Sochin - Immovable Stance
The kata Sochin displays power, and stability which it derives from a strong side stance that is used throughout this kata called, fudo-dachi (rooted stance). In fact, the stance is used so often in Sochin that this particular stance is also referred to on its own as sochin-dachi. This kata introduces amongst others, muso-game and jodan-yoko-nukite (upper level spear hand).
This kata contains 40 movements and should take the student approximately 50 seconds to complete. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance from Ni Dan (2nd Dan) to San Dan (3rd Dan).
There are two kiai points in Sochin. The first one occurs on the first jodan-shita-zuki (upper level rising punch) on the right side, three quarters of the way through the kata. The second one occurs on the last movement of the kata, a chudan-kizama-zuki (middle level thrust punch).
To return to a ready position after the last movement of the kata leave your right foot in place and withdraw your left foot so as to stand up once again facing forward in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). You must now formally end the kata. You do this by bringing your left foot half way in towards your right foot and your right foot half way in towards your left foot so that you are now standing with your feet together. At the same time as you bring your feet together also bring your hands to your sides so you are again standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance). Now rei (bow). After bowing, step out with your left foot and then your right foot and once again stand in hachiji-dachi (natural stance) while at the same time bringing your hands from your sides and hold them in a ready position in front of you with your fists closed.