[2025 Latest Edition] Complete Guide to Choosing Kendo Kote | BUSHIZO's 30 Recommended Items

Update date: April 30, 2025

1. Popular Machine-Stitched Kendo Kote (15 Selections)

Machine-stitched kote gloves are the most popular choice for practice due to their excellent cost performance and durability. We introduce a lineup that can be used by a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users.

1-1. [Mitsuboshi] Made in Japan, Mine Athlete 6mm Fully Woven Embroidery Kote

This is an athlete model from the "Mine" series, which is popular among swordsmen who insist on products made in Japan.

Its appeal lies in its careful craftsmanship, which is unique to Japanese-made products, and its durability, which allows it to withstand daily practice.

1-2. [Mitsuboshi] Ten Athlete 6mm Fully Woven Embroidery Kote

The athlete model "Ten Athlete" was used in the 2018 World Kendo Championships. It is a highly reliable gauntlet chosen on the world stage.

This is a recommended product for competitive fencers, who can feel the "good grip from the moment you put your hand in."

1-3. [Mitsuboshi] “Tiger” 6mm woven kote

This is a "Tiger" series glove that has been thoroughly designed to be easy to grip.

It is ideal for swordsmen who value the sharpness of their techniques and those who want to make their wrist movements smoother.

1-4. [Mitsuboshi] "Mine" 6mm Woven Embroidery Micro Punch Kote (Single)

This is a standard model in the "Mine" series that embodies Mitsuboshi's highest quality.

These are professional-grade gloves, the result of years of accumulated technology.

1-5. [Mitsuboshi] Mine's carefully crafted 6mm fully woven micro punched gloves

This is a carefully crafted model that is an evolution of "Mine," the pinnacle of machine-stitched protective gear.

This is a product that we can confidently recommend to anyone looking for the highest quality Japanese-made gauntlets.

1-6. [Matsukan Kogyo] HIRAMEKI NEXT Cutting-edge Polyester Kote (Single Item)

"Sen NEXT" is the next generation standard for polyester protective gear. Its perfection defies conventional ideas about polyester protective gear.

These gloves are easy to maintain and functional, making them ideal for modern kendo.

1-7. [West Japan Martial Arts Equipment] "Mugen" Kote (single item) made from high-quality lightweight, practical model

"Mugen" is a practical model that combines light weight and safety, making it easy to use in matches.

The design is carefully thought out for use in actual combat and is ideal for swordsmen who want to achieve results in matches.

1-8. [Matsukan Kogyo] "Katsujin" Jersey Bogu (Protective Gear) 5mm Machine Stitched Kote (Single Item)

The "Katsujin" series is a revolutionary new type of protective gear that does not use any cotton.

It is recommended for students who use it frequently for club activities, and for fencers who place importance on hygiene.

1-9. [Matsukan Kogyo] "Katsujin" Full Artificial Navy Leather 6mm Cross Stitch Kote (Single Item)

These practical gloves are based on a cross stitch design and are designed to be lightweight and firm.

These gloves are designed for modern swordsmen, combining functionality and practicality at a high level.

1-10. [Matsukan Kogyo] "Kanmuri Series" 1.8-minute Crown Stitching A All Navy Blue Leather Kote

This is the "Kamirami" series A type, which is machine stitched but has an usability similar to hand stitching.

Perfect for those who want to experience the quality of teza-kote at an affordable price.

1-11. [Matsukan Kogyo] "Kanmuri Series" 1.8-minute Crown Stitch B Bushu Navy Blue Stitch, Navy Leather Kote

Type B of the "Kamirami" series is a high-quality model made using Japanese woven embroidery.

Recommended for swordsmen who seek traditional style and modern functionality.

1-12. "Jin" 6mm woven navy leather chin edge gloves (S-1)

This is armor from the "Jin" series, which was launched in 2017. It is a popular item that is also used by BUSHIZO staff.

These gloves are packed with the craftsman's attention to detail and offer excellent cost performance.

1-13 to 1-15. Other machine stitching kote

In addition to the above, we have a wide range of sewing machine embroidery kote to suit your needs and budget. Please feel free to consult with us in store or online.

2. Authentic! Hand-stitched Kendo Kote (7 Selections)

These hand-stitched kote gloves are the finest products, carefully crafted by artisans, stitch by stitch. The more you use them, the more they become comfortable in your hand, and the more you feel one with your bamboo sword. They are recommended for those who pursue authentic kendo.

2-1. [Hakataya Martial Arts Equipment] Takeaki Kote Satori Hand Stitched 2.0 min

Takeaki Kote is highly rated for its feel that is similar to bare hands, making you feel like you're not even wearing them.

These gloves are perfect for swordsmen who seek authenticity and showcase the craftsmanship of their artisans.

2-2. [Hakataya Martial Arts Equipment] Takeaki Kote Satori Hand Stitched 2.5 min

This is a 2.5 minute model of Takeaki Kote. It is made entirely of navy blue leather for a luxurious feel.

Recommended for matches and those looking for durability during practice.

2-3. [Matsukan Industries] HIRAMEKI 2.0 minutes Ultra-practical Gunomezashi Kote (single item)

The "Sen" series, loved by top athletes, now includes 2.0mm hand-stitched protective gear (new product for 2018).

These are the ultimate combat gloves for swordsmen who want to win top-level matches.

2-4. "Jin" 2-minute hand-stitched navy leather chin edge gloves

This is a 2-minute hand-stitched model from the "Jin" series.

This hand-stitched glove offers a good balance of ease of use and quality.

2-5. "Jin" 1.5 minute hand stitch, all navy blue leather, Kote

This is a 1.5 minute hand stitched model with finer stitches and a delicate construction.

Ideal for advanced users and those looking for a more authentic hand-sashi gote.

2-6. "Jin" 2.0 minute hand stitch all navy blue leather kote

This is a 2.0mm hand-stitched, all-navy leather model from the "Jin" series.

Its versatility makes it suitable for both practice and competition.

2-7. [Matsukan Industries] Matsukan Made in Japan 18 rin Hand-stitched Gauntlets

These are carefully hand-stitched gloves made from Japanese navy blue leather and Bushu navy blue cloth.

This is recommended for those who want to experience the benefits of hand stitching not only in daily practice but also in matches.

3. Lightweight combat-style kote (3 selections) popular among high school students

High school competitions require speed and sharp techniques. We introduce lightweight yet safe combat-style kote gloves.

3-1. [Matsukan Kogyo] Ultra-Practical Flash RED 8mm Knee (Single)

"Sen RED" is a practical protective gear that pursues functional beauty.

Recommended for intermediate and advanced fencers who aim to win matches.

3-2. [Mitsuboshi] “Michi” 6mm woven kote

This is a practical Kote that is very popular among BUSHIZO.

These gloves are perfect for high school students, as they offer a good balance of functionality and lightness.

3-3. [West Japan Martial Arts Equipment] Easier to use, the evolved "Aka Mugen" Kote (single item)

This is an evolved model of the "MUGEN series."

This gauntlet is popular among many high school fencers due to its good balance.

4. Recommended Kote for Junior High School Students and Younger (5 Selections)

For growing children, it is important to choose gloves that are safe and allow them to learn the correct technique.

4-1. [Matsukan Kogyo] "Katsujin" Boy's Woven Jersey Bogu (Protective Gear) 5mm Machine Stitched Kote (Single Item)

This is a new type of protective gear for boys that does not use any cotton.

It is ideal for maintaining hygiene for children who are growing and tend to sweat easily.

4-2. [Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Midori Mugen∞ Junior Kote (for elementary school students)

This is armor for young swordsmen from the Mugen series.

Perfect for parents who want their children to experience authentic quality.

4-3. [Hakataya Martial Arts Equipment] Hand-stitched 3.0mm Hizen Kote for Boys

This is an authentic pair of gloves that was created with the desire to provide something authentic even to children who have just started kendo.

It is perfect for those who want their children to learn the correct technique from an early age. The manufacturing process is the same as that of Takeaki Kote, and the name is "Hizen".

4-4. [Eiko Budougu] 6mm Boy's Dragonfly Kote (Single Item)

"Tonbo" is an adaptation of Eiko Budougu's "Tonbo" model, which is designed for ease of use, for boys.

These are carefully crafted gloves, made with young swordsmen in mind down to the smallest detail.

4-5. Beginner's/Practice Use 6mm Woven Embroidery Kote (Single) (For Elementary School Students/Children)

These gloves are excellent value for money and are ideal for beginners and practice.

This is the perfect first pair of gloves for children who are just starting kendo.

4-6. [Matsukan Kogyo] Boys' Crown 7mm Crown Stitching Practical Combat Style Bushu Navy Blue Knee (Single Item)

This is 7mm protective gear suitable for children from preschool to upper elementary school.

5. Summary of points to consider when choosing a kote

The evolution of protective gear and the improvement of kendo

Kendo equipment continues to evolve every day, with various improvements being made, including the development of new materials, innovations in craftsmanship, and ergonomic designs.

To improve your kendo skills, it is important to not only train your technique, but also to find the right equipment for you. When it comes to kote, the ease of gripping and turning your wrist is directly related to the sharpness of your techniques, so you need to choose carefully.

lastly

We hope you can find the perfect Kote for you from the 30 we have introduced here.

If you would like to try them out for yourself, please come to a BUSHIZO store. Our experienced staff will help you choose the best kote for you based on your level of competition, physique, and budget.

In addition, our online store provides detailed instructions on how to measure your size and we also accept inquiries regarding products. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Encountering genuine Kote will surely take your kendo to a higher level.