Kote require breaking in, for proper and comfortable fit, and to allow the ulnar flexion articulation of the wrist known as “te-no-uchi” or strike with the hands, that is the final motion of extension that completes the transfer of energy along the kinetic chain from arms on to the shinai.

Proper breaking-in of kote will not only allow for better techinical execution of techniques, but the kote, functioning more ergnometrically, will wear less, and give longer, better life.

(1)     Maintaining the long axis of the kote upright, with the opposite hand press down on the kashira, the hand part of the kote, and rotate the kashira in a circular motion to break-in the wrist.

(2)     While wearing one kote, with the opposite hand, curl the thumb and small finger edges diagonally inward, to form the same shape as you would while holding the shinai.

(3)     While wearing one kote, with the index and middle finger of the free hand, gently pull on the kote at the edge formed between the index finger and thumb, to form a rounded shape that matches the contour required when holding the shinai.  To ensure the correct shape is being formed, occasionally forming kamae with the hands in proper positions will serve as a simple check.

(4)     While wearing the kote, holding the shinai, and forming the correct grip with one hand, hold the shinai with the opposite hand about the middle of the shinai, and lever the shinai back in forth in the same postion and motion as you would when swinging the shinai.  Following all the steps above, this should serve to fine-tune all the break-in steps for a good fitting and comfortable kote.

(5)  The futon, the cushion protecting the wrist, should be gently rolled into a straight barrel shape, rather than being allowed to taper, with either end smaller than the other.  Also, just as your wrist is oval and not completely cylindrical, the 'barrel" of the kote should be oval shaped as well.  Be careful to keep the cords loose enough to insert three or 4 fingers of the opposite hand, up to the knuckles, into the space between the futon and the wrist.  This space is necessary for movement, ventilation, and as an air-gap diminshing direct transmission of strikes from shinai-to-kote-to-wrist.  The kote will be much more comfortable and provide better protection when fitted this way.

(*)  Spraying the kote with water around the area where you are going to work on (i.e.: wrist articulation; web between thumb and index finger; and in general the palms,) will make the materials softer, and more easily broken in.  A household use utility spray bottle, or a small traveling cosmetic spray bottle for the bogu bag are usually sufficient.