Suneate (脛当て) are shin guards originally developed for use by infantry in medieval Japan to protect the lower legs from cuts and impacts. As martial arts transitioned from battlefield application to formal training disciplines, suneate were retained in practices such as naginata and classical kobudō, where sweeping strikes and low attacks remain prominent. Constructed from padded cloth, leather, or lacquered plates, suneate protect vulnerable areas while maintaining mobility. Their continued use reflects the preservation of historical armor forms within modern training contexts, maintaining continuity between classical combat equipment and contemporary martial practice.