The kote (小手) are padded gloves designed to protect the hands and forearms, which are among the most frequently targeted areas in sword-based martial arts. Their development parallels the emergence of structured protective equipment during the Edo period, when practitioners sought to train with realistic speed and power while minimizing injury. Constructed from layered fabric, padding, and leather, kote are engineered to absorb impact while maintaining sensitivity in the hands, allowing practitioners to grip weapons naturally and execute precise movements. The design reflects a careful balance between protection and dexterity, reinforcing the principle that safety should support, rather than compromise, correct technique. Over time, kote became a standardized component of kendo and naginata armor, integral to sustained, disciplined training.