Judo instructor Sato Hitoe uses worn-out uniforms, or gis, to make items like tote bags; very durable, since the original material was meant to be tough. And behind it all is Sato's love for judo.

An opponent submits to a hold by tapping twice on the mat with a hand or foot. Judo is played on a floor area called tatami, which covers an area of 14m sq. Judoka wear loose fitting uniforms called ...