Kote (Armoured Sleeve)

Do not pull the laces of the kote too tightly or the movement of the arm will be hampered. Leave them rather loose and tie them a the wrist. Kote with hooks are very uncomfortable. The right kote must always be left until all other parts of your equipment are completed. Kigote is a general term for kote extended or completed by the addition of erisuwari (padded collar), kata-ate (shoulder-pads), and waki-biki (armpit protectors). There are several kinds. The jubangote (kote with shirt); tominaga kote, named after its inventor; kote haramaki (kote which covers even the belly); kogusoku-kote (little armour-like kote - because they are so complete). These do not greatly differ from one another, and it is necessary to have actual specimens to make clear the variations. The yumigote or igote is for the use of archers. When shooting, take off your right kote and substitute the yumigote; do not put on the latter over a regular kote, but it is possible to shoot with the regular kote.