听一分钟英文：Sumo-相扑

Sumo is the national sport of Japan. It is very popular there, but its popularity¹ is decreasing. This is because the top champions are no longer Japanese. There have been more champions from Hawaii and Mongolia in the past decade than Japanese. Sumo is misunderstood around the world. Many people don’t know it’s a martial² art. People also say the guys who battle against each other are wrestlers. They’re not. They’re called rikishi. And a lot of people think sumo is just two fat men pushing each other. It’s not. Sumo is incredibly exciting and skillful³. Easily one of the most exciting sports around. I love everything about sumo. I love the ceremonies before the fights begin. I love the traditions, the history and the costumes.

1 popularity   

n.普及，流行，名望，受欢迎

参考例句：

• The story had an extensive popularity among American readers.这本小说在美国读者中赢得广泛的声望。
• Our product enjoys popularity throughout the world.我们的产品饮誉全球。

2 martial   

adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的

参考例句：

• The sound of martial music is always inspiring.军乐声总是鼓舞人心的。
• The officer was convicted of desertion at a court martial.这名军官在军事法庭上被判犯了擅离职守罪。

3 skillful   

adj.灵巧的，熟练的

参考例句：

• Soon they became very skillful in answering such questions.很快他们就会很熟练地回答这种问题了。
• It was very skillful of you to repair my bicycle.你修好了我的自行车，技术真好。