) → Funakoshi Yoshitaka (Shōtōkan) |
Energetic Calm (Shotokan Kata)
