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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a falling-out
    • ex. My brother and I had a falling-out last week, so we are not talking now.
  2. a governing body
    • ex. Every sport has a governing body that helps organize competitions.
  3. prompt
    • ex. The loud noise from outside prompted the dog to bark loudly.
  4. treat
    • ex. The class treated the new student very well and made her feel welcome.
  5. devoted
    • ex. My grandfather was devoted to his garden. He spent long hours there every day.

Article

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Hakuho, a retired sumo champion, has left the Japan Sumo Association after a falling-out with the sport’s governing body. Hakuho is known as one of the greatest sumo wrestlers in history. He officially quit in June. Sumo has very strict rules that have prompted other wrestlers to leave the sport as well.

A year ago, the Japan Sumo Association had punished Hakuho for not stopping bad behavior by a wrestler in his stable, or a training group led by a retired wrestler. Hakuho’s stable was closed because of this. But closing a stable, instead of just punishing an individual wrestler, was unusual. Hakuho did not directly blame the governing body, but he said his wrestlers were not treated fairly. Although he talked with the association, Hakuho said there was no hope of opening his stable again. So, he decided to leave.

Hakuho wants to start a new governing body for sumo outside Japan, called the “world sumo project.” He said he is devoted to expanding sumo around the world. He believes it is best to help sumo from “the outside.”

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Sumo

  • Hakuho, a retired sumo champion, has left the Japan Sumo Association after a falling-out with the sport’s governing body. What do you think about his decision? Discuss.
  • Hakuho is devoted to expanding sumo around the world. Do you think traditional sports like sumo should be shared with the world? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How important do you think a governing body is in sports like sumo? Discuss.

Strict Rules

  • Sumo has very strict rules. Why do you think that is? Discuss.
  • Do you think strict rules always help people do better? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Would you be comfortable being in a company or organization that has very strict rules? Why or why not? Discuss.