Class with Hiroko and Sammy today. We warmed up with random cuts and a few combinations, then switched to shinai for cutting pattern. At the end of our session, Hiroko and I donned the kote I have and did some parry. My observation of the kote was that it reinforced my wrists and forarms and made the cuts and blocks seem more powerful and at the same time I felt less connected. Once I get my regular helmet back, I plan to do more medium parry with minimum armor.