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The kote are the last piece of equipment put on. Always put the left mitt on first, then the right. When taking them off, always remove the right mitt first. The pattern here echoes that of stepping into the hakama. It is considered good form to put on your kote this way, since any time you are wearing your right-hand mitt, you are considered ready to spar. Making it the last thing put on signals a definitive readiness to engage in training. In the same manner, by removing the right kote first, when you are ending your activity, you make a clear statement about your intentions. Since the Kendo dojo is, in many ways, a psychically charged environment, clear signals are needed to signify individual readiness.

Removing your bogu in a formal training or contest session is a process we will discuss under Etiquette (see below). When you get your equipment home, however, some special care is needed A vigorous training session wearing bogu tends to make you perspire. When you are finished, you need to permit your armor some time to dry out. The fabric part of the men will often become sweat-soaked. After taking it off, you should lay it face down and let the air get at it, wiping off any surface moisture with your hachimaki. The palm part of the kote will also be wet. The mitts should be placed face up to dry. Be careful to let your bogu air in a place that avoids direct sun or moisture, since these can damage the pieces.