The Calm Tiger

 

        The Kata Sochin is one of the Shotokan Kata that is a favorite in tournaments and demonstrations. The performance of this Kata is heavy and powerful, typical of Katas classified as “Shorei”.The Kanji for “So” means grand, vigorous, energetic, ancient peace, and robust. The Kanji “Chin” means “suppress, put down, or make calm. Thus the common interpretations of its name are “Strength and Calm”, “Energetic Calm”, “Preserve the Peace” and “Peace Keeper”. It is also believed that the Enbusen or the performance line of Sochin draws the Kanji character for “Mamoru” which means “to protect”. It is important to clarify that the stance used in Sochin is not Sochin Dachi but Fudo Dachi.

In the Todaiji, one of the biggest temples in Japan, there is a statue of Fudo Myoo the Buddhist God of War. Fudo Myoo was in the Muso gamae or the “incomparable posture” which is the very first move in Sochin. Like the statue on the cover of Master Gichin Funakoshi's book "Karate-do Kyohan". 

            Master Gichin Funakoshi has taught Karate to be a Way or a “Do” to reach perfection of character, the way or a path that will teach us how to master ourselves. Karate provides the   philosophies that can make whatever one’s beliefs or convictions even stronger.   Therefore, every part of Karate from Mokuso, Etiquettes, Kata and Kumite are   tools for a better understanding of “Truth” or reality. The Enbusen of Sochin   implying “to protect” could be re-enforcing one of the Dojo Kun which says “Be   faithful; Defend the path of Truth”. People and outside forces will often attack   your belief and 

Kanji for "Protection"

principles. If any of your beliefs and the Way of Karate-do is attacked it is our responsibility to defend it. However, we should protect not in negative ways like being disrespectful of other’s beliefs, arguing, canceling and discriminating those who are critical of your belief. To feel that you have to argue is being insecure and to easily get offended by those who express different beliefs means that we are too prideful. Karate trains us to be humble and to lessen our pride. Humbly  explain and express your belief, so that they learn and understand then you walk on. Respect their beliefs and let their opinions be a reason for improvement and to

Kanji for "Protect"

further one’s knowledge. Another way of defending the Way of karate or any of your  beliefs is to be responsible in propagating it not just to survive, but for it to continue to  thrive and grow for generations. To be faithful means to stay loyal and committed to  the Way. To defend it; means that we should not give up, we should have the  perseverance and the patience in pursuing truth. One must continue to devote himself to training, experiencing Karate and perfecting techniques to eliminate bad habits.

              

Fudo Miyoo is the person's
 unmoving mind.

        Fudo Dachi is the dominant stance used in the Kata Sochin. Fudo Dachi   is known as the immovable stance. According to the book “The Unfettered   Mind;” Takuan Soho, an ancient Zen Master  wrote letters   entitled Fudochishinmyoroku, “The Mysterious Record of Immovable   Wisdom” to Master Swordsman Yagyu Munenori who taught two generations   of   Shoguns. Takuan Soho described Fudo Miyoo as the immovable   enlightened king   whose shape or form is the protector of Buddhism and his   embodiment is that of   immovable wisdom. Fudo Miyoo is a person’s   unmoving mind. A mind that does   not stop or is not detained by any matter; a   mind that has reached a state of No- mind is to have immovable wisdom that   clears away all delusions. An example   is when your mind got fixated on your opponent’s punches then you missed and got caught by his kick. You got fixated with one opponent and the other guys knocked you down. Your mind is fixated with growing your relationships that you missed growing your personal success or vice versa. You are fixated on your difficult boss and fail to appreciate your coworkers. You focus on anger you miss out on love, focus on what is lacking you fail to appreciate your blessings. The mind that continues to flow is immovable and the mind that stops is ignorant. 

        The Inyo or the Yin and Yang symbols represent the duality in the universe. The different combinations of the meanings of the syllables “So” and “Chin” suggests the duality of Karate. The name Sochin may suggest a violent strategy for self defense such as “Grand Suppression” or “Vigorously put down”. Sochin may also mean “Energetic Calm”, “Ancient Peace and Calm”. Sochin is a Kata for achieving

The Shotokan tiger represents Alertness, Power and
Strength contained in a circle of Calmness

Physical and technical strength, to put down your opponents with heavy and powerful blows. One must have the strength to protect himself so he or she can also protect others. Karatekas should have the strength that is contained by a calm, peaceful mind; only to be unleashed when needed. Sochin is a Kata for inner strength and calm spirit to be the wiser.

 *Shout out to the Way, the Truth and the Life

Sources:

https://www.themartialway.com.au/sochin/

https://ski-usf.com/shotokan-tiger/

https://www.themartialway.com.au/shotokan-tiger-symbol-2/

Rob Redmond “Kata the Folk dances of Shotokan”. Holly Springs: Rob Redmond, January 2008

Takuan Soho and translated by William Scott Wilson. The Unfettered Mind Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master. USA: Kodansha, January 1, 1986  

The Way of the Swallow

         The Kata name Enpi means “Flying Swallow”. It is because of the movements in the Kata that resembles the up and down flight of Swallows. The light and fast movements of the Shorin style katas are very much evident in Enpi.  As the title suggests, we can base the application of this Kata on the qualities of the Swallow. The Swallow has great maneuverability, speed and endurance. They catch their prey on a wing or while it is in flight. Though occasionally, they can snatch their prey while on the branch or on the ground.

The Swallow is very elusive and can evade a Falcon’s attack. Just like the Swallow, speed must be used to overwhelm the enemy. One must be able to attack high and low and be able to strike while on the go, which means you are able to strike while moving. To have maneuverability means to be able to change direction or execute tactics that will break the opponents cohesion and gain advantages in battle, whether offensively pursuing the enemy or defensively getting away or evading the enemy. Your team's movement is always faster than the enemy. In a one on one fight, your speed depends on your agility. Your speed should overwhelm and break your opponents balance. Be elusive, explosive and confusing to your opponent. We should consider these principles when we practice the "Oyo"; the practical application of this Kata.

The Swallow has speed and
 maneuverability for attacking its prey
 and evading predators.

One must have the endurance to see the battle through. Often, a protracted war will drain resources, lower the morale and lead to heavy casualties and losses. On a one on one fight, one must end the fight quickly but if it goes the distance then one must be able to sustain and finish strong. 

The original name of Enpi is Wanshu which is believed to be the name of a Chinese emissary to Okinawa who was also a martial artist. Either Wanshu created the Kata or the Kata was just named after him to honor him. The Kata however, is widely known as “the Dumping Form” which is because of the kata guruma or the shoulder wheel throwing technique near the end of the Kata.  

Applying the tactics of Enpi or the flying Swallow in our activities, we must use speed; finish our tasks quickly so that we can accomplish more. Also the longer we take to finish a task the more energy, time and other resources are wasted; the project or endeavor becomes costly and morale and interest

The Swallow can outmaneuver the Falcon.

goes down. If the tasks require a long time to finish one must have endurance to sustain and see the project through. If things are not going as it should be one must be comfortable in changing directions, apply a different approach or take another position to solve the problem. These are characteristics of the Swallow that we can use for success.

"I can through Him who gives me strength"

KARATE-DO: The Way of the Modern Warrior

 

           Most if not all students of Karate started because they wanted to learn how to defend themselves. They wanted to learn how to fight. As the student progresses he gets to learn all the other aspects of Karate. He or she learns the discipline, culture and philosophies. They develop interest in performing Kata and to fight in Kumite. The student will continue to train because he learned to appreciate every aspect of Karate-Do, but there will be one aspect that he would appreciate the most and it will serve as his main motivation to stay committed to his training. He may be hooked to joining tournaments and become an athlete. He may become a good leader in his organization, as he practices his understanding of Karate-Do principles. He may seek spiritual growth as he deepens his knowledge through his training. So the Karate practitioner is a philosopher, an athlete or a leader. But today’s Karate-ka should be a modern day warrior who posses all of these qualities and more.

           

        A warrior is healthy and fit to be able to fight in combat. We should have the endurance to last in a fight, the strength to grapple, move or throw opponents, the agility, speed and power to fight effectively. We are always at awe whenever we see old masters that can execute technique excellently despite their age. “In the past, masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles.” (Anko Itosu)

            Even if one is not an athlete he or she should acquire the habits of an athlete like living a healthy life style, eating healthy and exercising or training. No matter what our age is, we should be at our best condition to do our daily activities and tasks effectively. We should be able to walk or run a distance if needed to, to be able to lift or move heavy objects or body weight, climb hills and flights of stairs. It is important to do strength and conditioning exercises known traditionally as “Hojo undo” and of course to practice regularly.       

            Master Anko Itosu also said that “Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master. It is not intended to be used against a single assailant but instead as a way of avoiding a fight should one be confronted by a villain or ruffian." So the Karate-ka as a modern warrior must have the capability to defend not just himself but also to protect his family; love ones, other people or strangers as well. Karate is not intended for consensual fighting, you versus a brawler or another martial artist. This is the misconception about self-defense. “Ruffian” means a violent criminal or trouble maker. The modern warrior must have the ability to respond to violence. A fight with ruffians increase the danger to you or the one you are protecting. To avoid a fight is to be able to put the ruffians out of action and escape or survive the situation. To avoid danger one can also de-escalate. You can be more effective to de-escalate if you have confidence in your ability to respond to violence and not out of fear. You can also avoid danger by being aware of your surroundings, people, danger zones or choke points and situations. The Karate-ka also uses his awareness to be sensitive to others, to recognize opportunities and to be creative. The modern day warrior is truly a man of peace.

           

        One of our Dojo Kun is “to foster the spirit of effort” or “be purposeful”. A Karate-ka always strives to do his best in training and in anything he does. He has an excellent work ethic. He works hard to achieve his goals. He continuously learns and improves his skills and knowledge. He not only works hard but works smart. Over training results in injuries and prevents you from progressing physically and technically. It also prevents you from being effective in your other roles in life, like work and relationships. It is the same if we over work or over extend ourselves, doing so many things. Our health, relationships and productivity suffers. If we work smart, we can also have more time to practice Karate. We must maintain excellence and effectiveness in combat, work, training and our roles.

            One of the Niju Kun states “Be aware at all times that you have millions of potential opponents”. This does not mean that we should be paranoid. It means that we have to always be vigilant. As a modern warrior, one must always have security, strategic and tactical consciousness. Always be prepared for a calamity, a break in, fire, form of harassment, violent attack, accidents or unfortunate events. It is better if you are the one to give rations/donations than to be getting donations in case of disaster. It is better to be a survivor than to be a victim of violence. The attitude of being prepared is also applied to travels or road trips, presentations at work, fulfilling requirements and documentations. This does not only mean that you know what to bring to the occasion but also what is your strategic and tactical plan. It means that you have gathered all necessary information or intel about the place you will go to or the event that you will encounter. Your travel plans and strategies not only concerns maximizing time and resources but also safety concerns.

             Aside from Physical and personal security, Document or data security, the modern warrior should also strive for Financial security. This means that one has the discipline and knowledge to save and grow money. Money is a resource or tool when it comes to battle. For example, you need money for a good lawyer, investigators to build up your case if needed, or to provide extra support to law enforcers handling your case. The quality of your home and personal defense set up will also depend on your budget. Also, knowing how to grow your money makes it a lot easier for you to part with it, like in case of robbery. In a car accident it is easy for you to negotiate a settlement rather than argue and escalate the situation. For you the saying that “money can easily be earned back” really holds true. As a modern warrior, having knowledge and skills to earn and grow money makes you an excellent provider for your family. If their current needs are provided and future needs are addressed then you have secured them. It is important for a warrior to have financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit.

             The warrior is also a good leader. He can communicate and work very well with others. No matter what rank or stature, the warrior finds his way to lead. A student (Kohai) or a teacher (Sensei) can both lead by example. By setting an example to juniors and peers, like being excellent in training and observing Karate etiquettes is already leadership. A good leader is a good follower. The Kohai does what the Master asks and adhere strictly to etiquettes that apply between senior and junior in order to build a strong sense of propriety, discipline and humility. He should strive to become better than the Master. One day the Kohai will also become a Master and having learned humility, he will be of service to his Kohais or his constituents. The warrior leads with integrity, responsibility, accountability and compassion. 

             The modern warrior with a dangerous skill and mind in the art of war should be guided by a moral compass. Whatever your faith, ideals or belief is, Karate-do philosophies will help make it stronger. As we strive to follow the teachings of our faith, our ideals for a better society and apply the principles of Karate-do in our lives, we become a better person; a better human being. The warrior cultivates virtues and good values (Seek perfection of character). Without spiritual growth and wisdom, the warrior becomes a ruffian or a thug, who will make bad and dangerous decisions with very bad consequences. The warrior should make his world a better place. He is an instrument of peace.

 

  for HIS Glory and Honor.