Kote Pad
The Kendo kote are gloves but appear just like mittens and are specifically created for Kendo. These appear cumbersome and quite bulky, but despite these, the Kendo kote provides adequate mobility to allow the Kendo practitioner enough power to comfortably and firmly execute various Kendo attacks. Kote used for Naginatajutsu feature a singulated thumb and index finger to allow rapid shifting of the practitioners hands along the naginatas grip.
Naginata kote only have a little padding compared to the Kendo kote. Previously, the kote were usually created with completely articulated fingers but this type of kote is rare in this day and age since these may cause snagged fingers. The oni-gote is a special and heavily padded style of kote that is sometimes utilized by a few koryu, specifically the itto-ryu. The target areas of each kote are the wrist portion.
A kendo practitioner makes use of a bamboo sword and this is called the shinai; they make use of both hands when wielding this with the right hand close to the tsuba and the left hand is positioned behind the right hand. When it comes to the weapons, the bamboo or wooden sword is utilized as a substitute for practice instead of utilizing real bladed swords; bamboo weapons are used primarily to stroke right at the opponents protected spots and this requires a lot of skill rather than force. Developing this specific skill is among the main objectives of Kendo training, and since it is mentally and physically demanding, beginners should always make use of more force. Although necessary, it brings a higher risk of injury which is why making use of a few types of supporters like the kote pad is highly recommended when practicing Kendo.
Common Hand Injuries in Kendo
Although there are safety precautions when practicing Kendo, there are still some unavoidable injuries that a practitioner may acquire and these are the following:
Wrist pain in practicing Kendo
Suburi is the usual warm up done before training begins; it is usually done in sets and it can reach to about sets of 100 at times this is most common in the naname suburi or the shomen suburi. This warm up works to help loosen the naname suburi (wrists) while simultaneously elevating ones heart rate or haya suburi to prepare the Kendo practitioner for their active training. However, suburi can also cause continuous stress on certain parts of ones wrists; plus, direct attacks that are aimed right at the wrist joints may eventually lead to overuse and traumatic injuries to ones wrists. These may cause even more injuries such as tenosynovitis or tendinopathy which usually occur simultaneously.
Blisters on the hands
This is another common issue of practitioners during the first few weeks of training in Kendo because of continuously holding and gripping the bamboo sword; the problem usually gets resolved when ones hands get used to the continuous wear and tear of practice. Blisters usually appear on ones palms and these tend to be really itchy and are sometimes filled with a certain type of fluid. Yet with the help of the kote pad, these can protect ones hands from acquiring blisters which is why making use of this is highly recommended.
Bruises to the arms and hands
Another common issue during Kendo training is bruising right at the back of ones arms and hands. This usually happens as a result of getting attacked too hard or receiving off-target attacks.
Benefits of Wearing a Kote Pad
Making use of the kote pad provides a couple of benefits and these are the following:
- It diminishes the pain while also providing extra support to ones wrists while engaging in various exercises and practice; it helps keep the proper alignment of a practitioners wrist plus it also helps mitigate any form of wrist discomfort and pain. Repetitive strain is the most common cause of injuries and making use of a kote pad will definitely help remove the strain.
- Wearing the kote pad also reduces hand blisters and the proper fit keeps ones hands dry, warm, plus it also keeps the moisture at bay to prevent the common hand blisters.
Kote Pad
Aside from the using the Kendo kote, making use of the kote pad is also useful for those practicing the art of Kendo. It is also considered as a protective piece that is padded with adequate foam; it is worn beneath the Kendo kote since strong blows tend to be really painful.The kote pad primarily offers additional protection and padding to the forearm, the back of ones hand, and also the knuckles.
For those who are shopping for a kote pad for sale, notice that it features an elastic loop for the finger which basically prevents the kote pad from moving and riding upward. It also features a Velcro closure that makes it easier to wear and remove this while also keeping a tight and secure fit. Kote pad for sale are commonly made out of cotton to easily absorb sweat and these can also help prevent bruises on the hands, blisters, as well as wrist pain that leads to more injuries. Keep in mind that when purchasing the kote pad for sale, one should ensure that they purchase the right size to provide adequate comfort and protection when practicing Kendo.