ST. CHARLES — The fit was just right. Sam Howell put on the white judo gi former U.S. Olympic team member and one-time Detroit Lions player Joseph Felton just had handed him Thursday and reminisced ...

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.

Contestants wear judogis — also known as gis — made of strong material, usually heavy cotton. The judogi consists of two parts: the jacket and the trousers. The uniforms must also be worn with a belt.